Basement Waterproofing
Leaking and flooding basements can be a headache and lead to major home repairs. Don't risk it - protect your home.
Get Your Free EstimateBasement Waterproofing Problem Signs
Whether it finds its way in from plumbing leaks, windows or wall cracks, water in your basement means trouble.
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is a common basement moisture issue in North Carolina. Tar Heel Basement Systems' solutions tackle the core problem.
Basement Mold
Address basement moisture issues effectively with Tar Heel Basement Systems and say goodbye to your moldy basements.
Water in Your Basement
Water in your basement can lead to mold, flooding, foundation damage, and more. Let Tar Heel Basement Systems protect your home!
Wet Basement Walls
earn about wet basement walls, their causes, and effective solutions. Trust Tar Heel Basement Systems for comprehensive repairs.
Many homes in North Carolina and other areas in the southern United States are built without basements for a variety of reasons including inhospitable soil. However, if you do have a basement that is below grade or at least partially underground, it’s important to be aware of its condition. Have you noticed any water damage or musty odors in your basement? Do you see signs of leaking, cracking walls? These problems are common as well as dangerous for your home and your family. Having a reliable waterproofing system in place will help protect and restore your home’s health and safety.
The Causes of a Wet Basement
There are several reasons why you’ve got a wet basement on your hands, but one main culprit has to do with the ground your home was built on.
Crawl spaces and basements are well known for being damp, dank spaces. Even when your home has no groundwater flooding issues and has perfect plumbing, the spaces can be plagued by moisture issues. One major culprit for humidity in your home is a phenomenon called the “stack effect“.
The stack effect refers to the process in which hot air leaves the home through your attic and upper levels. As it does, a vacuum is created below, and new air is pulled upwards through the basement, crawl space, and lower levels.
A large hole had to be dug in the ground to make room for your house. After the foundation floor and walls were built, some of the excavated soil was replaced or “backfilled” to fill the gap between the walls and the existing earth. This soil is loose, fluffy, not as dense or tightly packed as undisturbed soil, and it tends to absorb more water. When water collects in the soil immediately surrounding the house, it creates a “clay bowl” and puts pressure on the walls, which leads to cracks and leaking water.
When the soil around your foundation becomes wet, it expands and puts pressure on the walls. This constant force exerted on the walls is known as hydrostatic pressure. When this force becomes more than the walls can handle, they will begin to crack and bow inwards. This affects the structural integrity of the walls. Water also will then work its way through any opening available, including cracks and openings around pipes or windows.
Mother Nature can be unpredictable, and North Carolina experiences its share of wild weather. Heavy rainstorms can dump a lot of water on the ground, and hurricanes bring floodwaters with nowhere to go. This water can then find its way inside through saturated soil and wall cracks.
A footing drain was installed outside the foundation walls of your home during its construction to help keep water away. But this drain can easily clog and allow water to collect by the walls. Preventing this is difficult, and so is cleaning and flushing the drains.
Clogged or above-ground exterior drainage pipes could allow water to puddle next to the home and find its way inside any cracks in the walls. It’s a good idea to place these lines in the ground and direct them far away from your house to prevent draining water from leaking inside. But you also need to make sure these lines are doing their job. If they crack, collapse, or clog, you could end up with water in your basement.
Sump pumps are needed to keep water out of the basement. Many systems installed in the floor have metal basins, lids that rest on top of the basin, and openings for discharge pipes. Some may not have lids at all. These are ineffective systems that will only cause more problems. Metal basins can easily rust and corrode, and partial or missing lids allow water to evaporate back into or flood the basement. This leads to unpleasant odors, moisture and other water issues that defeat the purpose of the sump pump in the first place. Debris and other items also can easily fall into the system and damage the pump if the sump pit is not completely covered.
Award-Winning Service
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Tyrese Ware, Stephen Foster, Lance Powell did a fantastic job on waterproofing my cinder block shed. Would hire again in a heartbeat!
Tyrese Ware, Stephen Foster, Lance Powell did a fantastic job on waterproofing my cinder block shed. Would hire again in a heartbeat!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Garret Camron and Clemente did a fantastic job and truly appreciated their effort and communication
Garret Camron and Clemente did a fantastic job and truly appreciated their effort and communication
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
The team with team leader Daniel , called in advance talked w me about what they were planning to do n even planned ahead for what the job…
The team with team leader Daniel , called in advance talked w me about what they were planning to do n even planned ahead for what the job required. They came he greeted me n then they went to work. His team of Travis n Dominque got the work done n gave me a high quality job. They took away the trash n really policed the area for sharp items that could puncture my tires. My overall experience w Tarheel Basewent far exceeded my expectations, great having them here.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
I talked with 3 companies regarding a moisture/mold problem in my basement and was most impressed with Tar Heel Basements. The initial…
I talked with 3 companies regarding a moisture/mold problem in my basement and was most impressed with Tar Heel Basements. The initial inspector was thorough and knowledgeable, spending more time checking my foundation both inside and out than Tar Heel's competitors. He answered a lot of questions and assisted with the interest free financing. It was an expensive repair that I was very stressed about, but Tar Heel made it as easy as possible. Once the scheduled week arrived, the technicians provided advanced notice of arrival each day, and showed up on time or early. They kept me informed throughout the process and answered numerous questions. They hung plastic to protect my belongings from the dust and advised regarding their findings (such as termites) as they removed walls and insulation. They coordinated with the electricians for installing power to the sump pump and made sure they cleaned up. Tar Heel kept everything clean and even mopped my floor once the work was completed. I'm very appreciative of Nathan Griffin, Zac Mathis, and James Passmore for their hard work, and the care and consideration they provided while working in my home.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Nestor Bautista Andres Hernandez Felipe Fabian Julian Bruno came out did a great job was clean answered any questions I had and kept me…
Nestor Bautista Andres Hernandez Felipe Fabian Julian Bruno came out did a great job was clean answered any questions I had and kept me informed great job.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Devin was very professional and I was very pleased
Devin was very professional and I was very pleased
Very professional, knowledgeable and courteous. They did just what they said they were going to .Juan S. And Alex S. Were awesome.
