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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.

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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
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Ken, Stephen and Tim W were great! They communicated with me through the whole process, worked efficiently and were so professional. Glad…

Ken, Stephen and Tim W were great! They communicated with me through the whole process, worked efficiently and were so professional. Glad to have peace of mind knowing the job was done well and my home is protected with the crawl space encapsulation!

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Tar Heel Basement Systems helped me after damage from Hurricane Helene. They showed up when scheduled, on time each day and finished when…

Tar Heel Basement Systems helped me after damage from Hurricane Helene. They showed up when scheduled, on time each day and finished when they promised they would. They were extremely professional and communicated with me throughout the entire project. I am very happy with the service and the quality of the work. Nate Griffin, James Passmore, Noe Gomez, Justin Clayton, Billy Noyola, John Reavis and everyone else associated with the project did an excellent job. I have no hesitations in recommending them.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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They were great,Jose Morales,Anthony McCieary Jr.,Omar Cox

They were great,Jose Morales,Anthony McCieary Jr.,Omar Cox

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Juan S, Alex S, Rob P, did a great job on my crawl space! Juan and his guys were very professional, did an awesome job, in a timely manner…

Juan S, Alex S, Rob P, did a great job on my crawl space! Juan and his guys were very professional, did an awesome job, in a timely manner and had excellent communication skills. I'm not sure what their Christmas bonus was last year but it should double this year! Tar Heel Basement has an awesome crew in these guys. Dawn Dise

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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.

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Work was done in a timely and professional manner. Javona Gill and Onyx Gunter fully explained work done. I would highly recommend Tar Heel …

Work was done in a timely and professional manner. Javona Gill and Onyx Gunter fully explained work done. I would highly recommend Tar Heel Basement Systems and these two individuals and would most definitely use them for any additional needs.

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Jess and Zach arrived on time and treated my problem professional all the way to the end. Their skill and job ethics compliments our…

Jess and Zach arrived on time and treated my problem professional all the way to the end. Their skill and job ethics compliments our meeting with Anthony. All deserve a full thumbs up! Thank you all!!!

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We had our crawl space encapsulated due to water and moisture damage. The crew of David P, James C, & Michael James worked well together…

We had our crawl space encapsulated due to water and moisture damage. The crew of David P, James C, & Michael James worked well together and took care of everything that needed to be done. The work was done in a timely professional manner and they left our property very clean. Also the crew was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions (we had alot of them). We are very happy with the work done and we recommend that you call Tarheel Basement Co.

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Juan and Alex provided exceptional service as they repaired my driveway. They were very courteous and kind, going the extra mile to explain …

Juan and Alex provided exceptional service as they repaired my driveway. They were very courteous and kind, going the extra mile to explain and show their progress as they worked.

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Jonathan and his crew did a great job repairing and improving our crawl space. He kept us informed every step of the process. We appreciate …

Jonathan and his crew did a great job repairing and improving our crawl space. He kept us informed every step of the process. We appreciate the hard work they did to get it all done in a timely manner and would definitely recommend them to anyone who needs crawlspace work done.

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Austin Moody,Jesus Villagomez, John Noyola. were the crew that came out to install my Tarheel basement system. The gentleman were extremely …

Austin Moody,Jesus Villagomez, John Noyola. were the crew that came out to install my Tarheel basement system. The gentleman were extremely professional in their work, kept the work site very clean while working, and cleaning up after themselves. I highly recommend this crew to The next customers of Tarhill basement systems.

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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!

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Called them and got an inspection same day. The crew got it fixed within two weeks of my initial call. The guys (gary and Mathias) were…

Called them and got an inspection same day. The crew got it fixed within two weeks of my initial call. The guys (gary and Mathias) were great as well and very professional. I would use again in a heartbeat.

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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.

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Great! Communicated well! On time and polite …and patient with question. Great work as well!

Great! Communicated well! On time and polite …and patient with question. Great work as well!

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Justin Vandergriff Gregory Hicks did a tremendous job installing my Sump pump, explaining what I should expect, and returning the next day…

Justin Vandergriff Gregory Hicks did a tremendous job installing my Sump pump, explaining what I should expect, and returning the next day to show me what they actually did. They both deserve 5 Star rating.

