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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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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

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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.

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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

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Brian, Leo, &Stephon Did a verry good, for me, clean quiet and very efficient job. I would recommend this crew !!!!!!without…

Brian, Leo, &Stephon Did a verry good, for me, clean quiet and very efficient job. I would recommend this crew !!!!!!without reservation.

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Tar Heel Basement Systems came highly recommended and we were not disappointed. Jacob, David and Noah were efficient, professional and…

Tar Heel Basement Systems came highly recommended and we were not disappointed. Jacob, David and Noah were efficient, professional and great to work with. They communicated daily with us and did a fantastic job!

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The Tar Heel crew Nick, Austin and JaVonna proved that being professional and providing great customer service still exist. They worked…

The Tar Heel crew Nick, Austin and JaVonna proved that being professional and providing great customer service still exist. They worked very efficiently and did it with a smile.Thanks L. Washington

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Very professional, knowledgeable and courteous. They did just what they said they were going to .Juan S. And Alex S. Were awesome.

Very professional, knowledgeable and courteous. They did just what they said they were going to .Juan S. And Alex S. Were awesome.

Donald Euni Smith Sr.

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Zach Wallace came for my first annual inspection for the crawl space work completed in 2025. He was thorough in checking that all of the…

Zach Wallace came for my first annual inspection for the crawl space work completed in 2025. He was thorough in checking that all of the work was functioning as it should. He took pictures to show me the updated inprovements. He answered all my questions clearly. He presented options for additional services without pressuring or trying to alarm me to make a hasty decision. I would be happy for him to continue to do my annual inspection.

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The whole crew was great. Very informative throughout the entire process. They even finished well before they were scheduled to. Very happy …

The whole crew was great. Very informative throughout the entire process. They even finished well before they were scheduled to. Very happy with the results.

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I highly recommend this company if you are looking to have crawlspace work!! They were efficient, thorough, and left everything very clean. …

I highly recommend this company if you are looking to have crawlspace work!! They were efficient, thorough, and left everything very clean. Easy to talk to and work with. The team that worked on my house did an amazing job— Austin, Taylor, Taeveon, and Ian were all great!! The before and after pictures speak for themselves!!

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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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Friendly and helpful Thanks guys

Friendly and helpful Thanks guys

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Jess and Zach did a great job. Fixed my sidewalk and were professional through the whole process.

Jess and Zach did a great job. Fixed my sidewalk and were professional through the whole process.

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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.

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Collin was my inspector. He was very helpful with our needs. The sales process was super easy. The install team was great. Stephon kept me…

Collin was my inspector. He was very helpful with our needs. The sales process was super easy. The install team was great. Stephon kept me informed each step of the way. Jorge, Jesus, and Joey were very friendly. They all cleaned up and left the yard tidy. It was a seamless process!

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They did great job leveling a driveway concrete slab that had dropped about 3". They arrived on time and cleaned up the area so it looked…

They did great job leveling a driveway concrete slab that had dropped about 3". They arrived on time and cleaned up the area so it looked like they'd never been here.

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We just finished our foundation repairs and we cannot say enough about Tarheel Basement. They have stood behind their work and have been…

We just finished our foundation repairs and we cannot say enough about Tarheel Basement. They have stood behind their work and have been very communicative. We appreciate all the guys; Justin H, Demarte, Quentin, and the others that have spent time on our home. Thanks guys!!

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The team that did the encapsulating our crawlspace was Derrick (Foreman), Onyx and Jordan. They were great and professional. They were…

The team that did the encapsulating our crawlspace was Derrick (Foreman), Onyx and Jordan. They were great and professional. They were prompt and once they arrived they went straight to work. They unfortunately were working when it was raining and cold. Derrick kept me up to date on their process and provided pictures every day. One important part for me was that they would clean up at the end of the day. I would highly recommend them.

