Get matched with top basement waterproofing pros in Fredericksburg, IA

Q: What are the benefits of waterproofing or encapsulating a basement or crawlspace?

• <div><p>Waterproofing or encapsulating protects against moisture, preventing mold growth and structural damage. These services also enhance energy efficiency and improve air quality by keeping humidity levels in check.</p></div>

Q: Should you run a dehumidifier in the basement all the time?

• <div><p>No, your basement dehumidifier doesn&rsquo;t need to be on 24/7. While it&rsquo;s an excellent tool for tackling damp, musty air, especially in humid seasons, leaving it running nonstop can backfire. Over-drying the space can mess with your sinuses, warp wood, and even crack certain materials. Instead, only use your humidifier when moisture levels rise above 50%, and then give it a break when the humidity levels drop.</p></div>

Q: Should I pick a topical or a penetrating sealer for my project?

• <div><p>Topical sealers adhere to the surface of concrete to create a protective layer. In many cases, this is all you need for concrete that sees light to moderate traffic, such as your basement. Penetrating sealers, on the other hand, bond with the free lime in the top layer of concrete to form calcium silicate, which prevents liquid from passing through. This type of sealer protects the surface from water, oil, and gasoline spills.</p></div>

Q: Why does my crawl space smell like a sewer?

• <div><p>A sewage smell in your crawl space is usually from a damaged or clogged pipe leaking sewer gasses or actual sewage underneath your home, but there are some other common causes. Moisture, from poor or damaged encapsulation or a malfunctioning sump pump, can harbor mold and bacteria, causing a musty smell. Pests can also get stuck in your crawl space and die, which causes a sewage-like odor. </p></div>

Q: Can water seep through cracks in the basement floor?

• <div><p>Yes, water and water vapor can seep through cracks in your basement floor, which means you should address all basement floor cracks, even if they don&rsquo;t indicate structural issues. Sealing settling cracks and shrinkage cracks is a good idea to keep water and moisture outside where it belongs. Doing so can improve your indoor air quality, reduce the risk of mold growth, make your home more comfortable, and help prevent pest infestation.</p></div>

Enter your ZIP and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your basement waterproofing project in Fredericksburg, IA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Basement Waterproofing pros in Fredericksburg, IA

*The Angi rating for Basement Waterproofing companies in Fredericksburg, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Basement Waterproofing needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Basement Waterproofing companies in Fredericksburg, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Basement Waterproofing needs.

Last update on November 24, 2025

Basement Waterproofing questions, answered by experts

Waterproofing or encapsulating protects against moisture, preventing mold growth and structural damage. These services also enhance energy efficiency and improve air quality by keeping humidity levels in check.

No, your basement dehumidifier doesn’t need to be on 24/7. While it’s an excellent tool for tackling damp, musty air, especially in humid seasons, leaving it running nonstop can backfire. Over-drying the space can mess with your sinuses, warp wood, and even crack certain materials. Instead, only use your humidifier when moisture levels rise above 50%, and then give it a break when the humidity levels drop.

Topical sealers adhere to the surface of concrete to create a protective layer. In many cases, this is all you need for concrete that sees light to moderate traffic, such as your basement. Penetrating sealers, on the other hand, bond with the free lime in the top layer of concrete to form calcium silicate, which prevents liquid from passing through. This type of sealer protects the surface from water, oil, and gasoline spills.

A sewage smell in your crawl space is usually from a damaged or clogged pipe leaking sewer gasses or actual sewage underneath your home, but there are some other common causes. Moisture, from poor or damaged encapsulation or a malfunctioning sump pump, can harbor mold and bacteria, causing a musty smell. Pests can also get stuck in your crawl space and die, which causes a sewage-like odor.

Yes, water and water vapor can seep through cracks in your basement floor, which means you should address all basement floor cracks, even if they don’t indicate structural issues. Sealing settling cracks and shrinkage cracks is a good idea to keep water and moisture outside where it belongs. Doing so can improve your indoor air quality, reduce the risk of mold growth, make your home more comfortable, and help prevent pest infestation.

The Fredericksburg, IA homeowners’ guide to basement waterproofing services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Dan Simms
•
Nov 3, 2025Nov 3, 2025
How Much Does Crawl Space Repair Cost? [2025 Data]
Crawl space repair costs can seem intimidating, but putting them off can lead to bigger issues. Learn about repair costs in this guide to set your budget.
Haley Nothstein
•
Oct 20, 2025Oct 20, 2025
How Much Does a Sump Pump Battery Backup Cost? [2025 Data]
Sump pump battery backup costs depend on the type and the design of the system purchased. Follow this guide to learn how to budget for your backup battery.
Lawrence Bonk
•
Oct 16, 2025Oct 16, 2025
How Much Does Basement Waterproofing Cost? [2025 Data]
Need to fix basement water problems or safeguard your home from damage in the future? Use this basement waterproofing cost guide to budget appropriately.
Lauren Bongard
•
Jul 29, 2024Jul 29, 2024
What Damage Can a Flood Cause? What You Need to Know to Protect Your Home
Even small floods can wreak havoc outside and inside your home. Learn what damage a flood can cause, how to prevent the worst of it, and what to do after flooding.
Alannah Koene
•
Nov 4, 2024Nov 4, 2024
Sump Pump Backup Options and What’s Right for You
Don't let the rain get you down. Learn about the most popular sump pump backup options to keep your basement from flooding, even when the power goes out.
D.P. Taylor
•
Nov 5, 2025Nov 5, 2025
How to Hire a Basement Waterproofing Contractor
Waterproofing your basement is important to protect your home. Follow these tips to ensure that you hire the right waterproofing contractor for the job.