Job Stories

Living in Bryant Pond, ME, this homeowner had needed crawlspace waterproofing for quite a while. The crawlspace below their home had extensive moisture problems, including visible mold and wood rot. Searching for a solution online, they soon discovered TC Hafford Basement Systems and called us right away. We scheduled a free estimate for them and after they agreed to have the work done, our crew was dispatched to take care of their waterproofing needs. As soon as our crew arrived at the home, they got started right away on clearing some rocks that would prevent the vapor barrier placement. A SmartSump pump was first installed in the floor of the space to force our any water gathering on the floor of the crawlspace. Next, a Drainage Matting was laid across the floor. This mat sits just above the surface of the floor, resting on built in grooves. These grooves create channels between the mat and the floor that guide the blocked water to the sump where it will be removed from the space. To complete the vapor barrier installation, a CleanSpace liner was used to encapsulate the interior of the crawlspace. Covering the Drainage Mat as well as the walls of the space. This liner will completely lock out moisture that would have previously entered the space, forcing it to pool up below and flow out of the home through the sump. Finally, a SaniDry CX was installed in the space. This dehumidifier will pull in the damp air from around the space, separating any moisture from it. While the dried air is circulated back into the space, the moisture is passed through a piece of piping to the sump where it will be removed along with the rest of the water. Now that this homeowner has some proper waterproofing in their crawlspace, the side effects of the moisture problem, such as mold and a musty smell, should soon fade away. The new Vapor Barrier will keep this space dry for years to come!

A Portland, ME homeowner, living on a floodplain with an underground stream, struggled with water seeping into their basement every time it rained. Even with a sump pump, they couldn't seem to keep water out, so they turned to TC Hafford for a solution. After taking a closer look, we knew they needed more protection. We installed a WaterGuard System and a Trench Drain to keep the water out, along with replacing their sump pump with a TripleSafe Sump Pump for extra peace of mind. Now, their basement stays completely dry, and they couldn’t be more relieved with the results.

After growing tired of their unsightly gutters, this Portland, ME, homeowner was ready for a change, so they called Gutter Shutter by TC Hafford Basement Systems for a free estimate. System Design Specialist Josh Hamel met with the homeowner and worked with them to design a Gutter Shutter system that would protect the home and surpass their expectations. Gutter Shutter is formed and cut on the property, so the homeowner is able to enjoy the benefits of a seamless gutter. With the added protection of the unique shutter design, debris such as leaves and pine needles aren’t able to make it into the gutter, meaning the homeowner will no longer have to worry about climbing a ladder to clear any clogs. Gutter Shutter comes in many different colors, allowing homeowners to match the gutter to their home. Gutter Shutter by TC Hafford Basement Systems not only removes the old gutters but also disposes of them to save the homeowner the headache of having to do so. Now, with the larger six-inch Gutter Shutter system installed, the home is protected from the troubles that rainwater falling off a roof can cause, such as soil erosion, basement leaks, and foundation damage.

It seems a shame to have to put unsightly gutters on a beautiful home, but with Gutter Shutter by TC Hafford Basement Systems, that isn’t a problem. Gutter Shutter offers many colors to choose from, allowing a homeowner to pick a gutter that best suits what they are looking for. Made in the USA, Gutter Shutter is a seamless aluminum gutter that features a unique shutter that allows water in but debris such as leaves and pine needles to slide off, resulting in a clog-free gutter design. Tougher than the average gutter, Gutter Shutter can handle the harsh Maine winters, and ice buildup is not a concern.   Wanting to protect their home from water running off of their roof, this Portland, ME, homeowner reached out to Gutter Shutter by TC Hafford Basement Systems for a free estimate. System Design Specialist Jeffrey Schuhmacher met with the homeowner and worked with them to design a Gutter Shutter system that would protect their home without creating an eye sore. The homeowner was able to choose a color that would blend into their home and still get the benefits of having a larger six-inch gutter. Without gutters, water running off a home’s roof will erode the soul and can lead to foundation damage and basement flooding if the problem goes on too long. Now with Gutter Shutter installed, the homeowner is able to have peace of mind knowing their home is protected, and they will never have to climb a ladder to clean the gutter with Gutter Shutter’s clog-free design.

Since 2012, this Portland, ME, homeowner has had a problem with their foundation shifting and moisture in the basement creating a musty smell. Worried about air quality and the health of their home, they booked a free estimate with TC Hafford Basement Systems for help. System Design Specialist Lou DiStasio met with the homeowner and worked with them to design a system that would save their home and create a safter basement.       The shifting foundation needed to be addressed first, and to take care of it, StableLock was installed to save the foundation. Over time, stone foundations break apart and shift, resulting in an unstable home and sinking floors that could ultimately result in the foundation totally failing. Typically, with a failing foundation, the home would need to be lifted for a period of time in order for the old foundation to be removed and a new one poured. With StableLock, not only do homeowners save money, but they don’t have to move out of their house, and SableLock can be completed in just a few days. StableLock fills the voids in the old wall and uses modern concrete forming and shoring methods to stabilize the old wall, leaving a new, smooth foundation wall. With StableLock installed and the foundation stabilized, the next step was to address the moisture issues of the basement. To maintain a safe level of humidity and prevent mold and musty smells, a SaniDry Sedona was installed with a Condensate Pump so the homeowner won’t have to ever empty a bucket of water. Not only does this keep the SaniDry Sedona running as needed, but the homeowner can travel without concern of their dehumidifier not working. Now the home is protected against moisture, and their foundation is no longer at risk of failing and is stronger than before.

