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>

What are signs that I need to waterproof my basement?

• <div><p>Due to the nature of basements, some level of waterproofing is necessary to prevent water from seeping in and causing damage. Some definitive signs that your basement needs waterproofing measures or needs existing waterproofing measures need to be updated include:</p><ul><li><p>Water in your basement, including damp walls or puddles on the floor</p></li><li><p>Mold spots in your basement</p></li><li><p>Musty smells or odors</p></li><li><p>Warped doors or walls</p></li><li><p>Cracks in walls</p></li><li><p>Insect issues, such as cockroaches and termites</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top basement waterproofing pros in Chatham, MI

Q: What is the real purpose of a crawl space?

• <div><p>A crawl space is an area under the house that provides access to plumbing, electrical, heating ducts, and other HVAC units. Its purpose is to create a buffer between the ground and the living area, helping with ventilation, moisture control, and access for maintenance or repairs. Crawl spaces are most often seen in houses in North America which are built on concrete foundations versus other parts of the world where buildings are constructed differently.</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: Should you have vents in a crawl space?

• <div><p>Most houses will have vents in the crawl space. This allows for air passage and energy retention, which in many ways can help control the temperature inside the home. If you are able to consider the cost of a crawl space encapsulation, you may not need your crawl space vents at all. </p></div>

Q: What material do you use to waterproof a basement?

• <div><p>&ldquo;Basement waterproofing&rdquo; sometimes refers to applying a waterproof sealant to basement walls, in which case you would use a waterproof paint, often made of latex. However, there are many methods you can use to waterproof a basement, including exterior drainage systems, interior drainage systems, dehumidifiers, and more. As such, the materials you use can vary depending on the methods you use.</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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Find Basement waterproofing pros in Chatham

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 ."

21 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

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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

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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

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Basement Waterproofing questions, answered by experts

A crawl space is an area under the house that provides access to plumbing, electrical, heating ducts, and other HVAC units. Its purpose is to create a buffer between the ground and the living area, helping with ventilation, moisture control, and access for maintenance or repairs. Crawl spaces are most often seen in houses in North America which are built on concrete foundations versus other parts of the world where buildings are constructed differently.

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.

Most houses will have vents in the crawl space. This allows for air passage and energy retention, which in many ways can help control the temperature inside the home. If you are able to consider the cost of a crawl space encapsulation, you may not need your crawl space vents at all.

“Basement waterproofing” sometimes refers to applying a waterproof sealant to basement walls, in which case you would use a waterproof paint, often made of latex. However, there are many methods you can use to waterproof a basement, including exterior drainage systems, interior drainage systems, dehumidifiers, and more. As such, the materials you use can vary depending on the methods you use.

Due to the nature of basements, some level of waterproofing is necessary to prevent water from seeping in and causing damage. Some definitive signs that your basement needs waterproofing measures or needs existing waterproofing measures need to be updated include:

Water in your basement, including damp walls or puddles on the floor
Mold spots in your basement
Musty smells or odors
Warped doors or walls
Cracks in walls
Insect issues, such as cockroaches and termites

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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