Fieldstone Root Cellar Waterproofing in Okeana, Ohio

Challenge

Root cellars have been a staple in homes for centuries, originally built as a natural way to store perishable goods by taking advantage of the earth’s cool, stable temperatures. Many older homes, especially in rural areas, still have these underground storage spaces, often constructed with fieldstone walls and dirt floors. While they served their purpose well in the past, time and exposure to moisture can turn these once-useful spaces into damp, musty, and deteriorating areas.

This particular root cellar had been experiencing severe moisture intrusion. Water seeped in through the porous fieldstone walls and the bare dirt floor, leading to high humidity levels, mold growth, and a persistent musty odor. The homeowner noticed the deterioration of wooden supports and an increase in efflorescence—a chalky white residue left behind by evaporating water—on the stone walls. Without intervention, the excess moisture would continue to erode the space, threatening both the home's foundation and air quality.

Solution

To address the moisture issues and restore the root cellar to a clean, dry condition, we installed our interior perimeter waterproofing system, designed to capture and redirect water away from the foundation. Given the irregularities of the fieldstone walls, we took extra care to ensure a proper fit and seal throughout the space.

Key steps in the waterproofing process included:

• Installing a Perimeter Drainage System: A subfloor drainage system was placed along the interior perimeter to collect water seeping through the walls and floor. This system directs water to a sump pump, which efficiently removes it from the home.
• Applying a Vapor Barrier: Due to the uneven, porous nature of fieldstone, we installed a high-quality vapor barrier over the walls to block moisture from entering the space. This durable liner helps control humidity and prevents water from spreading into the home’s air. It also helps channel water leaks from the walls down into our subfloor drainage system.
• Improving Air Quality & Structural Integrity: By reducing humidity and eliminating standing water, the waterproofing system not only protects the foundation but also creates a healthier environment free from mold and musty odors. We also installed a dehumidification system to further help control the moisture levels.

The result was a fully protected, dry root cellar that the homeowner could use confidently without fear of ongoing water damage. This transformation not only preserved a piece of history but also ensured the space would remain functional for years to come.