Full Basement & Crawl Space Transformation in Ashland, WI

Challenge

After relocating from Colorado, the new homeowner in Ashland, WI quickly realized their basement and crawl space were facing significant moisture and structural issues. During storms, water entered through the basement wall and pooled across the floor, especially near the sump area, raising concerns about long-term damage. The crawl space also showed signs of chronic humidity and air leakage, contributing to cold floors, musty odors, and overall discomfort inside the home. Both spaces had unsealed rim joists, aging materials, and evidence of foundation movement. Cracking and shifting basement walls signaled the need for stabilization, while the crawl space’s exposed soil and lack of protection allowed moisture and contaminants to affect the rest of the home. The homeowner needed a permanent, whole-home solution that would address both water intrusion and structural concerns.

Solution

DBS Repair designed an integrated approach that would resolve the issues in both the basement and the crawl space. In the basement, WaterGuard® was installed along the leaking wall to capture incoming water and direct it safely into a new TripleSafe™ Sump Pump system, ensuring dependable drainage even during power outages. CleanSpace® wall encapsulation was applied to manage wall moisture and create a clean, bright surface, while IceGuard® was added outside to prevent the discharge line from freezing in Wisconsin’s harsh winters. To address the structural concerns, GeoLock™ Wall Anchors were installed to permanently stabilize the foundation walls and prevent further inward movement.

At the same time, work was completed in the crawl space to eliminate moisture migration and improve overall indoor conditions. The entire area was encapsulated with CleanSpace®, creating a sealed vapor barrier over the soil. Spray foam insulation was applied to the rim joists in both the crawl space and basement, sealing out drafts, humidity, and energy loss. By combining waterproofing, structural stabilization, and air sealing, the lower level of the home was completely transformed into a dry, stable, and healthy environment.

The final result provided the homeowner with lasting protection and peace of mind, knowing their basement and crawl space are now fully defended against water, humidity, and structural challenges.