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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

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Devin was extremely thorough and made sure that I understood every part of the maintenance and service visit. He answered all of my…

Devin was extremely thorough and made sure that I understood every part of the maintenance and service visit. He answered all of my questions and addressed every concern with solutions. Technicians like Devin make you glad to be a permanent customer of Tarheel Basement Systems.

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Today, Tar Heel Basement Systems raised and stabilized my front concrete walkway, and it was an excellent contracting experience. The crew…

Today, Tar Heel Basement Systems raised and stabilized my front concrete walkway, and it was an excellent contracting experience. The crew of Jess W. And Zach B. were punctual, called in advance with their ETA, and were professional and competent at their craft. They explained what they would be doing, completed the work being careful of my property, and ensured my satisfaction with the finished repair. I highly recommend them for concrete lifting and stabilization.

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I contacted Tar Heel about a moldy nasty crawl space, Jay Yount came out to inspect and came up with a great plan to fix it. Was very…

I contacted Tar Heel about a moldy nasty crawl space, Jay Yount came out to inspect and came up with a great plan to fix it. Was very knowledgeable and through with the inspection. They were quick to schedule the work. Luke Evans, Julian Bruno, Jonathan Ruiz did exactly what they said they would do, a great job. Everyone was on time and worked very hard. I have no complaints about the whole process, very happy with the price and the results. Would definitely recommend them to anyone.

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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.

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

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

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Derrick and Tyree were great. Introduced themselves as soon as they arrived outlined exactly what they were going to be doing. Kept us…

Derrick and Tyree were great. Introduced themselves as soon as they arrived outlined exactly what they were going to be doing. Kept us posted and did a great job!

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Jess W. and Zach B. did an outstanding job fixing my concrete garage floor! Their professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to…

Jess W. and Zach B. did an outstanding job fixing my concrete garage floor! Their professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to quality were evident throughout the entire process. They took the time to ensure everything was done right, and the results exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend them to anyone needing concrete repair—top-notch service from start to finish!

James Odessa Flooring

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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.

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Colt and Mike worked to solve the foundation problems on my home. Excellent workers and completed job in timely manner.

Colt and Mike worked to solve the foundation problems on my home. Excellent workers and completed job in timely manner.

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Nice Gentleman, Ken, Gerry, James P, Malik

Nice Gentleman, Ken, Gerry, James P, Malik

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Devin was very professional and I was very pleased

Devin was very professional and I was very pleased

Pegeen Kolbenschlag

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Joel came out today. Very knowledgeable and professional…great communication from the day before the appointment all the way through the…

Joel came out today. Very knowledgeable and professional…great communication from the day before the appointment all the way through the end. Very detailed and friendly.

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Thomas and Lewis provided great professional support and services. Explained the situation and how it was addressed.

Thomas and Lewis provided great professional support and services. Explained the situation and how it was addressed.

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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.

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I couldn't be more pleased with JT at Tarheel. He did a very detailed inspection and reviewed them with me before the day was out! He also…

I couldn't be more pleased with JT at Tarheel. He did a very detailed inspection and reviewed them with me before the day was out! He also provided me with same day contract incentives! He personally went the full mile for me and delivered the dehumidifier before the encapsulation! I interviewed 2 other companies and Tarheel was the best by far!

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Representative, David Wood, conducted a survey of our crawl space with photos and details of the condition with recommendations and options …

Representative, David Wood, conducted a survey of our crawl space with photos and details of the condition with recommendations and options to correct the issues. David was very professional and with the assistance of Sara Shultz put the plan in action.Today Tarheel Basement completed encapsulation system on our crawl space. Within two hours after the crew left we could feel a difference with the dehumidifier running. The work ethic of Edward, Taylor and Tim was above all expectations. Their work was very organized, clean, and professional. They were willing to answer all questions regarding the system. We would highly recommend Edward, Taylor and Tim with Tarheel Basement System. On time and efficient!Larry and Glenda

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Brian C and John C did a great job my crawlspace very happy I hope TarHeel Basement to work on my crawlspace and foundation. Tarheel is an …

Brian C and John C did a great job my crawlspace very happy I hope TarHeel Basement to work on my crawlspace and foundation. Tarheel is an honest and good company that stands behind their work and always seeks to please the customer and put them first.