Very professional, knowledgeable and courteous. They did just what they said they were going to .Juan S. And Alex S. Were awesome.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Maurie is super professional, friendly, thoughtful. He spent about 2 hours with us, did all the feasible foundation and structural tests…
Maurie is super professional, friendly, thoughtful. He spent about 2 hours with us, did all the feasible foundation and structural tests for the property we are buying. He found no major concerns, explained to us patiently using the plain words, but accurately. We are really so happy for his free estimation service, strongly recommend this company to the customers in need of the foundation, basement, crawl space services. All the best, Eric
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
I recently had the pleasure of working with Tar Heel Basement Systems, and I’m happy to say the experience was outstanding. From the very…
I recently had the pleasure of working with Tar Heel Basement Systems, and I’m happy to say the experience was outstanding. From the very first meeting with Steele, who took the time to listen to my concerns and needs, to the thoughtful plan they developed, I felt well taken care of every step of the way. The team—Juan, Alex, and Hayden—did an exceptional job. They were not only professional, but also knowledgeable, efficient, and punctual. The crew arrived on time and immediately got to work. Throughout the day, Juan was incredibly responsive to my questions, keeping me informed and ensuring my concerns were addressed, which helped put my mind at ease. I’m extremely satisfied with the results and highly recommend Tar Heel Basement Systems for any foundation or crawlspace needs. A big thank you to the team—your work truly exceeded expectations!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Cannot say enough about the good experience we had with Justin and his crew of Demarte, Quentin and Harry. They were punctual, called…
Cannot say enough about the good experience we had with Justin and his crew of Demarte, Quentin and Harry. They were punctual, called before arrival and all were friendly and appeared to be Jgenuinely glad to do the job. Justin explained what they would be doing and answered all questions before starting work. His team was efficient and completed the job much faster than we anticipated. Justin was very diligent in making sure our floors were leveled to his and our satisfaction and we were very pleased to see cracks between the ceiling and wall disappear. Nowadays it is rare to have someone exceed expectations but Justin and his crew were exceptional and we would not hesitate to to give them our highest recommendation. John and CC Hensley
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
We needed our front stoop to be lifted. So I found Tar Heel Basement Systems online and read many positive reviews. We were not…
We needed our front stoop to be lifted. So I found Tar Heel Basement Systems online and read many positive reviews. We were not disappointed! John Knight spent almost 2 hours with us. We ended up getting our back patio and driveway lifted as well as the stoop. We are pleased with the work that was completed at our house. John Knight and Jeremy were both a pleasure to work with. We recommend Tar Heel Basement Systems (Groundworks)!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Thanks to the awesome crew of Isaiah, Hunter, and Manny, I can now use my treadmill without wondering whether my sunroom floor and I are…
Thanks to the awesome crew of Isaiah, Hunter, and Manny, I can now use my treadmill without wondering whether my sunroom floor and I are both going to fall through! The team replaced damaged floor joists and installed new wood girders, completing a substantial structural repair in only two days. They worked tirelessly, despite the extreme heat and humidity, yet remained hard-working, professional, friendly, and respectful of my home throughout the entire job. The foreman, Isaiah, was exceptional. He was thorough, knowledgeable, attentive to every detail, and genuinely warm and personable. His excellent leadership was reflected in the quality, care, and efficiency of the entire crew. I’m incredibly grateful for their outstanding work and would recommend this company and team without hesitation.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
They were on time, very nice and professional. Juan S, Alex S and Demarte S finished the job quickly. Juan came in and told me what they…
They were on time, very nice and professional. Juan S, Alex S and Demarte S finished the job quickly. Juan came in and told me what they did. Thank you very much for fixing my problem with such a pleasant crew.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Mike z.tae s.lawrence b they did a very good job
Mike z.tae s.lawrence b they did a very good job
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Tarheel Basement is a very professional company with employees who are knowledgeable, communicative, and efficient. Tyler and Noah were…
Tarheel Basement is a very professional company with employees who are knowledgeable, communicative, and efficient. Tyler and Noah were thorough and meticulous in their inspection and work on our basement installation. I highly recommend Tarheel Basement for anyone needing basement/foundation work.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
I had a great experience with Tar Heel Basement Systems. Christopher and his crew were punctual and pleasant. Pete did a nice job walking…
I had a great experience with Tar Heel Basement Systems. Christopher and his crew were punctual and pleasant. Pete did a nice job walking me through the process. I’d recommend Tar Heel Basement Systems
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Excellent work by JamesW, Walter S and RJ. They explained everything and transformed my crawl space to a line new space. Thank you!
Excellent work by JamesW, Walter S and RJ. They explained everything and transformed my crawl space to a line new space. Thank you!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Tar Heel Basement Systems did a great job inspecting our foundation and creating the best system for our home. The technicians: Ian…
Tar Heel Basement Systems did a great job inspecting our foundation and creating the best system for our home. The technicians: Ian Addington, Justin Smith and Ian Brademeier did an amazing job. They were all professional and explained the whole process to us. We appreciate them coming out even with all the snow happening in Hampstead.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Luke and his crew did an amazing job on our crawl space. Excellent communication throughout the entire process with detailed pics along…
Luke and his crew did an amazing job on our crawl space. Excellent communication throughout the entire process with detailed pics along the way. Very happy with the job they did!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Joel cocker was very friendly and and explained everything very well answered all my questions very friendly, even to my dog
Joel cocker was very friendly and and explained everything very well answered all my questions very friendly, even to my dog
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Joel Cocker was very friendly and helpful for my 2 year follow-up inspection.
Joel Cocker was very friendly and helpful for my 2 year follow-up inspection.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Devin did great and was professional reviewing potential long term cracks to monitor.
