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>

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Q: How many weep holes do you need?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s not the number of weep holes that should be of concern to builders but rather their spacing. Weep holes are usually spaced anywhere between 16 inches on center when using round tubes or wicking materials and 24 inches on center when using open-head joints. This is a more conservative spacing than the 33-inch maximum spacing on center that&rsquo;s mentioned in the International Residential Code. All in all, the total number of weep holes a brick exterior should have will depend on the size of the structure.</p></div>

Q: Is it OK to live in a finished basement?

• <div><p>Living in a finished basement is acceptable, but only if the space has the proper points of egress and includes smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to ensure the safety of the occupants. A good way to ensure your finished basement is suitable for use as living space is to get the basement finishing project properly permitted. </p></div>

Q: How long does ice and water shield last?

• <div><p>In perfect conditions&mdash;meaning, no overexposure to the elements without roofing material on top of it&mdash;an ice and water shield can last for decades. In fact, many come with a limited lifetime warranty because they should last for a long time. If, however, the membrane is exposed to the elements during building or if there is a delay in installing the roofing material, it might only last up to 180 days if exposed to the elements. The key is to make it a layer of protection and then protect that layer by installing the roofing.</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>

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Verified Reviews for Basement Waterproofing pros in Lead, SD

*The Angi rating for Basement Waterproofing companies in Lead, SD 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 Lead, SD 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 March 17, 2026

Reviewed in March 2026
I had been dealing with an uneven garage floor for several years and consulted multiple companies, but most either quoted very high prices or couldn’t handle the job properly. TJ and his assistant, Miky, from Walking 4 LLC, carefully assessed the situation, explained everything clearly, and...
Walking 4, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2026
Fantastic experience, not only did they check out my water heater the same morning I call, they also had it replaced by early afternoon. I couldn’t be happier. Very friendly service and extremely professional!!
Loyal Plumbing Heating and Cooling
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Reviewed in September 2024
Crew was very professional and did a great job. Price was really good and very affordable.
RainTite Roofing & Construction
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Reviewed in August 2024
These guys were great! They removed and replaced a large section of concrete basement floor. This was all hand work. They had to wheel all the rubble out and the new concrete in. They showed up on time and worked hard. They kept in contact via text and phone. The end product was very good.
Double H Contracting, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2024
In 1994 we purchased our one story 1960 house and we replaced the windows on the main floor 14 years ago. Although I never thought we would have to go through this process again in our lifetime, earlier this year it was clear we needed a change and we contacted Renewal by Andersen of Rapid...
Renewal by Andersen of Rapid City
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Reviewed in May 2023
I hired this company to do a radon test. Our house tested pretty high, even with a current mitigation system running. He gave me a timely and very reasonable estimate for a mitigation system.
ALO Radon
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Reviewed in March 2023
Excellent professional and safe crew
American Tree and Forestry Care, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2022
I was concerned because my home already had blown-in insulation, though not adequate. They worked with it and moved it around then filled in the corners and edges with spray foam. My home is a lot more comfortable and holds a much more stable temperature throughout. The utility bill is already...
Advanced Poly Coatings & Liners
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Reviewed in May 2022
They showed up when they said they would, did what they said they would and the price didn't change. It was many many loads of gravel, had a steep curved hill and after it was spread out and packed it held pretty well. They used 2 sizes of rock which was a good idea I wouldn't have thought of....
Foley Homes, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2022
Re Bearfoot Wood Flooring Jeremy did an amazing job of repairing and restoring the wood floors in our newly purchased home. The job was easy to coordinate. He was in constant communication. We are really happy with his work and would highly recommend him.
Bearfoot Wood Flooring
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Find Basement waterproofing pros in Lead

Blackburn Foundation Repair, LLC

4.6(

)

Serving Lead, SD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1992

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Blackburn came out to repair my garage foundation. They were quick, efficient, and left the area in great condition."

Response time1 day

89 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by80%of homeowners

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Sunken Foundation Solutions

4.9(

)

Serving Lead, SD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"He is a hard worker!"

+21

Response time1 day

Response rate85%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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All Around Foundation Waterproofing LLC -

New to Angi

Serving Lead, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Specilatity - srpay the outside of the building

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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Serving Lead, SD 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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Enhanced Basements Foundation Repair LLC

New to Angi

Serving Lead, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Enhanced Basements foundation repair offers reliable and affordable foundation repair solutions. Our dedicated team is committed to providing high-quality services to address various foundation issues. We take pride in our work and strive to ensure the safety and stability of your property.

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Owl Creek Enterprizes, LLC

3.0(

)

Serving Lead, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Their work was very good, so good that I kept adding more work for them to do. They were kind and courteous and strived to achieve the best possible work. Their work ethic and price were exceptionaly honest and fair. If I have more work in the future I will definitely hire them again."

+27

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Lead, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"He is concerned about the customers wishes and always offering positive alternatives."

Response time9 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Rapid Foundation Repair Inc.

3.0(

)

Serving Lead, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Very good quality work, very professional, and they perform the work that the customer needs"

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Lead, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

RMH Construction LLC is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Response time30 mins

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Basement Waterproofing questions, 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.

It’s not the number of weep holes that should be of concern to builders but rather their spacing. Weep holes are usually spaced anywhere between 16 inches on center when using round tubes or wicking materials and 24 inches on center when using open-head joints. This is a more conservative spacing than the 33-inch maximum spacing on center that’s mentioned in the International Residential Code. All in all, the total number of weep holes a brick exterior should have will depend on the size of the structure.

Living in a finished basement is acceptable, but only if the space has the proper points of egress and includes smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to ensure the safety of the occupants. A good way to ensure your finished basement is suitable for use as living space is to get the basement finishing project properly permitted.

In perfect conditions—meaning, no overexposure to the elements without roofing material on top of it—an ice and water shield can last for decades. In fact, many come with a limited lifetime warranty because they should last for a long time. If, however, the membrane is exposed to the elements during building or if there is a delay in installing the roofing material, it might only last up to 180 days if exposed to the elements. The key is to make it a layer of protection and then protect that layer by installing the roofing.

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 Lead, SD 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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