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Mike z.tae s.lawrence b they did a very good job

Mike z.tae s.lawrence b they did a very good job

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Thomas and Devin were fantastic! They showed up on time and were very informative. They walked me through the process and made sure I was…

Thomas and Devin were fantastic! They showed up on time and were very informative. They walked me through the process and made sure I was aware of all the work completed. Highly recommend!

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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!

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It was nice to work with people who care and answer every question I had! Vaughn got it all started and James, Trent, RJ, Darrion were a…

It was nice to work with people who care and answer every question I had! Vaughn got it all started and James, Trent, RJ, Darrion were a great team. Good communication and efficiency without cutting corners. Looking forward to staying on schedule with future care/maintenance.

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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.

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From the annual inspection, Nick suggested we consider adding foundation wall insulation in the crawlspace as we did not have any under the …

From the annual inspection, Nick suggested we consider adding foundation wall insulation in the crawlspace as we did not have any under the flooring and we did have this on our list to check into. He was professional and thorough. Now the hard part, the install…team was lead by Nestor Bautista and they were on time, explained/showed exactly what they would do and how. They were all friendly, professional, cleaned up completely and finished a bit quicker than expected. Nestor then walked us through the install and provided pictures of all the crawl space areas. Now the payoff, felt almost immediately warmer in den area and am sure this will provide more efficient HVAC for us. We are a Tarheel customer for over 8 years now, from Stephen Peterson to their regular service techs, Nick Harmon, to their install teams…we will be a customer for life.

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Tar Heel Basement Systems did a great job helping us improve our floor supports. Steele W. guided us through the problem and solution with…

Tar Heel Basement Systems did a great job helping us improve our floor supports. Steele W. guided us through the problem and solution with expertise – we are highly confident in Tar Heel directly because of his knowledge and professionalism. Hayden, Cameron, and their entire crew did an outstanding job of executing the repair, communicating with us each day and fully answering questions that we had. I would absolutely contact Tar Heel Basement Systems for work in the future.

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Friendly and helpful Thanks guys

Friendly and helpful Thanks guys

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Professional and listened to our concerns.

Professional and listened to our concerns.

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Mike Jones and Aaron Forbis just finished encapsulating our crawl space. They were great; professional, informative and friendly. They made …

Mike Jones and Aaron Forbis just finished encapsulating our crawl space. They were great; professional, informative and friendly. They made sure we understood the process and the finished product. Highly recommend them!

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Tae.s & his crew Edwin.c Sam.p & New Salesman were fantastic amazing people Shout out to Tae for really helping me & keeping me informed &…

Tae.s & his crew Edwin.c Sam.p & New Salesman were fantastic amazing people Shout out to Tae for really helping me & keeping me informed & up to date threw the whole process.I would highly recommend This crew Great Job Guys

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Austin & John did an excellent job.

Austin & John did an excellent job.

William Saunders III

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Corey and the lads were fantastic. Very solid work and kept me updated the whole time. Corey and I went through the entire crawlspace at…

Corey and the lads were fantastic. Very solid work and kept me updated the whole time. Corey and I went through the entire crawlspace at the end and he answered all of my questions and explained everything.

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Mike Colt Mason and Lee did.a great job an.d we're very professional.

Mike Colt Mason and Lee did.a great job an.d we're very professional.

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Very well satisfied with encapsulation. Austin, Justin, and Taeveon worked hard the whole time. They also made sure we were satisfied until …

Very well satisfied with encapsulation. Austin, Justin, and Taeveon worked hard the whole time. They also made sure we were satisfied until the job was complete. We'll recommend Tarheel basement systems to anyone looking for future home repairs.

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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!

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Great service and guarantees.

Great service and guarantees.

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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!

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Service was outstanding. Justin was very good at communication of scheduling and work progress. His team with Quentin and Lee were able to…

Service was outstanding. Justin was very good at communication of scheduling and work progress. His team with Quentin and Lee were able to raise beam/jacks to close some ceiling cracks. Encapsulation completed with conscientious cleanup effort.

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Tarhilll great!

Tarhilll great!

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Tar Heel Basement Systems encapsulated our crawl space and it looks great. Ken, Stephen and Jesus were great to work with and answered all…

Tar Heel Basement Systems encapsulated our crawl space and it looks great. Ken, Stephen and Jesus were great to work with and answered all our questions and kept us informed. Thanks guys!!

