"They advice, and had all our questions answered on sensible and affordable options. Very knowledgeable, prompt, polite, efficient, and thorough team! We are happy with their waterproofing services in our basement (fast sump pump and a grate trench with a discharge line that goes 15 feet to the outside bubbler) as well as crawl space shield installed under our addition. It works well, and Pioneer checked a month later and a year after for inspection and cleaning. A+ work and workers."
"Recently needed some waterproofing work done in my basement, proceeded to look up 3-4 different companies thet did basement water proofing work decided to go with Key Waterproofing and it was a "GREAT CHOICE"!!! Was notified as to when the job was to be done, 3 great guys showed up,right on time, went right to work installing a Sump-Pump in our basement floor to takecare of our water problems. They did neat, high quality work everything was cleaned up with a "job that was well done". "Very satisfied" would highly recommend Key Waterproofing for all your waterproofing needs!!!!!!!"
"It comes out exactly what I’m expecting. My basement stays dry until now problem solved without the inconvenience of a construction noise in your basement. The duration of the job is very minimal and the price is reasonable. Very professional."
"Guys came out to 2 of our properties and put systems in each one. They were in and out in a week for both and did a great job. They solved our water issues and we are so thankful for the great job they did. We would highly recommend them."
"I was impressed with his knowledge and professionalism. He installed a French drain system with a vapor barrier on the walls. He prepped the area to protect our belongings, made sure everything was cleaned up after the end of each day, and provided exceptional service and quality. I would highly recommend him!"
"Mixed review I had spoken with other radon remediation companies and received quotes before meeting with Erickson Foundation Solutions. The salesman, Chris, seemed much more thorough in his approach and he gave a presentation explaining radon, its danger and the process to remove it. The quote was slightly higher than another quote, but I felt more confident. And with the added fan moisture guard, the system came with a 10-year warranty. So I agreed to the proposed plan and paid a deposit. Later I decided to not install concrete in the adjacent (but not connected) basement/crawl space. I asked Erickson to quote installation of plastic sheeting to seal that space. John, the sales manager’s quote doubled the total price. I already had found durable plastic sheeting for about $300. So how would that become $2000 extra? John explained that there would be a drainage mat under the plastic and it would be attached every few inches to the walls and then sealed with caulking. But besides sealing the area, the quote also included another extraction hole and piping to connect it to the fan. This seemed to me like over-kill for a 1200 square-foot house. But he said without the second extraction location, they would not warranty the job. So I accepted the “up-sell” and signed. Today the office called to tell me when the crew would arrive and they arrived on time and were very pleasant. However, they did not have the drainage mat. They called their supervisor and was told that it was not included in the quote and would be an additional charge. In fact it had been a verbal inclusion, not written. The crew was surprised that a second extraction hole was quoted, since the radon levels were not very high to start (3.8 and 5.4). So I feel that I accepted a possibly unnecessarily elaborate system, more elaborate than I probably really need, for twice the price. And didn’t receive the drainage mat that I was told would be part of it."
Basement Waterproofing questions, answered by experts
As the first layer of water protection for your roof deck and the building materials below, underlayment is designed to prevent water damage, so it’s okay if it gets wet. However, you shouldn’t rely solely on underlayment for protection. If rain interrupts your roof project and you have all of the underlayment down, you’ll likely be fine, but you should install shingles over that layer as soon as possible, as long-term exposure can lead to water damage.
While water in your basement is unlikely to make you sick unless it’s coming from a sewage backup, mold is likely to start to grow in wet areas within 24 hours, and mold can make you sick. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), inhaling mold spores can cause allergy symptoms, including runny nose, itchy eyes, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and itchy skin. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory issues like asthma and immunocompromised individuals are at an elevated risk of symptoms when inhaling mold spores.
If a crawl space isn’t vented, there can be moisture buildup, which can lead to mold damage, easily destroying the foundation of your home. A closed-off crawl space can trap heat, which can be useful in the winter, but can also trap dangerous gases and prevent clean air from entering the home through the floorboards.
Preventative measures, such as maintaining drainage systems, installing sump pumps, inspecting roofs regularly, and crafting comprehensive emergency plans, can help mitigate future risks.
The primary downside to crawl space encapsulation is the high cost, which can be several thousand dollars. Additionally, the process can make future repairs more complicated by limiting access to plumbing and electrical wiring within the crawl space. Encapsulation also requires sealing off any vents, which can be a disadvantage for home designs that benefit from the airflow they provide. It's recommended to consult with a crawl space contractor to determine if the benefits outweigh these potential drawbacks for your specific home.
The Lawrence, MA homeowners’ guide to basement waterproofing services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Need to fix basement water problems or safeguard your home in Boston, MA from damage in the future? Use this basement waterproofing cost guide to budget appropriately.
A variety of factors can affect your total crawl space encapsulation cost in Boston, MA. Here’s a breakdown of the cost of this project, whether you hire a pro or DIY.
Find out the average basement remodel cost in Boston, MA. Learn what you can expect to pay for local contractors, materials, and finishing your lower level.
Dealing with a damp basement? Follow these steps for DIY basement waterproofing to keep water and moisture out and boost your home’s energy efficiency.
Can’t seem to get rid of the moisture and mold in your basement? Learn why basements tend to hold moisture and how to get rid of moisture in the basement.
