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

Challenge

Protecting a Historic School Building from Chronic Basement Water Intrusion Client: Children’s House Montessori SchoolLocation: Little Rock, ArkansasBuilding Type: Historic residential structure converted to a school and daycareService: 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:

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 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 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 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: 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.