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Excellent work. Charles. Dj, and Noah did excellent work. Very thorough.

Excellent work. Charles. Dj, and Noah did excellent work. Very thorough.

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Mike Z and Colt K did a great job. Friendly and courteous they completed the job quickly and efficiently. Would definitely go with them in…

Mike Z and Colt K did a great job. Friendly and courteous they completed the job quickly and efficiently. Would definitely go with them in the future.

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10 ! I love warranty too ! Exceeded our expectations!!! Justin H , Demarte, Quentin and Harry were PROS ! ?Great Hires? to the CEO ?

10 ! I love warranty too ! Exceeded our expectations!!! Justin H , Demarte, Quentin and Harry were PROS ! ?Great Hires? to the CEO ?

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Dan Cookingham came to inspect crawlspace for termite damage. He was extremely thorough and knowledgeable, provided tons of photographs,…

Dan Cookingham came to inspect crawlspace for termite damage. He was extremely thorough and knowledgeable, provided tons of photographs, explained them to me, and didn't try to sell me something I didn't need! Couldn't be happier, highly recommend!!

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On our one year follow-up inspection, items were identified and promptly corrected. Our front porch had settled about a 1/2 inch since it…

On our one year follow-up inspection, items were identified and promptly corrected. Our front porch had settled about a 1/2 inch since it was raised. Jess W and Zach B came out and FULLY explained everything they were going to do. They went about their job immediately and completed it in short order, with NO shortcuts. They explained to me why it had settled in a year's time and what it would take to fix it. They quoted me the price and it was extremely reasonable compared to me having to acquire the materials and tools to do it. It LOOKS GREAT! We could not be more pleased. Thanks so much Jess and Zach!

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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.

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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.

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Tae.s Edwin.c Sam.p Great job for me.

Tae.s Edwin.c Sam.p Great job for me.

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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.

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Roswin S. & Justin H. did an excellent job. They were skilled and efficient. We are happy with the result.

Roswin S. & Justin H. did an excellent job. They were skilled and efficient. We are happy with the result.

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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!

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Cameron S, Ethen S and Garrett Y were very helpful and knowledgeable about the process. The work ethic and friendliness is wonderful to…

Cameron S, Ethen S and Garrett Y were very helpful and knowledgeable about the process. The work ethic and friendliness is wonderful to see from this crew. Paul Pivik

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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.

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Mike,colt 45, harry and tremaine did a wonderful job.I am proud of the work they did and cant wait to show my brother! Thank you

Mike,colt 45, harry and tremaine did a wonderful job.I am proud of the work they did and cant wait to show my brother! Thank you

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Jacob C and Terrence A did a fantastic work. Came in the morning went over what they would be doing asked if I had any questions also…

Jacob C and Terrence A did a fantastic work. Came in the morning went over what they would be doing asked if I had any questions also answered my questions. Did what they said they were going to do cleaned their mess up. In the end showed me around the house asked again if I had any questions or concerns. Those two were very professional and caring about our property. You can’t hardly tell they were at my home. K Walsh

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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.

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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.

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I had great experience with this team. They were prompt, courteous, and walked me through every step of the way. The end result looks great!…

I had great experience with this team. They were prompt, courteous, and walked me through every step of the way. The end result looks great! Thank you, Juan S., Alex S. and Joe L. for fulfilling your promise of excellent service and product.

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I had several projects going and the two crews that came out did an amazing job. So I want to give a shout out to Nate Griffin, Noah Gomez, …

I had several projects going and the two crews that came out did an amazing job. So I want to give a shout out to Nate Griffin, Noah Gomez, Nestor Bautista, ken de camp and Stephen Foster. I would definitely recommend tarheel basement systems to anyone needing home repairs!

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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.

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Very impressed with the work. The company was at my house within 48 hours of web inquiry. Reasonable pricing.

Very impressed with the work. The company was at my house within 48 hours of web inquiry. Reasonable pricing.

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I liked that Zackery explained what and how they were doing the vents. The job looks great. Nice job!

I liked that Zackery explained what and how they were doing the vents. The job looks great. Nice job!

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We have a house that was built in the 50s that was needing some basement work. I contacted Tarheel Basements systems Rob the estimator…

We have a house that was built in the 50s that was needing some basement work. I contacted Tarheel Basements systems Rob the estimator crawled under the house. Did a very thorough inspection. A total encapsulation was performed and a dehumidifier was installed by Tae, Edwin and James.  we are very happy with all the work performed and would highly recommend Tarheel Basements systems. 

