Skip to Main Content
THBS crew installing interior drainage in basement

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 Estimate

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.

READ MORE ABOUT THE STACK EFFECT >

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

Groundworks, LLC BBB Business Review
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

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/
Review Logo

The team worked diligently at my mom’s house. I highly recommend their services.

The team worked diligently at my mom’s house. I highly recommend their services.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/

Justin H, Demarte, Quentin, and Wolfe did an amazing job.

Justin H, Demarte, Quentin, and Wolfe did an amazing job.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Got a quote today by Tim and he was fabulous. Gave great detail about what needed to be done. Very professional and friendly.

Got a quote today by Tim and he was fabulous. Gave great detail about what needed to be done. Very professional and friendly.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Good work and communication from Josue M and Tito C.

Good work and communication from Josue M and Tito C.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

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/
Review Logo

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/
Review Logo

Tim Martin was very professional and informative. He helped me understand the issue with my home and how to fix it.I highly recommend Tim…

Tim Martin was very professional and informative. He helped me understand the issue with my home and how to fix it.I highly recommend Tim for your crawlspace needs.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Justin, Gerritt and Cameron came out to do an encapsulation for us and it exceeded our expectations! Cameron was super thorough and walked…

Justin, Gerritt and Cameron came out to do an encapsulation for us and it exceeded our expectations! Cameron was super thorough and walked us through the process and provided plenty of updates along the way. Could not have asked for more. When you’re spending such a big amount on something like that it is comforting to know they’re making sure it’s just right. Thank you all so much!! Also shoutout to Matt for our consult! Literally the coolest dude. Lastly, you can’t beat the price for the quality and service. Thank you all!

Brittany Williamson

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

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/
Review Logo

Gary Hacker and Robert Hacker have been efficient, polite, and good communicators. They performed the job with virtually no mess for us,…

Gary Hacker and Robert Hacker have been efficient, polite, and good communicators. They performed the job with virtually no mess for us, cleaning and straightening each day before they left. Thank you, Tarheel.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

John, Kolin and James were courteous, on time and very informative. They took great pride and keeping things clean and neat. They were…

John, Kolin and James were courteous, on time and very informative. They took great pride and keeping things clean and neat. They were personable, polite, and knowledgeable. They guided us through this process and kept us very well informed. They were excellent helping us through this stressful time.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Austin, John and the other John did good work and cleaned up afterward. They were polite and easy to talk to. Explained everything before…

Austin, John and the other John did good work and cleaned up afterward. They were polite and easy to talk to. Explained everything before doing the job.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Great communication and planning. Install went according to plan. Thank you for the 5 star service.

Great communication and planning. Install went according to plan. Thank you for the 5 star service.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

I would highly recommend Tarheel basement systems. They did an excellent job in our one hundred year-old house and waterproofing our…

I would highly recommend Tarheel basement systems. They did an excellent job in our one hundred year-old house and waterproofing our basement. Ken D and Stephan F were incredibly professional and had so much expertise. They were efficient and knowledgeable. I trusted them in our home and at the final walk through , not a single concern. highly recommend !

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

My inspector, Carter Lassiter, was very professional and educational in helping me understand exactly what I needed to have done underneath …

My inspector, Carter Lassiter, was very professional and educational in helping me understand exactly what I needed to have done underneath my house to ensure my 100 yr+ historical home remained in tact. Prior to Carter coming out, I had paid another company to do what I thought was going to fix my crawl space and unfortunately after one year I started to see issues arise again. Wood rot, moisture, etc. When Sam and Josh (the production team) arrived, they were just as professional and informative of the work they would be doing in my crawlspace. I felt confident from the first inspection all the way to the production team who completed the work to correct and truly fix my crawlspace. Having a warranty from Tarheel Basement makes me feel much more comfortable this go round compared to who I used before. 10/10 WOULD RECOMMEND

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/

Tarheel Basement Systems did a great job encapsulating our crawl space! Nestor, Luis and Felipe were professional, prompt and clearly…

Tarheel Basement Systems did a great job encapsulating our crawl space! Nestor, Luis and Felipe were professional, prompt and clearly communicated every step of the process. We are very satisfied and would recommend Tarheel to anyone.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

No service better than that provided by John. Austin and Chris. They all were top notch, keeping me informed about their progress during…

No service better than that provided by John. Austin and Chris. They all were top notch, keeping me informed about their progress during the job. My personal QC inspection revealed top quality workmanship.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Dustin was awesome, thorough and helpful

Dustin was awesome, thorough and helpful

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Every person involved in this process were excellent representatives for Tar Heel Basement Systems! From Mathew whom explained the process…

Every person involved in this process were excellent representatives for Tar Heel Basement Systems! From Mathew whom explained the process to Juan and his crew installing and Elizabeth in her capacity as office liason did a great job!