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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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I had my crawlspace encapsulated several years ago, along with adding a dehumidifier and a sump pump. It is such an improvement, I'm…

I had my crawlspace encapsulated several years ago, along with adding a dehumidifier and a sump pump. It is such an improvement, I'm always glad I had it done. At our recent annual inspection maintenance, our service technician Thomas Boswell was on time, polite and thorough in his work. Good job!

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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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Tarheel Basement was on location within 48 hours of our Web inquiry. Tarheel Basement showed up within two weeks and installed a sump pump…

Tarheel Basement was on location within 48 hours of our Web inquiry. Tarheel Basement showed up within two weeks and installed a sump pump in our crawlspace and two jacks on our main beam. Crews were professional and kept a clean work area during their two days at our residence. David P, James C, and Michael J all took time and discussed the entire process with my wife and myself. I highly recommend Tarheel Basements for all your basement and crawlspace needs.

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I used Tar Heel Basement Systems due to excellent service previously provided in two other homes in another city and the Raleigh branch did …

I used Tar Heel Basement Systems due to excellent service previously provided in two other homes in another city and the Raleigh branch did not disappoint from the consultation provided by Brian, the coordination from Ryan and the excellent service from Evan, Onyx and Derrick. The service crew was very courteous, polite and professional and their ethical behavior produced outstanding results.

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Nice Gentleman, Ken, Gerry, James P, Malik

Nice Gentleman, Ken, Gerry, James P, Malik

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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.

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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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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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From the time I called to request an initial revie, until the work was completed, this process was professional and convenient. Zack came…

From the time I called to request an initial revie, until the work was completed, this process was professional and convenient. Zack came and crawled around in the very tight crawl space during the initial examination and then scoped the work and cost same day with me. John C and Brian C were the service representatives performing the installation of the membrane and foam board over a two day process. These guys worked so hard and kept me informed on status the whole way. I gave 5 stars because I've had lots of service jobs performed at my home and this team and the work done exceeded my expectations.

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Can't say enough good things about Tar Heel Basement and the guys that work for them!! Ken Stephen Michael and Robert worked very hard all …

Can't say enough good things about Tar Heel Basement and the guys that work for them!! Ken Stephen Michael and Robert worked very hard all week long to get the job done and what they accomplished was beyond my expectations I am so thrilled over my seller my basement and my crawl space being secured from any water damage now!!!

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Friendly crew of three got the job done in a single day. Clearly explained the process and documented their work with photos. They were…

Friendly crew of three got the job done in a single day. Clearly explained the process and documented their work with photos. They were the most costly of the 3 contractors I got estimates from, but I appreciated their professionalism and the quality of products used.

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Austin & John did an excellent job.

Austin & John did an excellent job.

William Saunders III

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Great professional work from Ken, Stephen and Michael T. Would recommend to others.

Great professional work from Ken, Stephen and Michael T. Would recommend to others.

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Ken and Stephen did an awesome job. This was for a small crawl space on an older house and it was a tough job. Kudos to these guys for a…

Ken and Stephen did an awesome job. This was for a small crawl space on an older house and it was a tough job. Kudos to these guys for a great job.

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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

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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.

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Jess W. and Zack B. spent the better part of a day working on our driveway. There was considerable bump up from the drive into the garage…

Jess W. and Zack B. spent the better part of a day working on our driveway. There was considerable bump up from the drive into the garage and large cracks throughout. When we saw the finished product, we were astonished at how 'normal' it looked! We won't have that large bump to navigate the car into the garage and the driveway is well-patched and smooth. I can't thank this remarkable duo enough for their hard work!

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Ian and Justin came out and worked quickly and efficiently to solve a major issue we've been having. Did the work, explained what they did, …

Ian and Justin came out and worked quickly and efficiently to solve a major issue we've been having. Did the work, explained what they did, cleaned up and all is well. A+

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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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Ian and Justin were excellent. Very helpful fast and thorough. I would recommend this service to anyone

Ian and Justin were excellent. Very helpful fast and thorough. I would recommend this service to anyone

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Workers performed their work as if it were their property…can't get better than that.. highly recommended.

