Foundation Repair & Waterproofing in East Grand Rapids
Most of East Grand Rapids was built between the 1930s and the 1960s. Older foundations need repairs that respect how they were built.
Grand Rapids Elite Foundation books free foundation and basement waterproofing inspections in East Grand Rapids, a city of about 11,400 people around Reeds Lake. A licensed local contractor inspects the foundation and gives you a written quote.
Older homes, older foundations
East Grand Rapids grew fastest from the 1930s through the 1950s and has changed little in size since. So the housing is older than in most nearby cities, and the foundations show it:
- Stone and early block foundations whose mortar has washed out over decades. Tuckpointing (raking out and replacing the mortar) keeps them sound.
- Basements never designed to be dry. Many were built for storage and the furnace, not as living space. Finishing them now usually means adding interior drain tile first.
- Additions on crawl spaces next to the original basement, with their own moisture problems. See crawl space waterproofing.
Near the lakes
Reeds Lake and Fisk Lake make up almost 14% of the city's area. Lots that slope toward the water, or sit low near it, can have a high water table and wet soil against the foundation. Grading, downspout extensions and a sump pump with a backup are often part of the fix.
Common jobs in East Grand Rapids
- Basement waterproofing before finishing an older basement.
- Tuckpointing and foundation repair on stone and block walls.
- Bowing wall repair where block walls have moved.
Not sure what you are looking at? A local contractor can inspect it for free and tell you what it needs.
Call (616) 376-6228Questions from East Grand Rapids homeowners
Can a stone foundation be waterproofed?
Yes. The usual approach is interior drain tile with a membrane on the walls, so water that comes through the stone is caught and pumped out. Repointing the mortar helps the wall itself.
I want to finish my basement. What should I do first?
Fix any water problem first. Once drywall and flooring are in, a leak costs much more. An inspection before the remodel tells you whether you need drain tile, crack repair or just better gutters.
Do repairs change the look of the house?
Most work is done from inside the basement. Exterior work affects landscaping near the foundation, and the contractor will explain what gets disturbed before starting.