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Jalynn brown, Dominique bunch , Omar cox these men did a great.

Jalynn brown, Dominique bunch , Omar cox these men did a great.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Juan and his crew were very knowledge, hardworking, and courteous. They thoroughly explained everything they were doing. I will not use…

Juan and his crew were very knowledge, hardworking, and courteous. They thoroughly explained everything they were doing. I will not use anyone else in future as they are the true professionals at this sort of work. The last company that I hired did not do a proper job and Tar Heel showed me that by the quality of work.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Colin Schmid is very professional and knowledgeable. I felt like he had my best interests in mind, which was great.

Colin Schmid is very professional and knowledgeable. I felt like he had my best interests in mind, which was great.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Juan,Alex and Quentin were very diligent and made sure the yard wasn’t trashed or damaged. They kept us abreast of the progress and shared…

Juan,Alex and Quentin were very diligent and made sure the yard wasn’t trashed or damaged. They kept us abreast of the progress and shared pictures. We were very pleased.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Nathan Addington just left my Mom's house after a routine service inspection. He was so nice and very thorough! Thanks to him, we found…

Nathan Addington just left my Mom's house after a routine service inspection. He was so nice and very thorough! Thanks to him, we found out the gutter downspouts are in need of repair and some need replacing. We ordered from him right then and there! He even told us we qualified for an extended warranty for a very special price. I have been very satisfied with Tarheel Basement over the years and they continue to provide quality personnel and support! Thank you, Nathan, for being so sweet to us old folks!

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

We contacted Tarheel Basement Systems because, despite the fact that our home in Stokesdale was only 2 years old, it had a musty smell and…

We contacted Tarheel Basement Systems because, despite the fact that our home in Stokesdale was only 2 years old, it had a musty smell and shockingly we were beginning to see some mold spots on and around vents and in closets, including clothes. They sent out a representative (Harlan) promptly, on a Saturday, who inspected the crawl space, took readings of humidity in the wood and the insulation and overall air, took schematics of the crawl space, and plenty of pictures. He discussed the cost and options with us, taking his time, including financing options. He was extremely thorough, and we agreed on the scope of the work and cost. They initiated the project, with Jacob C and Terrence A arriving at our home early in the morning. Jacob and Terrence were extremely courteous and professional, dropped off some initial documentation, and got to work. I did not have to be home but was able to work from home for the duration of their visit and I can tell you that they worked hard for two days beginning early in the day until late afternoon. Other than leaving for home after Day 1, they did not leave the site and took minimal break time during the entire duration of their stay. Peeking out from time-to-time they took their time cutting the materials to size, and when the project was over recapped with me what they had done. My wife and I are extremely appreciative of Jacob C, Terrence A, Harlan, and the entire team at Tar Heel Basement Systems and would not hesitate to enlist them again!

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Ian and Nathan were pure professionals during our installation.At the end of each day I was made aware of progress made with documentation…

Ian and Nathan were pure professionals during our installation.At the end of each day I was made aware of progress made with documentation and what was to come. Transparent and professional. Could not be happier with the service I received.5/5 stars.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

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/
Review Logo

Groundworks did a fantastic job installing an encapsulation of our crawlspace. The crew was awesome! Nick, Isaiah and Hunter were very…

Groundworks did a fantastic job installing an encapsulation of our crawlspace. The crew was awesome! Nick, Isaiah and Hunter were very friendly and highly professional. Any questions we had were quickly answered and easy to understand. We can't recommend them highly enough and wouldn't hesitate to use them again. Thanks!!

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Tim was great! He educated me on the whole process, his findings, recommendations and everything in between! We both worked with each…

Tim was great! He educated me on the whole process, his findings, recommendations and everything in between! We both worked with each others schedules to make this happen!