Devin did great and was professional reviewing potential long term cracks to monitor.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Cameron S., Gerritt T., and Austin L. did an excellent job placing supports under our home. Cameron checked and double checked to make sure …
Cameron S., Gerritt T., and Austin L. did an excellent job placing supports under our home. Cameron checked and double checked to make sure that everything was perfect. Answered all questions and explained everything. Top notch! Recommend these guys!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Jackson was very thorough. Explained everything very well. Great experience working with Jackson. Tar Heel Basement is a very good company…
Jackson was very thorough. Explained everything very well. Great experience working with Jackson. Tar Heel Basement is a very good company that does excellent work.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Carter and Josiah were informative, skilled and communicative. Their patience with thoroughly answering many questions was very much…
Carter and Josiah were informative, skilled and communicative. Their patience with thoroughly answering many questions was very much appreciated. The job was completed as described during the estimate. All of the employees involved were respectful. Thank you!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Devin arrived on time (1200 noon) just like he said would. I was pleasantly surprised that the inspection included inside and around the…
Devin arrived on time (1200 noon) just like he said would. I was pleasantly surprised that the inspection included inside and around the outside of the home, as well as the crawl space. I'm glad that no major issues were found . I was impressed with his level of professionalism, as he went as far as to literally record his findings into a slide presentation. He even went as far as to seal around the door to the crawl space in an effort to ensure the possibility of water no longer pooling by the door. I'm very pleased that the encapsulation done by Tarheel Basement Systems is still holding firm. Devin showed me what Tarheel Basement Systems can do for me regarding insulation. Though I'm not ready to make this move now, Devin has given something me to think about.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Great job by Joel Cocker! He was polite and very thorough when inspecting our house and crawl space to ensure there were no issues. He…
Great job by Joel Cocker! He was polite and very thorough when inspecting our house and crawl space to ensure there were no issues. He exceeded our expectations. Thank you, Tar Heel Basement System, for sending us such an exceptional service representative!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Christian was our salesperson and we had DeMartes, Remained B and Hayden C. Do the removal and the encapsulation. They worked very hard…
Christian was our salesperson and we had DeMartes, Remained B and Hayden C. Do the removal and the encapsulation. They worked very hard for 2 days and completed an excellent job. Christian was a great salesman and was very thorough. The estimates are free but make sure you ask for these 4 people. Can't say enough good about them.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Ian and Justin did a great job installing a sump pump system for us. Communication in advance of the job was great and they were true to…
Ian and Justin did a great job installing a sump pump system for us. Communication in advance of the job was great and they were true to the arrival times promised. They kept us up to date on the work in progress and gave a thorough walk-through afterwards to make sure everything was to our satisfaction and that we understood the system.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Austin, Justin and Tae were outstanding! TarHeel Basement Systems is a great company. Wonderful job and thank you!
Austin, Justin and Tae were outstanding! TarHeel Basement Systems is a great company. Wonderful job and thank you!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
David P and James C encapsulated our crawl space They had great teamwork, were hardworking, professional, courteous and knowledgable…
David P and James C encapsulated our crawl space They had great teamwork, were hardworking, professional, courteous and knowledgable answering any questions we had We will recommend them they are an asset to TarHeel Basement
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Cameron, Gerrit, and Justin were amazing! They were throughout and very respectful. I’d recommend to anyone.
Cameron, Gerrit, and Justin were amazing! They were throughout and very respectful. I’d recommend to anyone.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
I was very comfortable to work with Tar Heel Basement from the beginning to get the quotation until the work was done. The quotation…
I was very comfortable to work with Tar Heel Basement from the beginning to get the quotation until the work was done. The quotation process was very transparent and clear. Everything was clearly explained, questions were answered by the lead person before the work started. I felt this company is very transparent comparing with its famous competition in my area. The guy from the competition showed up to give me a quotation started his conversation, "how much you want to pay? How much my competition's quotation was? I can match to it" before asking me about the project.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Benjamin Anthony was our inspector that came out and inspected our home. He was on time, polite, and explained in great detail all the…
Benjamin Anthony was our inspector that came out and inspected our home. He was on time, polite, and explained in great detail all the issues going on in the home and how to fix it all. When briefing he had detail photos and showed us the true condition of the home. When we purchased our work he didn’t pressure us and ensured we were happy with everything going forward. We have our work scheduled for later in the month but so far extremely pleased with Groundwords.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Tar Heel has been helping us to get our crawlspace under control, and have done a wonderful job! We recently had followed up work performed …
Tar Heel has been helping us to get our crawlspace under control, and have done a wonderful job! We recently had followed up work performed by Justin M. And Quentin. They did timely work, were professional, and did a nice job of keeping interruptions to a minimum. I HIGHLY recommend!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
I used Tar Heel Basement Systems due to excellent service previously provided in two other homes in another city and the Raleigh branch did …
I used Tar Heel Basement Systems due to excellent service previously provided in two other homes in another city and the Raleigh branch did not disappoint from the consultation provided by Brian, the coordination from Ryan and the excellent service from Evan, Onyx and Derrick. The service crew was very courteous, polite and professional and their ethical behavior produced outstanding results.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Devin was awesome. Helpful and competent. Can’t ask for more than that
Devin was awesome. Helpful and competent. Can’t ask for more than that
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
These guys did an exceptional job, sealing my crawl space, and providing a dehydrator for continued dryness. They removed all the excessive …
These guys did an exceptional job, sealing my crawl space, and providing a dehydrator for continued dryness. They removed all the excessive junk and completed sealed the crawl space.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
From the beginning with the free estimate to the completion of the project, there was professionalism. The photos of work needed and…
From the beginning with the free estimate to the completion of the project, there was professionalism. The photos of work needed and completed were very helpful. Special thanks to Chris, Austin, Tre, Kane and Maison – professional installers. They were courteous, focused on doing a great job, communicated the status during the process, and cleaned up each day.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Excellent service from start to finish. Michael did an awesome job on the front end diagnosing what was needed and Jalynn and his crew…
Excellent service from start to finish. Michael did an awesome job on the front end diagnosing what was needed and Jalynn and his crew were did a great job making the repairs. I cannot say enough good things about the whole experience.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
My husband and I purchased a home only to find out after we closed that was literally falling down around us. After calling several…
My husband and I purchased a home only to find out after we closed that was literally falling down around us. After calling several companies and being told it was beyond the scope of what they could handle, we found Tar Heel. If I had only known then what I know now I would have saved myself so much time and stress and called Tar Heel FIRST. Paul, who came out originally, the Structural Engineer Bobbie and Ronnie the Project Manager were able to put a plan together to save our home. They genuinely treated our home like their own. The Foreman Gary Hacker and his Technicians Sam Jarvis and Dalton Brown who came out to do the work (along with Cory and Axel) were professional, kind, and extremely knowledgeable. My home will be able to stand for another hundred years because of their work. Thank you, Tar Heel.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Jacob C., Terrence A., and Bryson D. worked hard in a very tight space. They kept us informed and finished on time.
Jacob C., Terrence A., and Bryson D. worked hard in a very tight space. They kept us informed and finished on time.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Justin S, Ian B, and Marty did an excellent job here at our home! Their professionalism, cleanliness and work ethic should be an example…
Justin S, Ian B, and Marty did an excellent job here at our home! Their professionalism, cleanliness and work ethic should be an example among many companies! If you’re looking for a solid company from the sales team down to the crew these are the guys 10/5.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
JAMES JOSH AND JACK WERE GREAT! Highly recommended!
JAMES JOSH AND JACK WERE GREAT! Highly recommended!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
They encapsulated the crawl space and installed a dehumidifier. Looks great. The guys, Nyles R., Tyree M., and Christian M. did a great job.
