Here in Sylvania, OH, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to deal with water pooling around their foundations, especially in areas where grading slopes toward the home. When water has nowhere else to go, it slowly pushes into the structure, leading to moisture damage, foundation issues, and even crumbling concrete. That’s exactly what happened to a recent homeowner who reached out to Toledo Basement Repair for help.
Identifying the Problem
During the initial inspection, our team found that the interior rat wall inside the customer’s garage had begun to spall and crumble. This is a clear sign that moisture has been entering the foundation for quite some time. Outside the garage, grading was sloped toward the home, directing rainwater right against the foundation instead of away from it.
We also discovered that the downspouts were not rerouting water far enough from the house. Each time it rained, hundreds of gallons of roof runoff discharged directly at the base of the wall. With nowhere proper to drain, water collected along the garage foundation and slowly deteriorated the concrete.
The homeowner needed a solution that would stop water intrusion, relieve hydrostatic pressure, and protect the garage wall from further damage. That’s where our Exterior Shallow Tile System came in.
Crafting the Right Solution
To correct the drainage issues and protect the failing rat wall, Toledo Basement Repair installed a full Exterior Shallow Tile System with a 10-foot discharge to a bubbler pot. This system is designed to capture water before it reaches the foundation and reroute it safely away.
Here’s what the project included:
Hand-Excavated Inspection Trench
We carefully hand-excavated a trench 12 to 18 inches deep along approximately 28 feet of the garage foundation. This allowed us to inspect the wall below grade and check for additional cracks or signs of deterioration.
Wall Protection & Waterproofing
To shield the wall from future moisture exposure, we installed a combination of:
Commercial-grade mastic
A 12-mil low-perm vapor barrier
Drainage Dimple Board
These layers work together to channel water downward into the drain system rather than allowing it to touch the foundation surface. The entire assembly was then finished with aluminum J-channel for a clean, professional appearance.
New Sub-Soil Drain Tile System
Next, we installed a 4-inch perforated drain tile along the trench. This drain collects groundwater and surface runoff, preventing it from building pressure against the garage wall. For future maintenance, a clean-out port was added so the system can be flushed if needed.
The drain tile was then routed through a 10-foot discharge line leading to a bubbler pot strategically placed in the yard. This allows water to disperse safely without flowing back toward the home.
Proper Backfill and Grade Correction
Once the drainage components were installed, we backfilled the trench with 50–80% stone, covered it with a soil barrier, and topped it with the homeowner’s existing soil. Finally, our team regraded the area to help build up the slope and ensure water naturally flows away from the structure.
Delivering Lasting Results
The finished system now protects the garage wall from further deterioration and prevents water from pooling along the foundation. By improving the grading and rerouting downspout runoff, the homeowner can enjoy a dry garage, a stronger foundation, and long-term peace of mind.
Not only does this repair stop existing water problems, but it also preserves the home’s value and prevents future costly damage. With proper drainage in place, the rat wall will remain stable, the soil will stay dry, and the structure will stay protected for years to come.
Conclusion
If you live in Sylvania, OH and are noticing water collecting near your home, downspouts draining too close to the foundation, or signs of concrete deterioration, Toledo Basement Repair is here to help. Problems like these don’t fix themselves, and early action can save homeowners thousands in repairs.
Contact us today for a professional inspection and a lasting solution tailored to your home.
Kevin Oberhouse was raised in Toledo with 7 siblings. Dawn and Kevin have four kids.
The Oberhouse family lives in the house Kevin built when with his first crew. Kevin’s parents invited more than 100 foster children into their home throughout his life. Kevin believes this part of his life really helped to build empathy for others.
Kevin has a degree in civil engineering and went on to get an MBA as well as multiple other certifications in structural systems, egress systems, air quality, and commercial and residential roofing, among many others.
Toledo Basement Repairs promises to treat you and your project with respect and our best professional judgment. There is plenty of work out there and Toledo Basement Repair will not push you into a system that you do not fully understand or feel comfortable with.
