About the Suburban Basement Team
With over 20 years of experience, Suburban Basement specializes in solving complex waterproofing and foundation challenges—no matter how unique. From sealing hard-to-reach leaks to stabilizing sinking concrete, our team takes a comprehensive approach to every project, ensuring long-lasting results for homeowners, businesses, and industrial facilities across Michigan. We don’t believe in temporary fixes; we diagnose the root cause and apply proven solutions to keep basements dry, foundations stable, and structures secure.
Stopping Water Intrusion & Stabilization
A Case Study on Solving Unique Challenges
A homeowner in Rochester Hills faced persistent water intrusion in both their basement and garage, made worse by furnace ductwork passing through the foundation. Previous repair attempts failed, and DIY solutions only provided temporary relief. At Suburban Basement, we took a comprehensive approach—sealing leaks with advanced curtain grouting and stabilizing the garage floor by filling voids beneath the slabs. The result? A dry, secure foundation and a garage ready for future improvements. Read on to see how we tackled this unique challenge and delivered a lasting solution.
See how our team identified the root cause of this unique challenge and delivered a lasting solution.
Keep reading to see the step-by-step process behind this successful project.
At Suburban Basement, we’re accustomed to solving unique challenges in waterproofing and foundation repair.
Recently, we took on a complex project in Rochester Hills, Michigan, where water intrusion had turned a homeowner’s basement and garage into a persistent problem. What made this case stand out? The water wasn’t just coming through the foundation; it was also seeping in through furnace ductwork that passed through the foundation wall and extended into a garage wall cavity.
Adding to the difficulty, the garage slabs had settled over time, creating voids beneath the floor and curb where water collected. The homeowner had previously tried a DIY drainage solution—a plastic tote to catch water—but it required constant attention and didn’t address the root cause. To make matters worse, a previous contractor had attempted repairs by installing an FRP panel and breaching the floor to redirect the water, only to exacerbate the problem.
This Time, The Homeowner Sought a Comprehensive and Lasting Solution
Step 1: Stopping the Leaks with Curtain Grouting
Our first task was to eliminate the water intrusion through the foundation wall and furnace ductwork. Limited accessibility meant that a standard repair wouldn’t cut it. We turned to an advanced polyurethane foam designed for curtain grouting. This method involves injecting grout to create a waterproof barrier on the exterior (positive side) of the wall.
In addition to sealing the foundation, this approach addressed the dual-wall furnace ductwork, ensuring no risk of fire from water coming into contact with the system. The grouting phase was completed in just a few hours, followed by a thorough water test with the homeowner to confirm the leaks were fully resolved.
Step 2: Leveling the Garage Floor and Filling Voids
Once the leaks were contained, we moved to phase two: stabilizing and leveling the compromised garage floor. Over time, the settling of slabs and repeated water pooling had created significant voids beneath the garage curb and floor. These voids needed to be addressed before the homeowner could consider replacing the garage concrete.
For this step, we chose a high-performance material ideal for void filling, soil stabilization, and concrete leveling. It also displaced residual water and was traffic-ready within 15 minutes, allowing us to work efficiently and minimize disruption.
We started at the garage curb—the area most affected by water pooling—and worked our way toward the main vehicle entrance. By the end of the half-day process, the voids were filled, the garage floor was leveled, and the homeowner was thrilled to see their garage stabilized for the first time in years.
A Happy Homeowner and a Lasting Solution
Unlike previous attempts that offered temporary fixes, our approach addressed both the symptoms and the underlying causes of the problem. The homeowner no longer has to deal with makeshift drainage solutions or worry about worsening damage to the foundation and garage.
Moreover, the successful completion of this project gave the homeowner extra time to plan for eventual concrete replacement in the garage and driveway—without the urgency created by ongoing water intrusion.
Why Suburban Basement?
This project is a perfect example of why choosing the right waterproofing contractor matters. At Suburban Basement, we don’t believe in shortcuts. We take the time to understand the root cause of the issue and apply proven solutions tailored to each unique situation.