They encapsulated the crawl space and installed a dehumidifier. Looks great. The guys, Nyles R., Tyree M., and Christian M. did a great job.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Billy and crew did a fine job. Kept me informed on progress daily. Fast and efficient. Good process form start with Paul until job…
Billy and crew did a fine job. Kept me informed on progress daily. Fast and efficient. Good process form start with Paul until job completion
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Josiah, the foreman, and his fellow colleagues, Gustavo and Rodrigo, did an excellent job in transforming our crawlspace from a dark,…
Josiah, the foreman, and his fellow colleagues, Gustavo and Rodrigo, did an excellent job in transforming our crawlspace from a dark, dirty and damp space, into a space I no longer will be afraid or worried to go into if the need arises.They were all three very friendly and polite! If one could recommend a business because of it’s employees I definitely would do so. They went out of their way to do a good job and treat 2 old ladieswith respect and kindness. (They also took junk away from under the house that had been there for over 50 years!)It was also Rodrigo’s birthday and he even let us sing Happy Birthday to him!I would recommend this company gor crawlspace work if anyone should ask me especially because of it’s workers!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Let's just start by saying we are 100% satisfied. We had Bobby, come out and give us a quote that meet our expectations and price range,…
Let's just start by saying we are 100% satisfied. We had Bobby, come out and give us a quote that meet our expectations and price range, and he had his team come out Matthew Mounts and Stephen Farrington and get the job done very professional, and fast work, I would highly recommend this team. Thanks again guys!!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Let me start off and say, that this team of workers are excellent 👍.They showed nothing but excellent customer service the whole time.They…
Let me start off and say, that this team of workers are excellent 👍.They showed nothing but excellent customer service the whole time.They are welcome on my property anytime,to do work. They cleaned up behind themselves,the whole time.Even cleaned up some of my mess left behind in that area. The people that I am referring to names are. Forman- Nicku Perfetti, Austin Thomas -Travis Carroll- Javona Gill. GO TEAM GO YOU ROCK. Thanks Tarhell for the experience.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Jacob did an excellent job & kept my mom informed during the whole process. Although it was very pricy, it was well worth the money saved…
Jacob did an excellent job & kept my mom informed during the whole process. Although it was very pricy, it was well worth the money saved on the electricity & fixed water issues under the crawl space.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Tae.s Edwin.c Sam.p Great job for me.
Tae.s Edwin.c Sam.p Great job for me.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
John Boy & James were great to work with. They kept me up to date through the entire process and kept the area clean. The company in…
John Boy & James were great to work with. They kept me up to date through the entire process and kept the area clean. The company in general is 100% great to work with. I recommend them!!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Tar Heel Basement Systems came highly recommended and we were not disappointed. Jacob, David and Noah were efficient, professional and…
Tar Heel Basement Systems came highly recommended and we were not disappointed. Jacob, David and Noah were efficient, professional and great to work with. They communicated daily with us and did a fantastic job!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Devin was very thorough during inspection of my crawl space waterproofing systems. I appreciate his thoughtful comments about future…
Devin was very thorough during inspection of my crawl space waterproofing systems. I appreciate his thoughtful comments about future improvements. Just great
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
I recently moved home to assist my parents in caring for their 30+ year old house with a crawl space that had never been touched. It was…
I recently moved home to assist my parents in caring for their 30+ year old house with a crawl space that had never been touched. It was bad and I needed help. My first point of contact with THBS was Pete Horak and I am so thankful it was. From day one Pete was dedicated to making sure my family and I were properly informed, felt safe and never felt alone during this process. Any question or concern I had, and he was ready to hop on the phone and get it handled. Even after work has been completed, my followup questions have been answered and handled quickly. Overall, happy and appreciative of THBS for restoring my family home to a safe place to be, and thank you for Pete; he’s a good one.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Couldn't be happier with the work done on my crawlspace. Thanks to Mike Z and his crew:Austin L, Ian B, Marty S, Erick H and Kane.
Couldn't be happier with the work done on my crawlspace. Thanks to Mike Z and his crew:Austin L, Ian B, Marty S, Erick H and Kane.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Incredible experience working with Groundworks (formerly known as Tarheel Basement)- they were incredibly responsive and easy to work with, …
Incredible experience working with Groundworks (formerly known as Tarheel Basement)- they were incredibly responsive and easy to work with, and saved the day for my clients with a major repair needed on their home to sell. Not only was their customer service awesome, but they were priced significantly better than other foundation companies. Matt Cotte worked directly with me and was such a huge help in determining the best route for my clients to take repair wise on a large scale project. He was quick to come out and provide multiple quotes and explain them in thorough detail. I received multiple updates throughout the process for peace of mind and clarity. I cannot recommend Groundworks enough!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
I've been writing to all my friends and family about the great job that tarheel basement did in my home! I have no more worries…
I've been writing to all my friends and family about the great job that tarheel basement did in my home! I have no more worries about water getting in and destroying my house now! Ken Stephen Michael and Robert are the most professional hard-working guys I could ever ask for to work on my house!!
- 4/
- 4/
- 4/
- 4/
- 4/
Life happens and yes we had a hiccup. The first assessmenlt of the problem wasn't quite right. GM Montrell sent Michael, a field…
Life happens and yes we had a hiccup. The first assessmenlt of the problem wasn't quite right. GM Montrell sent Michael, a field inspector, for a reassessment and we figured it out. I greatly appreciated Montrells responsiveness and Michael's thoroughness. The two work crews were both outstanding with their site work. THANKS Ian, Justin and Clemente for the redo and your thoroughness and pleasantries in making sure the jobl was done right.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Had liner and insulation replaced plus some and Jordan Bumpers, Ethan Romero and Zymir Mirrick did an exceptional job.
Had liner and insulation replaced plus some and Jordan Bumpers, Ethan Romero and Zymir Mirrick did an exceptional job.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
The the professional manner in which every part of the team approached the job at hand was far above my expectations. The Foreman, Shane…
The the professional manner in which every part of the team approached the job at hand was far above my expectations. The Foreman, Shane English introduced his team Evan Boswell and Jaziah Christ to me. They were courteous, hard working, kept the job site clean and organized. They were very timely arriving at job site. No waiting on my part. They ask me several times if I had any questions. And they placed items back where they needed to be. I have several other projects in mind for Tarheel Basement Solutions. I would not hesitate to recommend them for your projects.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Today Jackson from Elkin came to repair – finish an unfinished area on my cellar steps that had been left partially open / or came un-…
Today Jackson from Elkin came to repair – finish an unfinished area on my cellar steps that had been left partially open / or came un- sealed He did a magnificent job!!! Very neat, totally above my expectations I’m very happy. Thanks for sending him
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Austin and Chris did a great job for my crawl space, exceeded my expectations! Highly recommend Tar Heel!