Workers performed their work as if it were their property…can't get better than that.. highly recommended.

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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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I posted the wrong post on here. It was meant for a different company. This is a great company.

I posted the wrong post on here. It was meant for a different company. This is a great company.

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Great company. From the first call everything went like clockwork! We were very happy with the result and would not hesitate to use them…

Great company. From the first call everything went like clockwork! We were very happy with the result and would not hesitate to use them again for other projects or to recommend them to others. Brian promptly came out for the estimate and he was very professional and helpful by answering all our questions clearly. Juan and Alex who did the work were professional and excellent….they did a great job. We also felt that the price was very fair.

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Jared,Sny,and Mike were a great team. They communicated well, and were polite and respectful. Great job!!

Jared,Sny,and Mike were a great team. They communicated well, and were polite and respectful. Great job!!

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I was very pleased with the service that that John, Jr and Brady a performed. John went above and beyond to make sure that I was satisfied. …

I was very pleased with the service that that John, Jr and Brady a performed. John went above and beyond to make sure that I was satisfied. He is a very knowledgeable person and knows what he is doing. I enjoyed talking with him he is a very good people person. If I were to need any more service from this company I would definitely ask for Jr. He made sure that my doors would all latch due to jacking up the floors and made all the necessary adjustments to see that they did so. He did what it took to get the job done right. I wish he had it have been here the first time! Thank you John for a job well done! Ray Johnson

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I am a mortgage loan originator with a borrower whose home required some foundation work before we could close on his loan, so he contacted …

I am a mortgage loan originator with a borrower whose home required some foundation work before we could close on his loan, so he contacted Tar Heel Basement Solutions to inquire about repairs. Jeremy Sewell came out to assist and has been such a wonderful help! Jeremy is patient, kind, and extremely knowledgeable about what he is doing. I've never met anyone who goes so far out of their way to assist a client as Jeremy has, and I can't tell you how much both myself and our client appreciate him. I assist a lot of homeowners in NC with double wide manufactured homes, and I can guarantee that I will always refer them to Jeremy if they need foundation work done- and you should too!

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We had the pleasure of having Nathan out to our house this afternoon to address and go over a water intrusion issue in our crawl space….

We had the pleasure of having Nathan out to our house this afternoon to address and go over a water intrusion issue in our crawl space. Nathan was very friendly, informative and professional and we feel fully informed and educated and able to make a good decision as far as the remediation of our problem. Highly recommend this company.

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Ian, Justin, and Clemente installed new supports in our crawl space to fix our sagging floor. They were on time, professional, and…

Ian, Justin, and Clemente installed new supports in our crawl space to fix our sagging floor. They were on time, professional, and personable, and most importantly they worked fast and clean. They fixed our floors without any damage or mess. You would never have known they were here other than the once visible gaps and cracks at our baseboard or doorways are now gone or greatly reduced. This is a company I would recommend, and a team I would request by name.

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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!

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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!

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Austin, Justin and Tae were outstanding! TarHeel Basement Systems is a great company. Wonderful job and thank you!

Austin, Justin and Tae were outstanding! TarHeel Basement Systems is a great company. Wonderful job and thank you!

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This review applies only to the person, Lisa, that helped complete our project. Our encapsulation project took over a year and a half to…

This review applies only to the person, Lisa, that helped complete our project. Our encapsulation project took over a year and a half to complete. It was a long process of phone calls not returned, emails not answered, and follow up not done. But, once Lisa became my contact, she made sure that everything was done when it was supposed to be done. That included multiple trips to fix problems found in inspections, multiple county inspections, and a refund for electrical work that I paid for twice. When Lisa said it would happen, it did. What a refreshing change from the previous 16 months. Great job, Lisa!

