Permanent Basement Waterproofing Solution for a Historic Montessori School in Little Rock, AR

Monday, December 29th, 2025 by Keith Bryant

Challenge

Protecting a Historic School Building from Chronic Basement Water Intrusion

Client: Children’s House Montessori School
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Building Type: Historic residential structure converted to a school and daycare
Service: Basement waterproofing and drainage system installation

The Problem: Recurring Basement Water Seepage in a Historic School

Children’s House Montessori School operates out of a historic building originally constructed as a residence. As enrollment grew, the school finished out the basement to expand classroom space. Unfortunately, during heavy or prolonged rainfall, water repeatedly seeped through the basement walls, threatening:

Classroom usability
Building materials and finishes
Indoor air quality and mold risk
Safety and compliance for a school and daycare environment

Over the years, the school attempted multiple remedies, including French drains, landscaping changes, and exterior waterproofing efforts. While these approaches provided temporary relief, none addressed the root cause of the water intrusion, and the problem consistently returned.

The school needed a long-term, reliable waterproofing solution that would protect the building, students, and staff—without compromising the structure’s historic integrity.

Solution

The Solution: Interior Drainage and Wall Protection System

After a detailed inspection, a comprehensive interior waterproofing system was recommended, specifically designed for ongoing hydrostatic pressure and groundwater intrusion common in older buildings.

Waterproofing System Installed

WaterGuard® Interior Drainage System
Installed along the basement perimeter to intercept water at the wall–floor joint before it enters the finished space.
Sump Pump System (Laundry Room Location)
Strategically placed for accessibility and efficient water removal.
BrightWall® Wall Panels
Installed in all areas receiving WaterGuard to:

Prevent wall moisture penetration
Improve appearance of basement classroom areas
Direct any wall seepage safely into the drainage system

Trench Drain Section in Laundry Area
Added to manage localized surface water and higher-flow areas.
Buried Exterior Discharge Line
Routed behind a cross-tie wall, across the play yard, and discharged safely to the street—keeping water away from the foundation permanently.

The Process: Waterproofing a Complex, Historic Basement

Waterproofing a historic brick structure presented unique challenges. Brick wall protrusions and uneven surfaces required additional time and precision during the BrightWall and WaterGuard installation.

Despite these challenges:

The system was installed to full specifications
An additional 15 feet of WaterGuard and BrightWall was added to ensure complete protection
All work was completed with careful attention to durability, drainage performance, and aesthetics

The school coordinated preparation work and electrical installation for the sump pump, keeping the project efficient and compliant with facility needs.

The Results: A Dry, Usable Basement with Long-Term Protection

Permanent control of basement water intrusion
Finished classroom spaces protected from moisture damage
Improved indoor air quality and reduced mold risk
Reliable drainage system designed for heavy and prolonged rainfall
A solution tailored to a historic school building—not a temporary fix

While the installation required more time due to structural complexities, the final result delivered complete waterproofing coverage and a professional finish suitable for an educational environment.

Why These Methods Matter: Long-Term Waterproofing vs. Temporary Fixes

For historic buildings and schools, exterior fixes alone often fail because they don’t relieve hydrostatic pressure beneath the foundation. Interior systems like WaterGuard and BrightWall:

Manage water at the point of entry
Remain effective regardless of soil saturation
Protect finished spaces without altering the building exterior
Provide dependable performance during extreme weather

This approach delivers lasting results where French drains and landscaping adjustments fall short.

Need a Permanent Waterproofing Solution for Your School or Historic Building?

If your building experiences recurring basement water intrusion, temporary fixes are costing you time and money. A properly designed interior waterproofing system can protect your space for decades.

Schedule a professional inspection today to learn how a customized waterproofing solution can keep your building dry, safe, and functional—no matter how heavy the rain.