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I had an excellent experience with Tarheel Basement Systems. They installed three permanent jacks to provide supplemental support, and the…

I had an excellent experience with Tarheel Basement Systems. They installed three permanent jacks to provide supplemental support, and the entire project was handled with care, professionalism, and clear communication. Nick Perfetti, the foreman, was outstanding from the very beginning. He took the time to thoroughly explain the scope of the project, what to expect during installation, and answered all of my questions before work began. After the job was completed, he walked me through the finished work in detail, ensuring everything was done correctly and that I was fully comfortable with the results. His knowledge and attention to detail truly stood out. Jordan Bumpers, the co-foreman, played a key role in keeping the project running smoothly. He was professional, organized, and clearly experienced, making sure the installation was done properly and efficiently. His leadership on-site was evident and contributed greatly to the quality of the work. Hunter Okonsky did an excellent job with the installation of the support system. He worked diligently, paid close attention to detail, and took pride in doing the job right. His professionalism and strong work ethic were very apparent throughout the process. Overall, the entire team was professional, respectful of my home, and committed to quality workmanship. I am very pleased with the results and would highly recommend Tarheel Basement Systems to anyone needing foundation or structural support work.

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Five stars is not enough for the crew that worked on our crawl space this past week! Mike J, Dillon Y, and Andy L were the most…

Five stars is not enough for the crew that worked on our crawl space this past week! Mike J, Dillon Y, and Andy L were the most knowledgeable, hard working team we have ever seen. They constantly went above and beyond to offer the very best customer service by repairing several items not covered in our initial quote. If you need help with your basement or crawl space look no further! Thank you guys for giving us piece of mind.

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I called Tar Heel to repair my crawl space door. Tae S. Edwin C. and Sam P. responded. They arrived quickly checked out the problem and…

I called Tar Heel to repair my crawl space door. Tae S. Edwin C. and Sam P. responded. They arrived quickly checked out the problem and professionally made the repairs. I will definitely use them again if needed.

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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.

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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.

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Devin was excellent. He did a through inspection and explained everything well .

Devin was excellent. He did a through inspection and explained everything well .

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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!!

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John, Chris, Taylor did a great job with their install I am glad I called Tarhreel Basement Systems

John, Chris, Taylor did a great job with their install I am glad I called Tarhreel Basement Systems

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JR and Noah did a great job! They were friendly, efficient and did a great job. They listened to my concerns and questions and took care of …

JR and Noah did a great job! They were friendly, efficient and did a great job. They listened to my concerns and questions and took care of everything.

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The crews did great work in a short amount of time. Nestor, John, and Andy were among the workers who worked tirelessly to improve my…

The crews did great work in a short amount of time. Nestor, John, and Andy were among the workers who worked tirelessly to improve my house’s foundation and crawlspace.

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I would like to say that James Barnes Alfred McCann and Trent Evans were very profession and courteous thru out the entire project' It was…

I would like to say that James Barnes Alfred McCann and Trent Evans were very profession and courteous thru out the entire project' It was a pleasure working with these guys. They explained everything and may sure I understood everything thru out the job.

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Great company and service!! Charles, DJ and Noah completed encapsulation on our crawlspace, and they did an excellent job! They were…

Great company and service!! Charles, DJ and Noah completed encapsulation on our crawlspace, and they did an excellent job! They were extremely professional, nice and efficient. Highly recommend using this company!

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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!

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Jess W. Zach B.

Jess W. Zach B.

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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.

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Just want to say thank you to Mike, Colt, Lee and Tre for the excellent work done in my Crawlspace. It was a mess and now I can…

Just want to say thank you to Mike, Colt, Lee and Tre for the excellent work done in my Crawlspace. It was a mess and now I can comfortably go under my house!

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Jared and Mike did a great job stabilizing our crawl space. They were both very professional and pleasant . They did a great job and…

Jared and Mike did a great job stabilizing our crawl space. They were both very professional and pleasant . They did a great job and explained everything to us. I highly recommend Tarheel basement systems!

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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.

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

North Raleigh

208 Millbrook Rd. Suite C
Raleigh, NC 27609

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