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

This Groundworks crew was excellent, Chris O, Austin G, Harry, Mike 2, and Quinton they kept me informed every step of the way. Took…

This Groundworks crew was excellent, Chris O, Austin G, Harry, Mike 2, and Quinton they kept me informed every step of the way. Took pictures to share with me of the work as it was being done and also at completion. They did an excellent job cleaning up afterwards. Very happy with the professional job they did.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

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

Carlton Albritton Jr.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Gerrit, Justin, and Cameron were a pleasure to have out working on our house.They were prompt and thorough. I would highly recommend them.

Gerrit, Justin, and Cameron were a pleasure to have out working on our house.They were prompt and thorough. I would highly recommend them.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

I am very pleased with the service received from Tar Hill Basement and the outstanding job done by Service Tech Josh Lichtenberger. I was…

I am very pleased with the service received from Tar Hill Basement and the outstanding job done by Service Tech Josh Lichtenberger. I was very pleased with this young man's professionalism, ability and customer care. He very efficiently diagnosed the problems with my sump pump and dehumidifier. He then proceeded to clean and replace/update or repair old or worn out parts. I asked a trillion questions and he very patiently explained to me my system(s) and how they worked. His commitment to go the extra mile is much appreciated. I highly recommended the company, the equipment and the service tech.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

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/
Review Logo

After an annual maintenance service of our crawl space encapsulation and at the suggestion of Grant we decided to move forward with a plan…

After an annual maintenance service of our crawl space encapsulation and at the suggestion of Grant we decided to move forward with a plan to stabilize an area of our foundation that was weakened for some time. Tyree and Christian came out two days later to install beams and jacks to secure that part of the foundation. Tyree explained everything that was going to happen, what it would do to stabilize the foundation, and how long it would take. Everything went very smoothly and I went into the crawlspace to inspect the work and learn how the system would add support to the foundation. Tyree explained in terms I could understand. Both men were professional and finished in the time they laid out. This is my second experience with Tar Heel and both went well.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Ken,Gerry & James P did an excellent job. They were very professional. I would highly recommend.

Ken,Gerry & James P did an excellent job. They were very professional. I would highly recommend.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

We were extremely pleased with the work they prefor on our home. Highly recommend this company.

We were extremely pleased with the work they prefor on our home. Highly recommend this company.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

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/
Review Logo

Devin hunt was prompt in the same day schedule and came early and gave me good news. Reviewed the report thoroughly with me

Devin hunt was prompt in the same day schedule and came early and gave me good news. Reviewed the report thoroughly with me

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Great job, very detailed info. Trusted he cared about the needs od the customet and my home.

Great job, very detailed info. Trusted he cared about the needs od the customet and my home.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Devin was great! He went above and beyond and was very helpful with his explanations of everything.

Devin was great! He went above and beyond and was very helpful with his explanations of everything.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

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/
Review Logo

Jackson spent so much time assessing our crawl space, taking pictures and video and provided a full report with recommendations and…

Jackson spent so much time assessing our crawl space, taking pictures and video and provided a full report with recommendations and estimates on the portions that needed attention. He went above and beyond to ensure excellent customer service and care. I appreciated his attention to detail and his expertise.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

From the time I chose Tar Heel Basement Systems, the communication was excellent and everything went smooth. Nick and Devon were very…

From the time I chose Tar Heel Basement Systems, the communication was excellent and everything went smooth. Nick and Devon were very professional and did a great job stabilizing the foundation, cleaning up and making sure we were satisfied with the outcome. I would definitely recommend Tar Heel Basement Systems and their crew!

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

The guys were extremely polite and professional, answering all my questions and explaining what they were going to do. Great experience…

The guys were extremely polite and professional, answering all my questions and explaining what they were going to do. Great experience from start to finish. Jason, Mike, Colt, Jay, and Christian from Wilmington team couldn’t have been better to work with. The crawl space looks great and I feel much better about the moisture control now.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Billy, Junior and Anthony did an excellent job on my crawl space dry in installation. They were very informative about the whole process. I …

Billy, Junior and Anthony did an excellent job on my crawl space dry in installation. They were very informative about the whole process. I am completely satisfied and would recommend Tarheel basement to anyone looking to get a crawl space installation done. Thank you all for the outstanding service..

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Just had my second service performed and both experiences have been excellent. Special commendation to the installers, Matthew Mounts,…

Just had my second service performed and both experiences have been excellent. Special commendation to the installers, Matthew Mounts, Taylor Dennis and Nathan Griffin. These guys were very professional and efficient! All of the processes were explained thoroughly, the work was completed quickly and the area was left clean. Highly recommend!

