From Flooded to Functional: Restoring a 1930s Basement for Practical Use
When it comes to older homes, the basement often tells a story all its own. Hidden beneath decades of renovations and surface updates, it’s not uncommon to find spaces that have been long neglected — or worse, actively damaged by moisture and time.
For one of our recent customers who had just purchased a charming but dated 1930s fixer-upper, the basement was more than a hidden gem — it was a full-blown project. Though the rest of the house brimmed with potential, the basement was in a dire state: standing water on the floor, visible seepage through cracks, and walls that had clearly been exposed to moisture for years, if not decades. To make the space usable — even just for dry storage — a complete moisture restoration was required.
Every Basement Has a Story — And This One Started Underwater
Like many homeowners tackling renovation projects, our customer had dreams of turning their new house into a forever home. But first, the basement had to be stabilized — both for practical use and to prevent future damage from creeping upward into the structure.
Our first task was to quite literally take the plunge:
Pump out all standing water — a crucial first step to create a safe, accessible, and dry enough environment to begin work.
Once the basement was drained, the real condition of the space came into full view. The walls were covered in flaking, water-stained plaster. Wooden slats, installed decades ago, were warped, soft, and in many cases rotten beyond salvage. These materials not only trapped moisture but created an ideal breeding ground for mold.
Our team stripped the space down to its bones — removing every loose, damp, and non-structural element to expose the brickwork underneath. This step is essential for an effective waterproofing system: you can’t seal what you can’t reach.
Step by Step: From Crisis Control to Long-Term Protection
With the space cleared and stabilized, we began our structured restoration — a process we’ve developed over dozens of basement projects to ensure long-lasting results.
🧱 Step 1: Waterstop Application
We started by applying Waterstop, a specialized gray powder designed to:
-
Instantly block active water seepage through walls and floor cracks.
-
Highlight areas of concern, as the powder visibly reacts to moisture, showing us exactly where intrusion is occurring.
After allowing the Waterstop to set for about 30 minutes, we had a clear map of the worst-affected zones — giving us the insight needed to reinforce them with added care.
🧱 Step 2: Breathable Primer Layer
Next, we coated the bare brickwork with PGP Primer, a breathable formulation that:
-
Stabilizes the surface by binding remaining dust and micro-debris
-
Creates an initial moisture barrier without sealing in hidden damp
-
Serves as a preparation layer for cement-based waterproofing to follow
This primer is especially important in older homes, where traditional brickwork needs to “breathe” to stay structurally sound — while still requiring modern moisture protection
Final Sealing: Cement Coating & Floor Protection
With the base layers in place, we moved on to the sealing phase:
✅ Two full layers of waterproof cement coating were applied to the basement walls. This provides robust protection against both rising damp from below and lateral moisture pressure from surrounding soil.
✅ The floor was then sealed with a waterproof mortar layer, creating a fully enclosed, water-resistant basin that’s designed to last.
By sealing both walls and floor together, we created a seamless barrier that not only keeps water out but also adds insulation and durability to the space.
From Wasted Space to Practical Asset
The transformation of this small basement highlights a truth we see time and again at FreshGuard:
No matter how small or compromised a space may seem, there is potential — if you treat the root causes, not just the symptoms.
What was once a waterlogged, unusable zone is now a dry, structurally sound, and practical part of the home. The basement may not be grand in size, but it now provides valuable storage space — safely protected from moisture, rot, and further damage.
Every Basement Can Be Saved — With the Right Approach
Older homes have their quirks, and basements are often one of the trickiest elements. But with the right mix of hands-on experience, quality materials, and a commitment to doing things properly, FreshGuard continues to turn neglected spaces into functional, reliable parts of the home.
Thinking about restoring your own basement? Let us help you bring it back to life — the dry, dependable way.
FreshGuard B.V. | KVK 95689443 | 2025. Made By: WebBeukers & MOSS Media&Design