Austin and Chris did a great job for my crawl space, exceeded my expectations! Highly recommend Tar Heel!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Very happy with the work done to stabilize part of our foundation by Tar Heel Basement Systems. Juan S and Alex S were professional,…
Very happy with the work done to stabilize part of our foundation by Tar Heel Basement Systems. Juan S and Alex S were professional, polite and efficient. They reviewed the process with me and kept me updated. They both have strong work ethics and represent the company well.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Ken, Gerry, and James P. All worked hard, were professional, did an excellent quality job and educated us on what they were doing and…
Ken, Gerry, and James P. All worked hard, were professional, did an excellent quality job and educated us on what they were doing and follow up.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Mike z colt and Austin l did a great job on my crawl space ty
Mike z colt and Austin l did a great job on my crawl space ty
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Nathan, JT, and Kip did a very good job, dealt with obstacles by giving good choices, and cleaned up well afterward. Thanks
Nathan, JT, and Kip did a very good job, dealt with obstacles by giving good choices, and cleaned up well afterward. Thanks
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Elton did a great job with our inspection. He was knowledgeable, professional, and friendly. We were happy with the quote to fix our…
Elton did a great job with our inspection. He was knowledgeable, professional, and friendly. We were happy with the quote to fix our driveway.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
We are very happy we had our encapsulation performed by Tar Heel Basement Systems. They were professional and did a great job, cleaned up…
We are very happy we had our encapsulation performed by Tar Heel Basement Systems. They were professional and did a great job, cleaned up after the job was completed. John, Chris, Justin, Cam and Gerridt are hard workers are extremely polite
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Dustin was awesome, thorough and helpful
Dustin was awesome, thorough and helpful
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
FABULOUS JOB AND CREW! WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND OUR EXPECTATIONS!!!!
FABULOUS JOB AND CREW! WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND OUR EXPECTATIONS!!!!
Great experience, very satisfied with the job that was done! Starting with the salesman, Colin Schmid, down to the technicians, Keiron…
Great experience, very satisfied with the job that was done! Starting with the salesman, Colin Schmid, down to the technicians, Keiron Taylor, we are very pleased. Communication was great, they kept us up to date with the entire progress and made the experience stress free. Very professional. We would highly recommend!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Groundworks just installed a sump pump. Jonathan, Julien and Roy did a great job. They were very professional and knowledgeable. Jonathan…
Groundworks just installed a sump pump. Jonathan, Julien and Roy did a great job. They were very professional and knowledgeable. Jonathan answered all my questions, explained all of it with me, and the guys were fine with me looking over their shoulders as they worked. The whole area was cleaned up before they left. Also, Caleb, the salesman/technician, picked right up every time I called him and answered all my questions. Great job, guys!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
We had two crews at the same time. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Both crews got their work done in a very reasonable time and they were…
We had two crews at the same time. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Both crews got their work done in a very reasonable time and they were on their way. Before leaving they had videos and pictures to show the crawl space improvement. These folks show up! There was very little time between the initial call and completion of the job.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Big big shout out to the guys who came and did all the work under my house, they didn’t complain or fuss the entire four days they were…
Big big shout out to the guys who came and did all the work under my house, they didn’t complain or fuss the entire four days they were here, job was done professionally and in a very timely manner, highly highly recommend this company for any kind of work you need done on your basement/crawlspace. By far not the cheapest option but the quality of work and craftsmanship stand out in there employees and the work they provide. Gary Hacker, Nester Bautista, and Axel Perez all deserve a raise!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Great experience crew was knowledgeable and explained process as it proceeded. The crew was Mike, Colt and Lee. Our sales person was…
Great experience crew was knowledgeable and explained process as it proceeded. The crew was Mike, Colt and Lee. Our sales person was Matthew Cote very knowledgeable and patient with all our questions.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
The installers did an outstanding job encapsulating our crawlspace, installing a dehumidifier and sump pump. It looks lovely! Ken,…
The installers did an outstanding job encapsulating our crawlspace, installing a dehumidifier and sump pump. It looks lovely! Ken, Stephen, and Jael were knowledgable, courteous, personable and professional. The job was completed in 2 and a half days. They hauled away the old liners and left the site spick and span. They kept us fully updated on the process. We also appreciated their attention to detail. They supplied us with a photo of a plumbing issue under the house of which we were unaware. Thanks to their help, we can get this taken care of before it gets worse. Thank you Ken, Stephen, and Jael for your careful work.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Very pleased with the work that was completed in our crawlspace and John, Austin, & Chris were very professional, kind, and did an amazing…
Very pleased with the work that was completed in our crawlspace and John, Austin, & Chris were very professional, kind, and did an amazing job! Thank you!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
These guys did an amazing job to my crawlspace. Austin Moody, John Noyola, Roy Ruiz, Johnathan Ruiz great team of guys! In and out in, they …
These guys did an amazing job to my crawlspace. Austin Moody, John Noyola, Roy Ruiz, Johnathan Ruiz great team of guys! In and out in, they hustled and busted their tails to get the job done. Looks amazing under there now. Hardly knew they guys were here, weren't too loud and cleaned up the mess very well. Austin was very well at explaining the whole process and what they were working on throughout the process. Definitely recommend!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Friendly staff & always a great job!
Friendly staff & always a great job!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
RJ, Walter S, and James W repaired our sinking floors, installed a French drain, and installed a sister beam all in two days. Just like…
RJ, Walter S, and James W repaired our sinking floors, installed a French drain, and installed a sister beam all in two days. Just like clockwork, they showed up on time and completed the job as promised. Truly a skilled and dedicated team.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Jess and Zach did an awesome job!