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Tar Heel Basement Systems always goes above and beyond expectations. We had our annual system inspection/maintenance yesterday with Jackson….

Tar Heel Basement Systems always goes above and beyond expectations. We had our annual system inspection/maintenance yesterday with Jackson. He was courteous, knowledgable and showed up ahead of time. We will continue to use Tar Heel!

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

We would highly recommend Groundworks. Our crawl space was showing signs of deterioration. The insulation was beginning to droop and hold…

We would highly recommend Groundworks. Our crawl space was showing signs of deterioration. The insulation was beginning to droop and hold moisture. We were concerned this would damage our floor joists at some point. We are so thankful for Certified Field Inspector Jay Yount. He spent more than an hour inspecting our crawl space and making recommendations as well as presenting proposals to work with our budget. Jonathan Ruiz, Julian Bruno Bernal and Roy Ruiz were highly qualified and professional on site. They kept us informed throughout the process and delivered high quality results. We are very pleased with the results.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

We had the crawlspace sealed back in 2020. Recently we decided to complete the crawlspace project by having the insulation removed from the …

We had the crawlspace sealed back in 2020. Recently we decided to complete the crawlspace project by having the insulation removed from the floor joists as well as having insulation board installed on the concrete cinderblock, collectively known as "finishing the crawlspace". Well, I must say, Groundworks sent me the A-team: Sam, Josh and Kim. These folks were efficient, courteous and clearly knew what they were doing. They you guys and gal!!! It looks great!

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

On time, thorough, and very knowledgeable, Joel Cocker explained everything clearly and went above and beyond inspecting our existing crawl …

On time, thorough, and very knowledgeable, Joel Cocker explained everything clearly and went above and beyond inspecting our existing crawl space encapsulation. He also took extra care servicing our industrial dehumidifier and had the report turned around in less than 24 hours. Very professional. I’m really happy with his service and I highly recommend him.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Great job by Austin Moody, Jesus Villagomes and John Noyola. We had the crawl space encapsulated. Very professional team.

Great job by Austin Moody, Jesus Villagomes and John Noyola. We had the crawl space encapsulated. Very professional team.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

We are so pleased with the work Brian C. & John C. did on our crawlspace encapsulation. From the first phone call to the estimate visit we…

We are so pleased with the work Brian C. & John C. did on our crawlspace encapsulation. From the first phone call to the estimate visit we couldn't have asked for better, accommodating workers.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

We had an incredible first experience with Tarheel Basement Systems, specifically with Tim Martin. Tim was friendly, efficient, and honest…

We had an incredible first experience with Tarheel Basement Systems, specifically with Tim Martin. Tim was friendly, efficient, and honest about what our situation was going to look like for us. I would recommend Tarheel Basement Systems to anyone who needs this area of work done.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

My Service Tech Matthew K did an awesome job identifying the problem (water seepage) and finding a way to address it without breaking the…

My Service Tech Matthew K did an awesome job identifying the problem (water seepage) and finding a way to address it without breaking the bank (a sump pump system). The foreman Grace H and her team were able to come out just a week or two after I scheduled the work, and they were fantastic to work with — on time, professional, friendly, and very patient even though I had a lot of questions. I would definitely recommend Tar Heel — I feel like this is one of the best investments I've made in my home.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Mike Z., Tae S., and Lawrence B. Were punctual, professional gentlemen. Mike thoroughly explained to me the entire process- both before…

Mike Z., Tae S., and Lawrence B. Were punctual, professional gentlemen. Mike thoroughly explained to me the entire process- both before and after work completed – additionally, showing me pictures discussing the work as well. Site was cleaned up, could not even tell they had been there! I am very satisfied with their work. Thank you!

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Great at explaining things that I would ask they were on time and friendly the work appears to be done good and on time. Thank you John…

Great at explaining things that I would ask they were on time and friendly the work appears to be done good and on time. Thank you John Kenny and Tim for your great service

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/

The gentlemen came out as promised, worked very hard, cleaned up from my crawlspace and made it healthy again. They did a super job. Thank…

The gentlemen came out as promised, worked very hard, cleaned up from my crawlspace and made it healthy again. They did a super job. Thank you each one that was here.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Work at our house was outstanding.Jalynn BrownDominique BunchAlterek SmithAll very professional, on time, nice and polite, dedicated to job….

