Protecting a 25-Year Home from Water Damage and Structural Instability in Water Valley, MS
Challenge
Homeowner: Gail H., Water Valley, MS
Project Focus: Crawl Space Waterproofing, Foundation Support, and Structural Stabilization
Challenges: Water intrusion, crawl space flooding, foundation settlement, and structural overspan
The Problem: A Small Leak Reveals a Bigger Structural Concern
When Gail H. and her husband noticed a roof leak in the corner of their home—where they’ve lived for over 25 years—they discovered a more alarming issue: the brick corner of their house was leaning outward. Though it appeared to be a recent development, the concern warranted immediate attention.
Upon inspection, the brickwork was identified as a facade issue—more cosmetic than structural—and would require a mason to address. However, a deeper, more critical issue was uncovered in the crawl space beneath the home.
Water was actively moving through the crawl space, particularly in the front section of the house—an area nearly 6 feet in height and housing the home’s water heater. The flooding was so severe at times that it would extinguish the pilot light of the water heater. To make matters worse, makeshift floor supports had been added in the past to address floor bounce, but these were merely sitting on the ground and prone to shifting due to moisture.
The Inspection: Hidden Structural Damage and Overspan Discovered
A thorough crawl space evaluation revealed the following:
- Consistent water intrusion causing high humidity and affecting mechanical systems
- Unsupported spans leading to floor instability and long-term structural strain
- Wall settlement in multiple crawl space sections—one of which correlated with the leaning brick corner above
- Old paint masking exterior cracks—though walls had clearly moved beneath the surface
Solution
The Solution: Permanent Fixes with Long-Term Protection
Given the structural and waterproofing challenges, our team designed a comprehensive solution to ensure stability and prevent future damage:
- Crawl Space Waterproofing: Installation of a perimeter sump pump and drainage pipe system to manage and redirect water effectively
- SmartJack® System Upgrade: Replacing temporary floor supports with industry-leading SmartJacks for permanent, adjustable support that won't shift over time
- Proactive Overspan Support: Reinforcement of additional joist spans to prevent future bounce and sag
- Foundation Piers: Strategic placement of piers beneath the settled walls to halt movement and stabilize the foundation permanently
These solutions not only addressed immediate safety and comfort concerns but also provided peace of mind and protection for years to come.
Results: Restored Stability, Prevented Damage, and Peace of Mind
What began as a concern over cosmetic brickwork unveiled a much deeper threat to the home’s integrity. By taking a proactive approach, Gail and her husband prevented ongoing water damage, improved the structural resilience of their home, and safeguarded their investment of 25 years.
Protect Your Home Before It's Too Late
Don’t wait for small warning signs to become major repair bills. If you’re seeing cracks, leaning walls, or experiencing moisture in your crawl space, it’s time to act.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation inspection and find out how we can protect your home—just like we did for Gail in Water Valley, MS.
Project Summary
Team Lead: Shawn
