Can you get sick from a wet basement?

• <div><p>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 <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/index.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a>, 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.</p></div>

Best basement waterproofing pros near Chatham, MI

Q: Which is the least expensive basement waterproofing method?

• <div><p>The least expensive basement waterproofing methods include grading soil away from your home, installing downspout extenders on your gutter system, and applying a waterproof paint on the interior of the foundation walls. Installing a French drain is a relatively inexpensive method if you do the work yourself, although it&rsquo;s labor-intensive and can be challenging to install properly.</p></div>

Q: What is the most challenging part of finishing a basement?

• <div><p>Physically, the most challenging part of finishing a basement is installing egress windows or doors when the space is below ground level. Mentally, the hardest part may be envisioning the project and planning around load-bearing and mechanical obstacles.</p></div>

Q: How do I prevent foundation cracks?

• <div><p>The first step to preventing foundation cracks is to repair any current ones. When one crack forms, it becomes more likely that a second crack will follow. A few other tips include performing regular foundation checks, cleaning spouts and gutters, and installing exterior drains if needed. For those living in a hot and arid area, you should water your foundation every other day.</p></div>

Q: Can a damp basement affect upstairs?

• <div><p>Yes, the air from a damp basement can travel up into your living area through a process called the stack effect, so moisture, mold spores, and other debris in your basement air can all decrease your indoor air quality on your main floors. Additionally, damp basements can promote the rotting of building materials, which can damage flooring, insulation, and framing on your first floor in addition to materials in the basement. </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

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.

The least expensive basement waterproofing methods include grading soil away from your home, installing downspout extenders on your gutter system, and applying a waterproof paint on the interior of the foundation walls. Installing a French drain is a relatively inexpensive method if you do the work yourself, although it’s labor-intensive and can be challenging to install properly.

Physically, the most challenging part of finishing a basement is installing egress windows or doors when the space is below ground level. Mentally, the hardest part may be envisioning the project and planning around load-bearing and mechanical obstacles.

The first step to preventing foundation cracks is to repair any current ones. When one crack forms, it becomes more likely that a second crack will follow. A few other tips include performing regular foundation checks, cleaning spouts and gutters, and installing exterior drains if needed. For those living in a hot and arid area, you should water your foundation every other day.

Yes, the air from a damp basement can travel up into your living area through a process called the stack effect, so moisture, mold spores, and other debris in your basement air can all decrease your indoor air quality on your main floors. Additionally, damp basements can promote the rotting of building materials, which can damage flooring, insulation, and framing on your first floor in addition to materials in the basement.

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.

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