Jess and Zach did an awesome job!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
They were great,Jose Morales,Anthony McCieary Jr.,Omar Cox
They were great,Jose Morales,Anthony McCieary Jr.,Omar Cox
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Jess and Josiah came out to lift some sunken concrete and fill some voids that developed under my garage and slab. They did an awesome job! …
Jess and Josiah came out to lift some sunken concrete and fill some voids that developed under my garage and slab. They did an awesome job! Everything looks great and I feel much better about how stable everything is.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Joel did a great job explaining everything he that was going to do and when he completed, he showed pictures of everything that was done…
Joel did a great job explaining everything he that was going to do and when he completed, he showed pictures of everything that was done and explain thoroughly The pictures and why he did what he did. I think he did a fantastic job. He is a great representative for Tar Heel Basement Systems.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
It was great!! From the assessment to the finished product Austin L is an amazing communicator and my 88 year old mom adored him if I…
It was great!! From the assessment to the finished product Austin L is an amazing communicator and my 88 year old mom adored him if I didn’t know would have not guessed he was in training He’s ready Take it from someone who spent 35 years in corporate Mike Z ( great trainer obviously)and Lee (wing man 😂) where great as well Friendly easy to be with Love the conversation and information Highly recommended Crawl encapsulation 🤗
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Mason was a great sales rep. Very responsive and knowledgeable. Jesus is a great job Forman. He maintained constant communication during…
Mason was a great sales rep. Very responsive and knowledgeable. Jesus is a great job Forman. He maintained constant communication during project execution.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
I am very pleased with the quality of work and attention to detail of Tar Heel Basement Systems, specifically of Ken DeCamp and Michael…
I am very pleased with the quality of work and attention to detail of Tar Heel Basement Systems, specifically of Ken DeCamp and Michael James. They were professional, communicative, and determined to do the job right.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Jalynn Brown ensured great communication during the process. He and his crew, Trenton Evans and Jahi Atkinson, did a great job.
Jalynn Brown ensured great communication during the process. He and his crew, Trenton Evans and Jahi Atkinson, did a great job.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
We used Tar Heel Basement Systems repair a rotted sill beam on the front of our 100+ year old house. From the time Clint showed up to do…
We used Tar Heel Basement Systems repair a rotted sill beam on the front of our 100+ year old house. From the time Clint showed up to do our estimate untill the crew left having completed the work it was a great experience. Clint was very thorough and ensured we understood everything before he left. When the crew arrived the Foreman, Evan spoke in terms I as the homeowner could understand. He went over everything again and made sure I knew the scope of work, the time line, etc. Matt and Cody did a great job. They made quick work of getting all the old insulation out of the crawlspace. They all did a great job with the structural work and that did one last walk around and picked up all the old insulation down to the smallest pieces. Very professional crew
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Austin, John, and Chris were extremely professional, communicated very well, and did great work from what I can tell. Highly recommend…
Austin, John, and Chris were extremely professional, communicated very well, and did great work from what I can tell. Highly recommend this company and crew for anyone in need of crawl space work.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Cameron S, Hayden C, and Ethen S were excellent workers. Came to my home on time and finished the project quickly and efficiently. They…
Cameron S, Hayden C, and Ethen S were excellent workers. Came to my home on time and finished the project quickly and efficiently. They communicated well about the job they were doing and walked me through after completion. I will be using Tarheel/Groundworks again if i need any work done on my crawlspace.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Great company. From the first call everything went like clockwork! We were very happy with the result and would not hesitate to use them…
Great company. From the first call everything went like clockwork! We were very happy with the result and would not hesitate to use them again for other projects or to recommend them to others. Brian promptly came out for the estimate and he was very professional and helpful by answering all our questions clearly. Juan and Alex who did the work were professional and excellent….they did a great job. We also felt that the price was very fair.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Had driveway lifted in areas where the concrete had sunk and cracked. They levelled everything nicely and did quick work. Price right and…
Had driveway lifted in areas where the concrete had sunk and cracked. They levelled everything nicely and did quick work. Price right and crew was professional. Would recommend Groundwork’s to others.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Dustin did an excellent job going over the details of my crawlspace. He was extremely thorough and very informative about all things…
Dustin did an excellent job going over the details of my crawlspace. He was extremely thorough and very informative about all things moisture.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
We needed foundation stabilization. Tae S., Sam P., and Austin L. were super workers, polite, thorough and prompt…great crew!
We needed foundation stabilization. Tae S., Sam P., and Austin L. were super workers, polite, thorough and prompt…great crew!
Basement Waterproofing Solutions
Basement leaks can be a challenge to remedy, but you can feel confident in knowing these and other basement problems will be properly handled by the best in the business. Our comprehensive waterproofing system – including interior drainage, a sump pump, a vapor barrier, and a dehumidifier – can handle the toughest leaks and permanently waterproof your home.
AquaStop™ Basement Sump Pumps
AquaStop™ Sump Pumps effectively remove basement water, ensuring a dry space. Trust Tar Heel Basement Systems for expert installation.
Basement Dehumidifier
Tar Heel Basement Systems offers state-of-the-art AquaStop™ Air Systems, ensuring a dry, comfortable, and healthier environment.
WallSeal™ Basement Wall Vapor Barrier
Tar Heel Basement Systems is at the forefront of controlling basement moisture. Discover how a wall vapor barrier can help.
BasementGutter™ Interior Drainage System Installation
Trust the BasementGutter™ interior foundation drainage system to effectively and reliably address your basement water issues.
Is Basement Waterproofing the Right Solution for me?
Basements can be damp, dark, smelly, and saturated with water. Many homeowners avoid their basements and think of them as “out of sight and out of mind” for those reasons. But this can put your health and your family’s well-being in danger.
Wet basements are the perfect homes for pests, mold, and musty odors, which can be detrimental to anyone in the house with asthma, allergies, and other breathing problems. Why put your loved ones’ safety at risk and waste a perfectly good space? Properly waterproofed basements can be used for secure storage, a movie or game room, extra living space, and much more.
Before moving in the comfy couches, big TVs, or storage bins, make sure these items will not sustain water damage or other ill fates by protecting the area with quality waterproofing solutions. The products we offer at Tar Heel Basement Systems include an interior drainage system to intercept any leaking water from the walls and floor, a sump pump to remove this water from the basement, a vapor barrier to prevent moisture and vapor intrusion from the walls, and a dehumidifier to control humidity. All these solutions work together to keep your home safe and dry, and everything can be customized to meet your specific waterproofing needs.
FAQs
We’ve saved the best concern for last. This is one of the most commonly asked questions we hear from homeowners. And rightly so. Your home is the most significant investment you’ll ever make, and you want to be sure you’re using quality solutions to protect it.
Homeowners can expect to spend an average of $4,000 on basement waterproofing, with different projects ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. And the return on investment from basement waterproofing is estimated to be around 30 percent. But when you think about it, the health and structural and safety benefits, as well as peace of mind you’re investing in, are priceless.
