When Progress Meets the Past: How West Somerville’s High-Rise Boom is Creating Basement Waterproofing Nightmares for Homeowners

West Somerville is experiencing unprecedented growth, with towering developments like the 25-story Prospect Union Square tower transforming the skyline and earning the distinction as “the tallest residential building in Somerville.” Yet beneath this exciting urban transformation lies a hidden crisis that’s affecting longtime residents: ambitious modular construction projects like the 12-story building in Somerville’s Clarendon Hill public housing complex and massive developments are disrupting century-old drainage systems, creating serious basement waterproofing challenges for neighboring properties.

The Perfect Storm: Old Infrastructure Meets New Development

Like many cities in the northeast, Somerville’s stormwater and sewer infrastructure was built primarily in the late 19th and early-to-mid-20th century. Somerville has a complex network of more than 180 miles of sewer and storm drainage pipes located beneath our streets–much of this network is more than 100 years old. This aging foundation is now being tested by an unprecedented wave of construction activity.

Currently, around sixty percent of Somerville’s drainage flows downhill and runs eastward into a century-old line that has been regulated by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) since the 1980s, with “our biggest limitation is simply a physical one with regards to our connection to both our 100 year-old sewers, and the 150 year-old MWRA sewers.”

How New Construction Disrupts Existing Drainage

The construction of high-rise buildings in West Somerville creates multiple challenges for existing basement waterproofing systems. Exterior foundation waterproofing is more expensive than other methods due to the excavation. Another downside is the disruption to landscaping, porches and driveways. When developers excavate for new foundations, they often disturb the delicate balance of groundwater flow that has existed for decades.

Stormwater runoff from modern development is making the problem worse. Stormwater, from rain or melting snow, flows over hard surfaces like pavement, rooftops, and lawns, picking up pollutants like oil, fertilizer, pet waste and trash. With less green space for water to soak into the ground, urban areas face more flooding, more runoff, and more pressure on aging infrastructure.

The Domino Effect on Neighboring Basements

When new high-rise construction begins, the excavation process can redirect groundwater flow patterns that have been stable for generations. Water in the soil causes hydrostatic pressure to be exerted underneath basement floors and walls. This hydrostatic pressure can force water in through cracks, which can cause major structural damage as well as mold, decay, and other moisture-related problems.

Homeowners in West Somerville are discovering that their previously dry basements are suddenly experiencing water intrusion problems. Damage to external basement waterproofing is commonly caused by improper backfilling in which the waterproofing membranes are damaged by rocks or the backhoe itself. Choose materials that can withstand the backfilling process to decrease or eliminate the risk of damaging the waterproofing material.

Professional Solutions for Disrupted Drainage Systems

When facing basement waterproofing challenges caused by nearby construction, West Somerville homeowners need experienced professionals who understand both the area’s unique infrastructure challenges and modern waterproofing solutions. Academy Masonry is a premier masonry contractor serving Boston, MA, and the surrounding areas in Middlesex County and Suffolk County. With years of experience, we provide top-quality masonry services, including chimney repair, retaining wall installation, and paver installation. Our skilled team of masonry stone contractors is dedicated to delivering exceptional craftsmanship and outstanding customer service on every project.

For homeowners dealing with construction-related basement water issues, professional basement waterproofing west somerville services become essential. Basement Waterproofing Protect your home’s foundation from water damage, preventing costly repairs and structural issues. At Academy Masonry, we specialize in diagnosing and treating foundation problems, ensuring your home stands strong for generations to come.

Comprehensive Waterproofing Approaches

Academy Masonry isn’t just another waterproofing company. We’re your neighbors in Middlesex County and passionate about keeping basements dry and homes happy. We use the latest techniques and the most challenging materials, from waterproof membranes to drainage systems, to make sure your basement stays dry as a bone.

Effective basement waterproofing in areas affected by new construction requires a multi-faceted approach. Although interior water drainage is not technically waterproofing, it is a widely accepted technique in mitigating basement water and is generally referred to as a basement waterproofing solution. Many interior drainage systems are patented and recognized by Building Officials and Code Administrators(BOCA) as being effective in controlling basement water. A common system for draining water that has penetrated a basement involves creating a channel around the perimeter of the basement alongside the foundation footers. The drainage system collects any water entering the basement and drains it to an internally placed sump pump system, which will then pump the water out of the basement.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

Fix Moisture Problems First things first, if there are any moisture problems in a basement they must be fixed. Painting over, laying carpet over, or adding wall finishes over a basement wall that is cracked or seeping will only cover up the problem. Water can enter the basement through cracks from groundwater in saturated soil or ineffective water drainage, or as vapor through ineffective waterproofing.

West Somerville’s development boom shows no signs of slowing, with 3.8 million square feet of new lab and office space, housing, parks and retail storefronts, USQ is ready for business. With 3.8 million square feet of new lab and office space, housing, parks and retail storefronts, USQ is ready for business. As this construction continues, homeowners must be proactive about protecting their basements from the disruption to century-old drainage systems.

Our reputation as a trusted masonry company in Boston, Middlesex County, and Suffolk County is built on years of satisfied customers. We focus on creating long-lasting relationships through honest communication, transparency, and a commitment to exceeding your expectations on every job. When your basement’s integrity is threatened by the changing landscape around you, professional waterproofing services provide the protection and peace of mind you need to weather West Somerville’s transformation.