Work at our house was outstanding.Jalynn BrownDominique BunchAlterek SmithAll very professional, on time, nice and polite, dedicated to job. Would highly recommend to anyone.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Gary Hacker Aiden Bennett Michael Mayes Tore out and replaced the foundation crawlspace boards put in supports and floor jack's. What an…

Gary Hacker Aiden Bennett Michael Mayes Tore out and replaced the foundation crawlspace boards put in supports and floor jack's. What an amazing job! Personable kept me informed diligently did their work. Ate lunch in the truck let me know when they were on the way and arrived. Asked me if I had questions. Went over the work they did showed me pictures. Explained. They never said anything bad about the one that previously did 30k worth of work. These young men worked hard under the house all day long. My home is like new again. Can I adopt you young men? I commend you for your work ethic and integrity. I'm so grateful. Thank you. Floors are even my cabinets do not have space between them and the ceiliing. Doors are even. Whoop hoo. They replaced joists and made my house solid forever.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

We had Robert Penny, Service Technician, to inspect our under house dehumidifier (we had TarHeel Basement perform a complete encapsulation…

We had Robert Penny, Service Technician, to inspect our under house dehumidifier (we had TarHeel Basement perform a complete encapsulation several years ago). He was very thorough with his diagnosis and replaced the clogged filter with a new one. Robert was very competent and conscientious with his work – he wanted to make sure we were completely satisfied with his service call before leaving. Robert is the best technician we’ve had from Groundworks for the contracted warranty service we have. Just a GREAT COMPANY for encapsulation and warranty maintenance!

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Jay was very knowledgeable and helpful in assessing my crawl space and a portion of concrete slab on the house

Jay was very knowledgeable and helpful in assessing my crawl space and a portion of concrete slab on the house

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

We had a great experience with Groundworks in Jacksonville. Matt was wonderful to work with, professional, knowledgeable, and very helpful…

We had a great experience with Groundworks in Jacksonville. Matt was wonderful to work with, professional, knowledgeable, and very helpful through the whole process. They helped us find the least invasive solution that still satisfied the lender, appraiser, and buyer, which made a stressful situation much easier. We really appreciated their honesty, communication, and willingness to work with us.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

The city building inspector remarked, "they did a beautiful job". Thank you Ken, Stephen and Jael ! Additionally, TBS Field Supervisor,…

The city building inspector remarked, "they did a beautiful job". Thank you Ken, Stephen and Jael ! Additionally, TBS Field Supervisor, Ronnie, followed up with us to be sure we were satisfied with the work. There was never a concern throughout the process. Thank you for your outstanding customer service!

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Jaylnn, Demario and Maruice did a great job on my crawl space encapsulation .everything was explained before, during and after the job was…

Jaylnn, Demario and Maruice did a great job on my crawl space encapsulation .everything was explained before, during and after the job was completed. I’m very pleased with the job .

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/

Zachary provided a thorough inspection of our crawlspace encapsulation, along with the dehumidifier and sump pump. Upon completion, he went …

Zachary provided a thorough inspection of our crawlspace encapsulation, along with the dehumidifier and sump pump. Upon completion, he went over everything he completed. We were very pleased with his professionalism and knowledge. Thanks, Tar Heel!

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

JONATHAN, Brandoni,Givanni,did a wonderful job.I rate them 100 percent on their work performance

JONATHAN, Brandoni,Givanni,did a wonderful job.I rate them 100 percent on their work performance

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Groundworks (formerly Tarheel) was a pleasure to work with. I have complete confidence in the system they installed. Jamie did a great job…

Groundworks (formerly Tarheel) was a pleasure to work with. I have complete confidence in the system they installed. Jamie did a great job of explaining our options, and was very forthcoming with details and pricing. The crew of Terrence, Keeton and Jael were polite, professional and straightforward. Looking forward to a dry basement.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

This was a two part process and tactically difficult..the two crews were professional and courteous.. the crew leader Jess was very…

This was a two part process and tactically difficult..the two crews were professional and courteous.. the crew leader Jess was very knowledgeable and made the right call on the process.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

I had a great experience with Tarheel Basement Systems who performed concrete lifting and stabilization on my driveway. Roswin and Justin…

I had a great experience with Tarheel Basement Systems who performed concrete lifting and stabilization on my driveway. Roswin and Justin were good communicators, very professional and very tidy. I highly recommend this outfit.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/

Our Patio dropped because of tree removal Juan S & Alex S were prompt and finished in a minimal amount of time and put things back for me….