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Brian and John was so professional, crawl space looks so much better, and they cleaned up their scrap. I'm anxious for a damp free crawl…

Brian and John was so professional, crawl space looks so much better, and they cleaned up their scrap. I'm anxious for a damp free crawl space. Robert and Steven, James and Brandon all did a very good job with the basement waterproofing. Everything looks so good and they cleaned their scrap too. Can't wait for a damp free basement. Seth Brown, the inspector that gave us the quote was very nice too. I recommend Tar Heel Basement to anybody. Their staff is great.

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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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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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We needed foundation stabilization. Tae S., Sam P., and Austin L. were super workers, polite, thorough and prompt…great crew!

We needed foundation stabilization. Tae S., Sam P., and Austin L. were super workers, polite, thorough and prompt…great crew!

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The site admin Kim is the best!! Such a wonderful lady to work with.

The site admin Kim is the best!! Such a wonderful lady to work with.

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It was great!! From the assessment to the finished product Austin L is an amazing communicator and my 88 year old mom adored him if I…

It was great!! From the assessment to the finished product Austin L is an amazing communicator and my 88 year old mom adored him if I didn’t know would have not guessed he was in training He’s ready Take it from someone who spent 35 years in corporate Mike Z ( great trainer obviously)and Lee (wing man 😂) where great as well Friendly easy to be with Love the conversation and information Highly recommended Crawl encapsulation 🤗

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Mike Jones and his crew Nestor and Juan did an amazing job. They were prompt and cleaned up everything before leaving the property. I…

Mike Jones and his crew Nestor and Juan did an amazing job. They were prompt and cleaned up everything before leaving the property. I highly recommend Tarhill basements the job they did in my crawlspace was incredible in my 1892 home.

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Hello, I'm Cheryl. The work that Gary Hacker, Ben Palmer & Axel Perez did was beyond amazing. Gary Hacker is so precise and a perfectionist….

Hello, I'm Cheryl. The work that Gary Hacker, Ben Palmer & Axel Perez did was beyond amazing. Gary Hacker is so precise and a perfectionist. I love what they have accomplished in my house, and I would recommend them to everyone. 😀😀😀

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Ian and Justin did a great job installing a sump pump system for us. Communication in advance of the job was great and they were true to…

Ian and Justin did a great job installing a sump pump system for us. Communication in advance of the job was great and they were true to the arrival times promised. They kept us up to date on the work in progress and gave a thorough walk-through afterwards to make sure everything was to our satisfaction and that we understood the system.

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My installers did an amazing job. They were punctual, neat, organized, and didn’t leave until every last detail was finished. Their names…

My installers did an amazing job. They were punctual, neat, organized, and didn’t leave until every last detail was finished. Their names were Ken, Stephen, David K and Dalton. I am so pleased with my new basement system!

cynthia yates coldiron

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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.

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We had a great experience with Tim Martin. He explained our crawl space problem to us and showed us pictures. He explained different…

We had a great experience with Tim Martin. He explained our crawl space problem to us and showed us pictures. He explained different options to us so that we could make an educated decision.

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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.

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Nester and Luis were very professional, timely, and very helpful. Work was completed as promised and cleanup was awesome.

Nester and Luis were very professional, timely, and very helpful. Work was completed as promised and cleanup was awesome.

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Devin did great and was professional reviewing potential long term cracks to monitor.

Devin did great and was professional reviewing potential long term cracks to monitor.

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Austin, Jesus and John were so thorough, the crawl space encapsulation looked exactly like the advisements"Tar Heel Basements" runs on…

Austin, Jesus and John were so thorough, the crawl space encapsulation looked exactly like the advisements"Tar Heel Basements" runs on television. Great crew. Thanks guys.

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Big big shout out to the guys who came and did all the work under my house, they didn’t complain or fuss the entire four days they were…

Big big shout out to the guys who came and did all the work under my house, they didn’t complain or fuss the entire four days they were here, job was done professionally and in a very timely manner, highly highly recommend this company for any kind of work you need done on your basement/crawlspace. By far not the cheapest option but the quality of work and craftsmanship stand out in there employees and the work they provide. Gary Hacker, Nester Bautista, and Axel Perez all deserve a raise!

