by David McBride, Church Council President

You may recall that in the fall and winter of 2023–2024, we had water leaking into three of the basement classrooms on the south side of the church. The water seeped through the foundation when the water table rose during heavy rainfall, and preschool classes had to be moved due to the incursion.

The Building Advisory Team (BAT) began studying the problem in late 2023. Our Administrator, Karie Stearns, interviewed several contractors about the issue and presented their proposals to the BAT.

We were particularly impressed with the proposal from Ryan Winders, owner of PermaDry. Unlike the other contractors, he spent a substantial amount of time studying and diagnosing the problem. His proposal also relied on gravity—installing a footing drain with gravity discharge rather than a sump pump—eliminating the need for future maintenance and repair. Although he’s not a member, Ryan demonstrated genuine care and commitment to helping Our Redeemer’s resolve the issue. By the summer of 2024, the BAT recommended that the Council accept his proposal.

PermaDry, and particularly Ryan Winders, worked closely with our Karie, answering questions and ensuring satisfaction at every phase of the work. By late summer, the footing drain had been installed and the moisture barriers hung. Unfortunately, the moisture barrier covered the wonderful Dr. Seuss murals in the preschool classrooms.

We decided to build a stud wall in front of the moisture barrier to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance and to protect the barrier. Rather than hiring a contractor, we chose to build it ourselves using volunteer labor from the congregation and staff—all 60 feet of it!

By mid-to-late September, the wall was completed, the mess was cleaned up, and the preschool and Suzuki reoccupied their classrooms just before the fall rains began. All through October, November, and December, we held our breath. Would the drain work?

Now, five months after installation, we are delighted to report that the drain works! No water has been detected in the classrooms throughout the fall and winter, even though precipitation was about 10% higher than during the same period when we experienced the leaks.

Many thanks to Ryan and his crew from PermaDry, as well as to the congregation, staff, and preschool volunteers.

If you have questions about this project or are interested in getting involved with the BAT, please contact me.

David McBride, mcbride.david.j@gmail.com