Our Patio dropped because of tree removal Juan S & Alex S were prompt and finished in a minimal amount of time and put things back for me. Very pleasant and accommodating. Took away a big trip hazard for us. Great job.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

TarHeel Basement Systems is your go to for crawlspace issues and foundation repairs. From ordering the free inspection all the way through…

TarHeel Basement Systems is your go to for crawlspace issues and foundation repairs. From ordering the free inspection all the way through the end of the job my experience was smooth. Their communication was on point and if I ever had questions throughout the process I was able to call and get piece of mind. They worked around my schedule and I even had to push back my install date for personal reasons, they worked with me through it all, no questions asked. Rob Philips was the inspector and gave me a very detailed report of what was going on and talked me through the best solutions. The job site crew, Ian A., Ian B., Ethan, and Justin were very efficient and personable. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. They made a stressful situation for me and my family very smooth and I’m thankful for their work!

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Juan and Alex installed insulation in my crawl space and also put a new dehumidifier in the space. They were very i informative with the…

Juan and Alex installed insulation in my crawl space and also put a new dehumidifier in the space. They were very i informative with the process and did a great job.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Austin and his crew were top knotch. Albert was fantastic as well. Tremaine, Chris O, Maison and Zach were all outstanding and very polite!…

Austin and his crew were top knotch. Albert was fantastic as well. Tremaine, Chris O, Maison and Zach were all outstanding and very polite! The crew was amazing

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

David P, James C & Michael were wonderful! we are so pleased with our work and craftsmanship. We would highly recommend them to anyone.

David P, James C & Michael were wonderful! we are so pleased with our work and craftsmanship. We would highly recommend them to anyone.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Charles, Steph, and Chris did a great job on my crawlspace encapsulation. Really appreciate the excellent service and communication!

Charles, Steph, and Chris did a great job on my crawlspace encapsulation. Really appreciate the excellent service and communication!

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

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/
Review Logo

We want to give a Thank You for the great experience during our crawl space encapsulation by Tar Heel/Groundworks. The crew led by Justin…

We want to give a Thank You for the great experience during our crawl space encapsulation by Tar Heel/Groundworks. The crew led by Justin S. & included Jaiquan W., Ian B., Maison S., & Kane B. were professional, competent, efficient & serious regarding their work . The price was also fair for the amount of work & materials involved..We recommend this company. Jan & Kevin, St James…

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

This morning Supervisor John,Tech Austin,Tech Chris arrived on time ready to work.They got everything together went under the house and got …

This morning Supervisor John,Tech Austin,Tech Chris arrived on time ready to work.They got everything together went under the house and got the job completed.John kept me informed on how the job was going.Great job by all.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Jay yount did an excellent top notch presentation. Thoroughly gave me details to prevent future problems. great everything I'm very very…

Jay yount did an excellent top notch presentation. Thoroughly gave me details to prevent future problems. great everything I'm very very pleased very impressed thank you.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

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/
Review Logo

Tar Heel systems did a great job. My Technician's Juan and Alex were very courteous and respectful. Definitely displayed attention to…

Tar Heel systems did a great job. My Technician's Juan and Alex were very courteous and respectful. Definitely displayed attention to detail to assure me that the job was done well. I'd certainly recommend this business to my friends.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

From the time we called to schedule the consultation to the completion of the project, the company was terrific. Daniel arrived for our…

From the time we called to schedule the consultation to the completion of the project, the company was terrific. Daniel arrived for our consultation. After looking under the house, he provided what was recommended, showing pictures of his findings & explained what the recommendations would do for our home. When install day arrived, Jared, Mike & Shy were great! They were arrived when they said they would & was able to complete the job in one day. We are very satisfied with their work!

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

We used Tarheel to address our foundation issues with the installation of several vertical piers. I cannot say enough good things about my…

We used Tarheel to address our foundation issues with the installation of several vertical piers. I cannot say enough good things about my experience with them, start to finish. The sales process was super transparent, and prices came in MUCH lower than other providers. Other providers had made recommendations that really weren't necessary, and we really appreciated our rep, Clint, explaining everything to us in a detailed, consultive manner. Even after the sale and the work was done, he still took the time to get back to me very quickly with a couple of final questions. Our install crew, led by Josiah, I believe his name was, was fantastic. Showed up when they said they would, went over the game plan, answered all my questions, and got everything done in one day. The office staff were also very helpful and even reached out to make sure we were completely happy. I wish all of the contractors we have for home projects could operate at this level! Great work!