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Garret Camron and Clemente did a fantastic job and truly appreciated their effort and communication

Garret Camron and Clemente did a fantastic job and truly appreciated their effort and communication

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Mike & Caleb did a great job. Very pleased.

Mike & Caleb did a great job. Very pleased.

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It was a good experience. The representative who came first was knowledgeable and thorough and understood the problem the workmen were fast …

It was a good experience. The representative who came first was knowledgeable and thorough and understood the problem the workmen were fast and took care of the problem neatly . I’m very pleased with the result and the price.

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Tae. S, Edwin. C, and James. T handled my encapsulation, dehumidifier install, and sump pump install and they did an excellent job…

Tae. S, Edwin. C, and James. T handled my encapsulation, dehumidifier install, and sump pump install and they did an excellent job everything looks clean and well done these men definitely take pride in their work. Tarheel was willing to work with me in order to make things a little more affordable, with me doing some of the work up to the date of my install since I like to DIY to save money. and I’m very happy with the finished result. They are a little bit on the pricier side but with the quality of work and the quality of material they use I think its more then reasonable. There are multiple instances I’ve heard of other contractors / companies that would “provide” a similar service but would do it with cheap material and also do the bare minimum if even that in order to just take your money. You can’t go wrong with Tarheel. Cant recommend them enough. Almost forgot it was also a pleasure to work with Jason, when he came to give me the estimate. He also was the one to make suggestions on things I could do myself in order for me to try and keep the price a little lower and was very helpful throughout the entire process as I had a lot of questions for him.

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The crew from Tarheel were professional in every way. Justin, Demarte, and Harry worked long hours to get the job done and done correctly. …

The crew from Tarheel were professional in every way. Justin, Demarte, and Harry worked long hours to get the job done and done correctly. As with most older homes, all the little issues that popped up were dealt with in a timely and efficient manner. Justin explained everything they were doing and sent pictures of all of it. Great job.

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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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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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I asked for crawl space clean up. Time Martin explained process in detail, what to expect, timing for job completion. Brian, along with…

I asked for crawl space clean up. Time Martin explained process in detail, what to expect, timing for job completion. Brian, along with Tyler and Roy, did a great job. What was impressive was the communication of when they would arrive and when they were leaving. I decided on a complete encapsulation. Extremely pleased with the work. And the follow up from the office to confirm I was pleased with the job.

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Requested a free inspection, had an appointment in less than 24 hours. A certified filed inspector, Tim Martin, came out and completed the…

Requested a free inspection, had an appointment in less than 24 hours. A certified filed inspector, Tim Martin, came out and completed the inspection. He was professional, knowledgeable, and quite helpful answering all my questions. Thanks!

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Crew did a great job, Thank you John, Kolin and James

Crew did a great job, Thank you John, Kolin and James

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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.

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From Brandon, the account manager/estimator to the crew on site (John, Edwin and Colin – I hope I got all their names correct). They were…

From Brandon, the account manager/estimator to the crew on site (John, Edwin and Colin – I hope I got all their names correct). They were awesome. Brandon was very informative and explained everything thoroughly during the estimate, he communicated through out and even answered a couple phone calls and text messages while he was out of town. The crew – John was the foreman and was super helpful. Called/texted each morning before they showed up, was professional and upbeat. This is not an easy job and they all were very professional. Would happily pay them for any future properties I may have. Sure fire example of, you pay for what you get. Professional, courteous, upbeat and communication was perfect. Thanks guys!

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Ken,Stephen and Andy were good to work with. They explained and went through everything they were doing. Great job and very satisfied…

Ken,Stephen and Andy were good to work with. They explained and went through everything they were doing. Great job and very satisfied with the work. Thank you so much for the job you did.

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Jabril and Jalynn did a crawlspace encapsulation and installed a dehumidifier. It looks great and was done quickly and efficiently.