A homeowner in Portland, Maine, reached out to TC Hafford Basement Systems with concerns about noise traveling between their first and second floors. They also mentioned that one of the rooms in their home was unbearably cold in the winter and stifling in the summer. After assessing the home, our experts determined that the insulation was insufficient, contributing to both the temperature inconsistencies and the noise problem. To address this, we recommended Dr. Energy Saver spray foam insulation, which provides superior thermal protection and helps minimize sound transmission between floors. The insulation would create an air seal, reducing drafts, improving energy efficiency, and making the room comfortable year-round. The homeowner was thrilled with the final results, as they noticed an immediate improvement in both the temperature balance and the overall quietness of the home.

A homeowner in Portland, Maine, recently contacted TC Hafford Basement Systems for a gutter system estimate. With concerns about water collecting near the foundation, they wanted a lasting solution to keep their home protected from potential water damage. After a comprehensive inspection, we recommended a combination of the Gutter Shutter system, Raindrop Gutter Guards, and a RainChute extension. This system would provide the homeowner with both effective water management and enhanced protection for their property.   The Gutter Shutter system, known for its robust design and clog-resistant capabilities, ensures that rainwater is effectively diverted while debris is kept out. By adding the Raindrop Gutter Guards, we provided an extra layer of filtration to catch smaller particles, further minimizing the need for maintenance. The RainChute, installed to channel water safely away from the foundation, completed the system by reducing the risks associated with water pooling.     Once the installation was complete, the homeowner expressed a deep sense of relief and confidence in their newly fortified gutter system. They felt reassured knowing that their home was well-equipped to handle even the heaviest downpours, all while requiring minimal upkeep. This installation not only improved the property’s resilience but also underscored the homeowner’s choice to trust TC Hafford for a reliable, quality-driven solution.

A homeowner in Portland, Maine, reached out to TC Hafford Basement Systems looking for a more reliable solution for their gutter system. After dealing with issues like clogs and overflowing water that threatened the foundation of their home, they decided it was time for an upgrade. We visited the property and determined that the best course of action would be to install the Gutter Shutter system along with a RainChute to manage the water flow more effectively.   The Gutter Shutter system provides a clog-free design, eliminating the need for frequent gutter cleaning. It directs water away from the home, even during heavy rains, ensuring that the foundation and surrounding landscape are protected. The RainChute further helped to move the water safely away from the home’s foundation, preventing potential issues with erosion and/or pooling. This installation offered the homeowner peace of mind and a lasting improvement to their home’s exterior, safeguarding it from water damage for years to come.  

This Portland, ME, home was built on silty fill, and over the years, the home had settled, leading to the foundation cracking and allowing water to seep in. Needing to stabilize the foundation to prevent damage to their home, the homeowner booked a free estimate with TC Hafford Basement Systems. System Design Specialist Brian Donnolly worked with the homeowner to design a waterproofing and stabilizing system that would protect the health of the home and keep the family safe. First Push Piers were installed to stabilize the foundation and prevent it from further settling, protecting the home from costly damage. The Push Pier system utilizes high-strength round steel tubes and brackets to lift sinking foundations. WaterGuard was installed to capture and channel water to the new UltraSump to keep the basement dry all of the time. The UltraSump pumps the water through an Exterior Buried Discharge line that takes the water away from the home. The system is protected against ice buildup during the winter with the installation of IceGuard. BrightWall was installed along the wall where cracks had previously formed to act as a vapor barrier and channel any moisture to the WaterGuard. Now the homeowner is able to enjoy their basement and use it for storage without moisture or water causing them issues, and they can live in their home without the concern of their foundation potentially failing.

Nancy from Portland had started to notice a musty smell emitting from her basement. This was being caused by very moist air. The smell could also be an indication of mold growth in the basement. Seeking professional assistance with this moisture problem, Nancy contacted TC Hafford Basement Systems. We had a representative at the home shortly after to give the homeowner her free estimate. She selected what she wanted done, and our crew started working. To remove the moisture from the basement air, and keep the air dry, we installed a SaniDry XP dehumidifier. This dehumidifier takes in the moist air immediately surrounding itself, dries it out, and then pushes it out into the basement. The pressure created by this pulls in more moist air, allowing the process to continue until all of the air within the basement is dry and healthy. This will not only kill off any mold starting to grow, but it will prevent it from spreading, or re-growing in the future. Now Nancy has clean, dry air in her basement, and no need to worry about a musty smell, or mold growth!