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

I would Definitely recommend Tarheel basement systems to anyone. We had issues under our house that needed major attention. The team we had …

I would Definitely recommend Tarheel basement systems to anyone. We had issues under our house that needed major attention. The team we had was Cameron, Nyjae, Hayden and Justin. They were amazing in that they kept us informed on everything they were doing and took time to explain to me any questions I had . They were very friendly and polite.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Juan and Alex are the best. Thank you to Matt as well! What I thought was going to be a very expensive repair ended up being very…

Juan and Alex are the best. Thank you to Matt as well! What I thought was going to be a very expensive repair ended up being very manageable. The best!

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Devin was very pleasant and explained everything well.

Devin was very pleasant and explained everything well.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

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/
Review Logo

Jeremy House and Joseph Willis did an excellent job. They were on time and very thorough. Would highly recommend.

Jeremy House and Joseph Willis did an excellent job. They were on time and very thorough. Would highly recommend.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Wonderful experience with Maurice, James, and Josh from beginning to end. Highly recommend. So relieved to have our basement safe from…

Wonderful experience with Maurice, James, and Josh from beginning to end. Highly recommend. So relieved to have our basement safe from water.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

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/
Review Logo

Fantastic job with encapsulating a crawl space for humidity issues. Clean, quickly completed and very communicative. Nick, Jordan and…

Fantastic job with encapsulating a crawl space for humidity issues. Clean, quickly completed and very communicative. Nick, Jordan and Hunter did a great job!

Owen Christofferson

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

I have done business with Tarheel Basement/Groundworks for years now. Always excellent service. Daniel Pike was the technician that…

I have done business with Tarheel Basement/Groundworks for years now. Always excellent service. Daniel Pike was the technician that serviced the system last week. Best service yet! Highly recommend.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had multiple companies assess my sagging floor issues, and Jay Yount from Tar Heel Basements was the only one who took the…

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had multiple companies assess my sagging floor issues, and Jay Yount from Tar Heel Basements was the only one who took the time to truly understand the problem. He spent hours carefully measuring and evaluating my situation, providing a thorough, pressure-free assessment based on facts—not sales tactics. His professionalism, knowledge, and honesty set him apart from everyone else. If you’re looking for someone who knows their craft and puts the customer first, ask for Jay by name. Tar Heel Basements is lucky to have him

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

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/
Review Logo

David and Nestor were both very professional, tidy and a pleasure to work with. Looking forward to not worrying about my crawlspace…

David and Nestor were both very professional, tidy and a pleasure to work with. Looking forward to not worrying about my crawlspace anymore!

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Devin took the time to carefully measure and investigate my crawlspace for signs of foundation settling and offered various ways to address …

Devin took the time to carefully measure and investigate my crawlspace for signs of foundation settling and offered various ways to address moisture that could lead to structural issues down the road. His careful explanations and professionalism was greatly appreciated.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

THANKS for sending Joel Cocker to do my yearly inspection. He was the most professional and thorough tech from ANY company I have dealt…

THANKS for sending Joel Cocker to do my yearly inspection. He was the most professional and thorough tech from ANY company I have dealt with for 41 years living in Bunn. He took pictures inside, outside and under the house. He explained everything in a manner even I could understand. His "bedside" manner was on point. On your scale of 1 to 5, Joel was an 11. Please send him next year unless you send him to your higher office. THANKS!!! Mike Lovin

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Thank you to Aiden and his crew and Justin and his crew. The communication with all of the Tar Heel teams from beginning to end was…

Thank you to Aiden and his crew and Justin and his crew. The communication with all of the Tar Heel teams from beginning to end was exceptional. The project was completed ahead of schedule and the work site is clean. The results are positively noticeable. I appreciate all of their efforts.

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.

The red clay cliff, crowned with lush green vegetation, stands resilient like expertly applied basement waterproofing against the forces of nature.

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.

For Sale sign outside of home.

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


TarHeel Basement Systems Service Map

Our Locations

Fayetteville Location

3400 Walsh Pky, Suite 220
Fayetteville, NC 28311

Greensboro Location

611 Summit Ave, Suite 5
Greensboro, NC 27405

Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill Location

8005 Knightdale Blvd
Knightdale, NC 27545

Wilmington Location

2155 Enterprise Dr. NE
Leland, NC 28451

Winston - Salem / High Point Location

2910 Griffith Rd
Winston-Salem, NC 27103