Jabril and Jalynn did a crawlspace encapsulation and installed a dehumidifier. It looks great and was done quickly and efficiently.

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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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My installers did an amazing job. They were punctual, neat, organized, and didn?t leave until every last detail was finished. Their names…

My installers did an amazing job. They were punctual, neat, organized, and didn?t leave until every last detail was finished. Their names were Ken, Stephen, David K and Dalton. I am so pleased with my new basement system!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Jess W and Zack B just finished lifting a 6' x 8' concrete slab and stabilizing a much larger one that I hope will stop the leak that I am…

Jess W and Zack B just finished lifting a 6' x 8' concrete slab and stabilizing a much larger one that I hope will stop the leak that I am having in a basement wall. They were extremely professional, knowledgeable and quite graciously willing to put up with me watching them do their work, which I found fascinating. If I ever need additional work done TarHeel is who I will call. I can't wait to powerwash once the caulk has dried.

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The Nathan Griffin, Nestor Bautista, Noe Gomez team were great! On time, did a great job. Thanks guys!

The Nathan Griffin, Nestor Bautista, Noe Gomez team were great! On time, did a great job. Thanks guys!

Al Lewis Construction LLC

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Jared, Mike and Shy did excellent work. They advised me when they were enroute to my house and kept me informed on the progress of my crawl …

Jared, Mike and Shy did excellent work. They advised me when they were enroute to my house and kept me informed on the progress of my crawl space encapsulation. I cant tell you how happy I am to get dirty nasty space looking so spiffy clean and hope to reap utility rewrds during peak cold and hot seasons. Thank you so much and I would definitely recommend thes guys !!

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Having Tar Heel Basement has made a world of difference to the stability of my home. Jonny Peters our Certified Field Inspector took his…

Having Tar Heel Basement has made a world of difference to the stability of my home. Jonny Peters our Certified Field Inspector took his time reviewing all of his findings with me. He was detailed and answered all of my questions.

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Cameron S., Gerritt T., and Austin L. did an excellent job placing supports under our home. Cameron checked and double checked to make sure …

Cameron S., Gerritt T., and Austin L. did an excellent job placing supports under our home. Cameron checked and double checked to make sure that everything was perfect. Answered all questions and explained everything. Top notch! Recommend these guys!

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The entire team was very prompt and courteous.They did an excellent job lifting front steps and sidewalk.Thanks to everyone Nathan,Edward…

The entire team was very prompt and courteous.They did an excellent job lifting front steps and sidewalk.Thanks to everyone Nathan,Edward and Tyler. Highly recommend!

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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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Great crew Justin Clayton and Corey Church. The were prompt, hard working, and professional. They communicated at all stages of the job,…

Great crew Justin Clayton and Corey Church. The were prompt, hard working, and professional. They communicated at all stages of the job, keeping us informed and updated.

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We had 2 segments of work done: (1) adding piers to the front foundation of our house, and (2) adding a beam and some piers in the…

We had 2 segments of work done: (1) adding piers to the front foundation of our house, and (2) adding a beam and some piers in the crawlspace to a center section of the house to better support some interior walls. We were very impressed by everyone at Tar Heel Basement Systems from beginning to end – from the initial analysis and proposal to the actual work to follow-up. John Reavis was very professional, thorough, and knowledgeable when he performed the initial site visit and put together a proposal for us. He was also very good about following up and communicating in general. Both crews who did the work were very confident, professional, and courteous. They really seemed like they knew what they were doing and took their time to make sure it was done right. They also were very good about communicating arrival times and progress on the 2 projects. Everyone we spoke with at the office was very helpful during the whole process. In particular, we had multiple interactions with Morgan about scheduling, arranging payment, and follow-up paperwork. We had some bad weather when the work was originally scheduled to be done, but everyone stayed in touch with us and made rescheduling easy. Tar Heel might be more expensive than some other options, but this is a case where you truly get what you pay for. We can't imagine anyone doing a better job.

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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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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.

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