Every home is different, and every project calls for different solutions. That is why we cannot offer you a ballpark estimate over the phone. It’s important for one of our inspectors to physically visit your house to better understand what is going on. We are able to customize solutions specific to your repair needs. Your inspector will take into consideration your repair goals, the severity of damage or problem areas, square footage, and your budget. It’s not just a “one size fits all” fix.
Contacting us for an expert opinion is your best way to go. We will not try to throw bandages on the problems, push you to buy unnecessary products, or provide sub-standard quick fixes.
We install only the very best solutions that are proven to permanently address your wet, leaking basement once and for all. It’s our commitment to you and your family. The products we use are manufactured in the USA and are designed to work together to give your basement complete protection.
Our professional team will work with you every step of the way to design the best basement waterproofing system to perfectly fit your home’s repair needs.
These are the solutions and how they work:
- Interior Drainage System – The best way to waterproof a basement involves interior drainage channels. To collect seeping water from your walls and floor, we’ll place BasementGutter™ in the sub-floor throughout the basement’s perimeter. We also can place grated drainpipes in the floor in front of stairs and walk-out access points and tie these sections into the rest of the BasementGutter™ system. Water that is collected by these specially designed systems is then directed to a sump pump system. We also can use grated drainage
- Sump Pump System – Once the leaking water is collected, it needs somewhere to go other than back onto your floor. Our interior drainage systems discretely direct this water to a reliable sump pump system to be pumped out of the basement and away from the house. We have a variety of SafeDri™ sump pump systems to meet your waterproofing needs – the SafeDri ™ Pro X Premier Sump Pump System, SafeDri ™ Battery Backup System, SafeDri ™ TripleSump ™ Pump System, and SafeDri ™ Pro Crawl Space Sump Pump System.
- Dehumidifier – For a truly safe, dry, and healthy space, you also need to condition the air. Our powerful dehumidifier unit is energy-efficient in cleaning and filtering the air, controlling moisture and humidity, eliminating odors, and reducing potential mold growth. Unlike convention dehumidifiers, our unit is self-draining and can be directed to perimeter drainage or sump pump systems so there are no buckets to have to worry about emptying.
- Frozen Discharge Line Prevention – Water being pumped out of a basement by way of a sump pump system exits through discharge lines. The lines outside the house could potentially freeze or become blocked, and this allows water to flow back into the basement. To prevent this from happening, we can attach the FreezeGuard™ outlet to the exterior sump pump discharge line.
- Crack Repairs – We can seal and repair any wall cracks to prevent water intrusion. Our foundation repair solutions may also be needed for significant cracking and wall movement.
Now are you ready to take back your home and make it a better place for your family to live and grow? As you start to plan for your repairs, you might be eager to run out to your neighborhood home improvement store to gather supplies. You may be very handy and capable of fixing different things around your home, but waterproofing a basement is not something you and a friend can tackle in a weekend. These types of repairs are serious work and are best left to professional contractors.
There’s nothing to stop you from applying something like a sealant or paint to your walls, but these materials are only temporary quick fixes that will not permanently solve your leaking water issue. Sealants and paints will pop and flake, indicating a lingering moisture problem. Water also can find another way in because it follows the path of least resistance.
Instead of wasting money on fast fixes that you’ll only have to spend more time and money reapplying, fix your wet basement the right way the first time around with trusted solutions from a reliable contractor.
We know it can be intimidating working with someone you don’t know, and you’ve probably heard stories from friends and family members who had awful experiences with contractors. So, it’s understandable that you’d feel wary of working with a contractor yourself. But don’t let that totally influence your decision.
Before hiring a contractor, make sure you do your homework and are comfortable with who you bring into your home. Ask for reviews; references; proof of insurance, licenses, and other certifications; a written contract; and examples of work that has been completed.
Now that you’ve read about potential problems in your basement and how they got there, aren’t you ready to get rid of them? Why would you want to live in a wet, uncomfortable house and subject your family to harmful conditions? There are so many ways you and your family can benefit from wet basement repair. Here are just a few of the perks:
- Better Health & Quality of Life
Mold loves nothing more than wet, damp, and dark areas like basements. So, if you’ve got any kind of leaking or standing water in your basement, chances are you’ve got mold growing there, too. Half of the air you breathe comes from below-grade areas like basements and crawl spaces. So, if there’s mold in these areas, it’s also circulating in the air throughout the rest of the house and affecting you. This can lead to and worsen health problems like asthma, allergies and respiratory issues. By having a properly waterproofed basement, you are eliminating the chance for mold to thrive and investing in the health and safety of everyone in the home. Having a trusted dehumidifier installed also helps control moisture and humidity, as well as improve overall air quality.
- Enhanced Structural Stability
Leaking water also affects your home’s structural integrity. If you have block foundation walls, water can easily saturate and seep through the porous material and find its way inside through any crack or gap. If water has nowhere to go, it starts building up inside the walls. Coupled with hydrostatic pressure, this results in an unsafe mess. Another issue we’ve run into is wooden floors and supports affected by dry rot. Don’t subject your loved ones to an environment that could cave in at any time. When you have your basement properly waterproofed, you also are ensuring a longer lifetime for your home.
- Improved Energy Efficiency
Below-grade areas like basements are naturally cooler, but any leaking water also can cause more of a temperature drop. This will lead to more running time for your furnace, and higher heating bills. And during warmer, humid days, the air conditioner will be over-worked as you try to keep your house cool. Having reliable waterproofing and dehumidification solutions to protect your home also will protect your wallet by lowering your energy bills.
- Increased Real Estate Value
Many different factors can affect a home’s real estate/resale value, but it’s important for you to be aware of the condition of your home regardless. This includes any issues with water seepage, dampness or standing water in the basement, drainage on the property, and flood hazard. Homeowners in North Carolina who are selling their house are required to complete the State of North Carolina Residential Property and Owners’ Association Disclosure Statement to the best of their ability. Being honest about any known issues when it comes to leaks and waterproofing sets clear expectations regarding the quality and condition of the home. Buyers expect a dry basement.
An unpleasant smell in your basement makes your home less comfortable to live in. That doesn’t mean that your home’s unlivable, though. How can a musty smell in your basement impact the stability of the rest of your home?
Musty Smells and Greater Water Damage
Musty smells aren’t pleasant to deal with, it’s true. They can prematurely age your home and make your entertaining areas less pleasant to spend time in. Mustiness tends to indicate more than just your home’s age. It also serves as an indicator of greater damage throughout your home.
