Two Step Waterproofing - How we Waterproofed a Monolithic Foundation in Sadieville, KY

Monday, July 14th, 2025 by Jack Purdon

Challenge

A homeowner in Sadieville, KY contacted The Basement Doctor of Central Kentucky with concerns about water seeping into their basement. The home was built on a monolithic slab foundation, meaning the footer and floor slab were poured as one solid unit. This type of construction makes it unsafe to jackhammer along the perimeter to install a standard drainage system. The homeowner was seeing water where the floor and wall met (cove joint), especially during heavy rains, and wanted a permanent solution that wouldn’t compromise the slab.

Solution

We approached the project in two strategic phases. First, we trenched and installed perforated subfloor drainage pipes a few feet in from the foundation walls. These pipes collect groundwater under the slab and connect to the surface-mounted DryTrak® baseboard system through specially placed channel intervals around the basement. We also drilled weeping holes at the base of the block walls to relieve hydrostatic pressure and allow water to enter the system safely.

Next, we installed the DryTrak® system along the interior perimeter, bonding it directly to the floor. This system captures wall seepage and guides it toward a newly installed TripleSafe™ sump pump, which offers triple-layer protection with a battery backup system. To control humidity and improve air quality, we added a SaniDry™ Sedona dehumidifier, ideal for basements. To finish the space and protect the floor, we installed ThermalDry® Elite Plank Flooring in the gray colorway, providing a clean, moisture-resistant surface that looks great and performs well in below-grade environments.

By dividing the project into two focused steps—drainage and finish—we delivered a fully custom solution that addressed both the structural limitations of the monolithic slab and the homeowner’s desire for a comfortable, dry basement.

Project Summary

Products Used: Perforated Subfloor Drainage

Products Used: DryTrak® Baseboard System

Products Used: TripleSafe™ Sump Pump

Products Used: SaniDry™ Sedona Dehumidifier

Products Used: ThermalDry® Elite Plank Flooring (Gray)

This photo helps display the difference between a monolithic slab vs a floating slab. The monolithic slab, as seen in the bottom of the graphic, does not allow us to safely trench the entire perimeter.

This graphic shows how our DryTrak drainage system works.

This shows how our DryTrak is pitched towards our perforated drainage system beneath the floor. We placed these pipes at intervals to make sure the slab stays structurally sound.

This aerial view graphic shows the entire basement layout for the two-step waterproofing plan.

This photo shows the first step in the process, where we trenched the slab a couple feet away from the wall. The drains, sump basin, and interval ties have all been graded with gravel, and are ready to be sealed.

This was after we sealed the perforated drains, but before we installed our DryTrak.

This photo shows how the DryTrak looks after we installed it. Behind it are weeping holes, which invite ground water into the drainage system.

This photo shows our TripleSafe sump pump and our SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier.

This photo shows our ThermalDry Elite Plank Flooring in the gray colorway. These panels provide a thermal break between the concrete slab and the floor. They can not be damaged by moisture, and mimic real wood.

Back to Previous Page Back to Case Studies

Two Step Waterproofing - How we Waterproofed a Monolithic Foundation in Sadieville, KY

Challenge

Solution

Project Summary

We serve the following areas