Interior Waterproofing Solves Leaking Hearth in Lynchburg, OH
Challenge
For 45 years, the homeowners of this Lynchburg, OH, home had dealt with persistent water intrusion near their hearth and stove fireplace. They had tried exterior solutions over the years—excavating the soil outside the foundation, tarring the walls, installing drainage tile, and backfilling with gravel—to keep water out. While these methods can provide temporary relief, exterior systems often fail over time due to clogged tiles, shifting soil, or degraded sealant. The repeated maintenance and the constant digging that this system required over the years made it difficult to fully solve the problem, leaving the homeowners frustrated and concerned about ongoing leaks.
Solution
Our interior waterproofing solution gave the homeowners a permanent, low-maintenance way to stop water intrusion. The team carefully removed the brick hearth, preserving as much as possible per the homeowner’s request, and installed WaterGuard along the leaking wall. WaterGuard sits directly on top of the footing and is pitched toward the SuperSump Plus, and we drilled weeping holes just above the footing to efficiently channel water into the drainage system. Installation required only minimal excavation—about six inches away from the wall—so the project was less disruptive than traditional exterior solutions. This system creates a reliable interior drainage path that safely directs water away from the home. WaterGuard is designed with service ports for easy inspection and maintenance, and it’s far simpler to install compared to exterior systems that require extensive digging and backfilling. Plus, the system comes with a lifetime warranty, giving the homeowner confidence that their home is fully protected for years to come. With the system in place, they can reinstall the hearth without worry, knowing they now have a durable, low-maintenance solution to keep water out for good.
