Resolving Decade-Long Basement Flooding
Ten years of repeated flooding beneath a double garage, finally traced to its root cause.
The Problem
A homeowner's wine cellar, situated beneath a large double garage and annexe, had been flooding repeatedly for over 10 years since the garage was built. Despite multiple contractors attempting to resolve the issue over the years, the fundamental problems had been consistently overlooked. The key challenge was identifying the root cause of water ingress in a basement setting, where issues can remain hidden beneath ground level. What lies beneath the surface isn't always visible until excavation begins.
10+ years
of repeated flooding
Multiple
previous failed attempts
700mm
damp-proofing below ground
Our Solution
Through careful investigation, we identified that rainwater ingress was the culprit. The exceptionally wide double garage door faced directly into the prevailing wind, and where the door met the floor, the ground sloped towards the building rather than away, directing water straight into the basement.
We cut back and broke up the floor along the garage front, exposing the block and beam structure and revealing multiple points of water ingress. A trench was dug to identify additional entry points not visible from above.
Once the root causes were confirmed, we developed a comprehensive solution: cutting the external wall down to create depth for a durable outward-sloping floor, applying damp-proofing 700mm below ground level extending higher than the finished floor, waterproofing the exposed block and beam structure, and backfilling with carefully selected permeable material.
An ACO drain was installed along the entire garage front to collect water running from the door, precisely calculated to form the lower outer edge of the slope. This was connected into the site's surface water drainage system. We replaced the screed with concrete for superior strength. While more challenging to work with, it provides a far more durable, longer-lasting result. Finally, the site was fully reinstated and the driveway tidied, leaving the property as though we'd never been there.
Key Steps
- 1Investigated and identified rainwater ingress as the root cause
- 2Excavated along the garage front to expose hidden water entry points
- 3Cut back the external wall to create depth for an outward-sloping floor
- 4Applied damp-proofing 700mm below ground level and waterproofed the block and beam structure
- 5Installed an ACO drain along the entire garage front connected to the surface water system
- 6Replaced screed with concrete for superior strength and durability
- 7Fully reinstated the site and tidied the driveway to a premium finish
The Result
After a decade of persistent flooding problems and multiple failed attempts at resolution by other contractors, the basement is now completely dry. The homeowner can now use their wine cellar without worrying about flooding after heavy rain. The concrete slope withstands regular vehicle traffic while effectively directing all water away from the building and into the ACO drainage system. The property was left in pristine condition with full reinstatement, the Flowcraft standard on every project.
Water Getting Into Your
Basement Or Garage?
Flowcraft Groundworks Ltd — drainage investigation, consultancy & specialist groundworks. We find the cause first, then build the solution.
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