Why does my basement leak after heavy rain?

• <div><p>If your basement often leaks after heavy rain, it’s probably caused by hydrostatic pressure. When the ground is saturated with water, it can put pressure on the exterior of your home’s foundation, causing cracks in the basement wall and pushing water through any existing weak spots. Over time, hydrostatic pressure can cause structural damage to your home.</p></div>

Best basement waterproofing pros near Chatham, MI

Q: What maintenance is needed after waterproofing or encapsulation?

• <div><p>Regular inspections, maintaining proper grading around the foundation, and keeping gutters clear are advisable. Vapor barriers and sealants may need checking for wear after several years.</p></div>

Q: Are there downsides to waterproofing the basement?

• <div><p>Some basement waterproofing methods can actually cause your water or moisture problems to get worse, which is why it&rsquo;s so important to call in a professional who knows how to solve your underlying issue and use the appropriate waterproofing methods. An example of this would be applying latex waterproofing paint to the insides of your basement walls without fixing the water issue outside. Doing so can trap moisture in the basement walls, which can promote mold growth, peeling paint, and even damaged concrete. However, when done by a professional, the only downside to basement waterproofing is the up-front cost. </p></div>

Q: How do I keep water away from my crawl space?

• <div><p>Proper drainage is the only way to ensure that your crawl space stays dry. Depending on your property and the extent of your issue, you might need to consider a gutter system, a French drain, or sump pumps to avoid and handle water and moisture under your home. Dehumidifiers can also help to prevent moisture from accumulating if you have a high-humidity environment.</p></div>

Q: Why does my basement leak after heavy rain?

• <div><p>If your basement often leaks after heavy rain, it&rsquo;s probably caused by hydrostatic pressure. When the ground is saturated with water, it can put pressure on the exterior of your home&rsquo;s foundation, causing cracks in the basement wall and pushing water through any existing weak spots. Over time, hydrostatic pressure can cause structural damage to your home.</p></div>

Q: What are the hardest parts of finishing a basement?

• <div><p>Roughing in and connecting utilities are the hardest parts of finishing a basement, and they&rsquo;re the parts we typically don&rsquo;t recommend doing as a DIY project. Unfortunately, your finishing timeline can be extended by weeks while you wait for contractors and inspectors to install electrical wiring, plumbing lines, and heating/cooling equipment and carry out inspections.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Basement Waterproofing pros in Chatham, MI

*The Angi rating for Basement Waterproofing companies in Chatham, MI 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 Chatham, MI 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 April 23, 2022

Reviewed in April 2022
Excellent work at s reasonable price. He arrived on time and did not mind when I continually added jobs to the original plan. He patched drywall and made my kitchen, basement, front porch all look like brand new. I would hire him again.
Red White & Blue Paint Crew
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Reviewed in July 2020
I had Merrifield Exteriors install new basement windows in our home. They were great to work with and we are very pleased. I recommend them highly.
Merrifield Exteriors, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2020
Very Professional in their work and with myself and wife. We hit it off from the first meeting and continuing through the final work. They stand by their work (2-year warrenty) and indicated they would come back if anything goes wrong. Used top rated materials and included minor repairs to our...
Metropoles Painting Company
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Reviewed in November 2019
I would not have been able to stay in Florida if he had not made my steps into my trailer so I could get in easily. He made them exactly like I wanted. I can go up and down easily and safely and I would recommend him to anyone.
Acosta Flooring
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Reviewed in November 2018
Very thorough and did a great job! I will use them every time I need gutters cleaned.
101st Professionals
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Reviewed in May 2018
Ramon responded quickly to my initial inquiry about installing new granite countertops in our condo. Within the week, the area was measured and, we visited AZ Tile and chose a slab. Elvis and his crew installed them during the evening hours ,to accomodate our schedule. They were...
Granite Karma, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2017
Very professional and a pleasure to work with. I recommend them.
Foundation Recovery Systems
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Reviewed in August 2017
Employees are courteous and work hard to complete all requested work.
Hummingbird Landscape and Design, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2016
I will never use this company again. They did no work and sent me a bill for $337.05. The invoice did not break down the per hour labor cost so called. Was told lobar was time was 3.5 hours at $84.30 per hour ($295.05) plus I was billed mileage totaling $42...total cost of $337.05. I live in...
DRESSELER MECHANICAL INC
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Reviewed in July 2015
They came on time & started right away & did a wonderful job. Very professional.
Johnson Glass Cleaning
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Top-Rated Basement waterproofing pros in Chatham - Updated Nov 2026

Northland Basement Systems

4.7(

)

Foundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / Encapsulation

Serving Chatham, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1991

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Very professional, knowledgeable and competent ."

15 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Basement Drainage Channels - Install

Serving Chatham, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"He built a pole barn from start to finish and we couldn’t be more happy with his work. He is a hard worker who showed up on time everyday when he said he would be there."

+70

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Armatti’s Trucking and Excavating

5.0(

)

Basement Drainage Channels - Install

Serving Chatham, MI and surrounding areas

"It was good, I had complaints at all. They showed up when they said they would and did exactly what I wanted."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Basement Drainage Channels - InstallBasement Drainage Channels - RepairFoundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / Encapsulation

Serving Chatham, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They were good. They were pretty fast and came on time. My overall experience with them has been good."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

Request Quote

Basement Waterproofing FAQs, answered by experts

Regular inspections, maintaining proper grading around the foundation, and keeping gutters clear are advisable. Vapor barriers and sealants may need checking for wear after several years.

Some basement waterproofing methods can actually cause your water or moisture problems to get worse, which is why it’s so important to call in a professional who knows how to solve your underlying issue and use the appropriate waterproofing methods. An example of this would be applying latex waterproofing paint to the insides of your basement walls without fixing the water issue outside. Doing so can trap moisture in the basement walls, which can promote mold growth, peeling paint, and even damaged concrete. However, when done by a professional, the only downside to basement waterproofing is the up-front cost.

Proper drainage is the only way to ensure that your crawl space stays dry. Depending on your property and the extent of your issue, you might need to consider a gutter system, a French drain, or sump pumps to avoid and handle water and moisture under your home. Dehumidifiers can also help to prevent moisture from accumulating if you have a high-humidity environment.

If your basement often leaks after heavy rain, it’s probably caused by hydrostatic pressure. When the ground is saturated with water, it can put pressure on the exterior of your home’s foundation, causing cracks in the basement wall and pushing water through any existing weak spots. Over time, hydrostatic pressure can cause structural damage to your home.

Roughing in and connecting utilities are the hardest parts of finishing a basement, and they’re the parts we typically don’t recommend doing as a DIY project. Unfortunately, your finishing timeline can be extended by weeks while you wait for contractors and inspectors to install electrical wiring, plumbing lines, and heating/cooling equipment and carry out inspections.

The Chatham, MI 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

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