The longer you allow mustiness to reside in your basement, the more likely it is that your basement is going to take on structural damage. That mustiness, as mentioned, is moisture. That moisture can get absorbed into your home’s structural supports, where it can weaken them or otherwise contribute to the hydrostatic pressure in your basement. The longer this kind of damage sits, the worse it gets. If you choose to forgo essential repairs, then you may find yourself several months down the line dealing with a cracking chimney or even a sinking foundation.
Unpleasant Smells and the Value of Your Home
It isn’t impossible to sell a home with basement damage. It’s not even impossible to sell a home with a musty smell. It is, however, much more difficult to do this kind of work. For starters, you’re going to have to list any damage your home’s taken on in your home’s listing. There’s no hiding basement damage, no matter how inconsequential you may think it is.
Not only will word of a damaged basement make your home more difficult to sell, but it will also reduce the overall value of your home. While you can sell a home with persistent musty smells, you’re going to have to convince future buyers to take on the challenge of repairs. To do so, you risk losing up to 30 percent of your home’s market value to what are effectively reparations. If your primary concerns lay with the cost of repairs, it’s important to compare and contrast what you might spend on said repairs versus what you might lose when you eventually go to sell your property.
A sump pump is a kind of drainage system that collects water into a pit and then pumps it out of and away from the foundation. It’s a perfect device for homeowners who have basement flooding problems and need to keep that part of the house as dry as possible. If you already have a sump pump in your basement, you should know that it may not be enough to have just one.
Living in Northern North Carolina means that your property probably sees a lot of water. It would be worth investing in a second or even a third pump for your sump pump in order to keep up with the incredible amounts of water that flows around your foundation. If your sump pump gets overworked because of all the water it has to continuously pump, it will have a shorter lifespan and malfunction sooner than it should. When this happens, your basement will quickly flood, and the structural damages as a result of that failure will cost more than a second pump. All of the sump pumps in our SafeDri™ series can all be installed with a backup battery system that will guarantee a dry basement at all times.
If you’re unsure if you need another pump, simply observe your sump pump during the summer. Summer is the rainiest season in North Carolina, so watching the sump pump when it’s at its most active will give you all the information you need. If the water is flowing into the pit at an excessive rate, you need to invest in another pump. Doing so will ensure that the device functions for years without failure.
Why is Basement Waterproofing Needed?
Basement waterproofing is a necessity in any home built in areas with high humidity and frequent rain. This helps your home stand up to wet weather and protect it from water and vapor intrusion. Here are some common reasons why your home may need a quality waterproofing system.
Environmental Factors
North Carolina is known for its red clay soil, but it wreaks havoc on homes. Clay is an expansive soil that becomes easily saturated and holds onto water. Since areas like Raleigh and Winston-Salem experience frequent rain year-round, this adds fuel to the fire. Overly saturated soil creates hydrostatic pressure that is exerted on foundation walls and leads to cracks and leaks, and even basement flooding and wall collapse.
Real Estate Value
A wet, moldy basement can impact the sale and overall value of your home. Many buyers in today’s competitive market want turnkey houses free of problems, and a nasty basement can be an instant turnoff. If you don’t want to deal with a water-damaged basement, why would potential buyers? It’s best to have the basement properly waterproofed to protect and even boost your home’s value.
Air Quality Throughout Your Home
Because of the stack effect – the movement of air in your home from bottom to top – about half of the air you are breathing in your house comes from the basement. If your basement has high humidity, musty odors, mold, and pest droppings, all those things are circulating in the air throughout the rest of your home. Not only is this unnerving to think about, but these hazards can be dangerous for anyone in the household, especially those with breathing problems.
Common Basement Waterproofing Tips & Mistakes
In our almost 20 years in the basement waterproofing and foundation repair industry, we have heard and seen it all. But we are committed to educating homeowners just like you, as well as providing exceptional service and trusted waterproofing solutions.
Helpful Basement Waterproofing Tips:
- Invest in a Quality Dehumidifier: Homes in areas like Stokes County and coastal Wilmington are no stranger to humidity. Having a reliable dehumidifier to control moisture and humidity in your basement is essential. Conventional units are not built for larger areas like basements. But at Tar Heel Basement Systems, our energy-efficient, self-draining dehumidifier can stand up to the challenge without breaking the bank or negatively impacting your energy consumption.
- Monitor Exterior Drainage Systems: While the waterproofing system we offer is installed inside your basement, it’s important to keep an eye out for your exterior systems. This includes your gutters and downspouts. If either of these pieces is clogged, damaged, or allows water to collect near your foundation, basement leaking and damage can quickly develop. Make sure you check and clean your gutters and downspouts at least twice a year, and angle downspout extensions and landscaping away from the house.
- Trust Local Waterproofing Experts: Our professional team has years of experience in the industry, and we know exactly what challenges North Carolina basements face and how to fix them. Our specialists will complete a thorough inspection inside and outside your home, recommend the best solutions tailored to your home’s unique repair needs, and treat your home as their own as they install these products to keep your home protected.
Mistakes to Avoid When Waterproofing Your Basement:
- Installing DIY Solutions: There are many areas of your home that can benefit from DIY projects, but your basement is a delicate, tricky area. Many repairs like “waterproof” paints and sealants available at big box stores are only temporary patches and do not address the root of your basement problems.
- Not Investing in a Comprehensive Waterproofing System: While every basement is different with their own requirements, only having one piece of the waterproofing puzzle is not going to keep your home dry. Sump pumps are a great solution for many homes, but they also must be coupled with an interior drainage system to be fully effective. Moisture may still be an issue, so it’s important to have a reliable dehumidifier and even a vapor barrier installed as well.
- Hiring a General Contractor Instead of a Waterproofing Expert: Your home might need various projects to keep it in tip-top shape and hiring a general contractor to complete all the work is an option. However, while general contractors are “jacks of all trades,” they may not be certified professionals who specialize in basement waterproofing. For help with problems like a wet basement and musty odors, it’s important to select local waterproofing experts like our team at Tar Heel Basement Systems who are knowledgeable about everything related to basements.
Providing Expert Basement Waterproofing in North Carolina
Pennsylvania trusts Tar Heel Basement Systems for reliable basement waterproofing, crawl space, foundation, and concrete repair services. Contact us for a free inspection!
Top Cities We Serve
Our Locations
3400 Walsh Pky, Suite 220
Fayetteville, NC 28311
611 Summit Ave, Suite 5
Greensboro, NC 27405
8005 Knightdale Blvd
Knightdale, NC 27545
2155 Enterprise Dr. NE
Leland, NC 28451
2910 Griffith Rd
Winston-Salem, NC 27103