Protecting Your Investment: How Everett’s Industrial Past Demands Specialized Basement Waterproofing Solutions

Everett’s rich industrial heritage, particularly its early 20th-century smelting operations, has left an indelible mark on the landscape that continues to impact property owners today. The Everett smelter operated from 1894 to 1912 under ASARCO Incorporated, leaving behind widespread contamination that affects how modern homeowners must approach foundation protection and waterproofing projects.

Understanding Everett’s Contamination Legacy

The soil at the Everett smelter site was found to be contaminated with arsenic, lead, cadmium, and other metals, with arsenic and lead present above state cleanup standards across a significant area of northeastern Everett. Contaminated particles from the smokestacks settled over a 1.1 square mile area, creating ongoing challenges for property development and renovation projects.

As of March 2023, soil cleanup construction continues with ongoing remediation efforts for multiple cleanup groups, demonstrating the persistent nature of this environmental challenge. For homeowners in affected areas, this contamination history necessitates specialized approaches to basement waterproofing that go beyond traditional moisture control.

Why Standard Waterproofing Isn’t Enough

Properties built on or near former industrial sites face unique challenges that standard waterproofing solutions cannot adequately address. New construction sites are sometimes situated on brownfields or repurposed industrial properties where contaminated groundwater means contractors need products that mitigate vapor intrusion by keeping out solvents and other organic chemicals along with water.

Certain chemicals found in contaminated soil or groundwater can seep into homes through vapor intrusion that occurs in basement or foundation slabs, with hazardous vapors exuding through foundation cracks and exposing occupants to health hazards.

Specialized Waterproofing Materials for Contaminated Sites

Protecting basements in areas with soil contamination requires advanced waterproofing systems that serve dual purposes: moisture control and vapor barrier protection. Contractors install soil-gas mitigation barriers under slabs and around retaining walls based on vapor intrusion test results, using various grades of vapor barrier material specified by professional geologists to prevent toxic vapor from underground contamination plumes from harming building occupants.

These systems typically include multiple layers: a base layer of polymer film, high-viscosity asphalt sealant, coats of low-viscosity asphalt emulsion, and a protective geo-fabric layer on top. Contaminant vapor barriers offer protection against vapor intrusion through their installation in the substrate to prevent the migration of harmful gases into the building.

The Importance of Professional Assessment

Given Everett’s industrial history, property owners should never assume their site is unaffected by contamination. Any examination of conditions should include looking at soil type, the presence of any contaminants (gases/acids) and the height of the water table before selecting appropriate waterproofing systems.

Without effective waterproofing, porous basement concrete can crack from water pressure or structure settling, allowing groundwater, contaminated soil vapors, and insects to enter the home or building. This risk is particularly elevated in areas with known soil contamination.

Academy Masonry: Your Trusted Partner in Specialized Waterproofing

When it comes to addressing the unique challenges posed by Everett’s industrial legacy, choosing the right contractor makes all the difference. Academy Masonry’s reputation as a trusted masonry company in Boston, Middlesex County, and Suffolk County is built on years of satisfied customers, focusing on creating long-lasting relationships through honest communication, transparency, and a commitment to exceeding expectations on every job.

With a heritage of 30 years of combined knowledge and experience handed down from generation to generation, Academy Masonry stands as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and commitment to excellence as a local, family-owned business with deep-rooted ties to the community.

For property owners dealing with potential contamination issues, professional basement waterproofing everett services require contractors who understand both traditional moisture control and specialized vapor barrier installation. Academy Masonry specializes in protecting homes’ foundations from water damage, preventing costly repairs and structural issues.

Comprehensive Solutions for Complex Challenges

Academy Masonry specializes in delivering high-quality masonry services that combine durability, beauty, and functionality, handling every project with precision and care to ensure results that exceed expectations. Their approach to waterproofing goes beyond surface-level solutions to address the root causes of moisture intrusion.

As fully licensed and insured professionals with 30+ years of combined masonry experience, they focus on protecting your investment with solutions designed to last. Their projects come with a satisfaction guarantee to ensure complete customer happiness.

Taking Action: Protecting Your Property

Property owners in Everett and surrounding areas cannot afford to take chances with basement waterproofing, especially given the region’s industrial history. The health impacts of vapor intrusion are particularly high for young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with pre-existing chronic illnesses, with vapor intrusion linked to cardiac defects and low birth weights due to maternal exposure.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends basement waterproofing with a water alarm and battery-operated backup pump as a preventive measure against the high cost of flooding. However, in areas with potential soil contamination, standard recommendations may not be sufficient.

The key to successful basement protection in areas affected by industrial contamination lies in working with experienced professionals who understand both the environmental challenges and the specialized solutions required. By choosing contractors with deep local knowledge and proven expertise in handling complex waterproofing scenarios, property owners can ensure their basements remain dry, healthy, and safe for years to come.

Don’t let Everett’s industrial past compromise your property’s future. Invest in specialized waterproofing solutions that address both moisture control and vapor intrusion risks, protecting your family’s health and your property’s value with comprehensive, professionally installed systems designed to meet the unique challenges of formerly industrial sites.