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Lafayette & West Lafayette, Indiana
Basement waterproofing in Lafayette, IN
Puddles along the wall after a storm, a damp smell, white chalky residue on the block. We find where the water is getting in and why, then collect it before it reaches your floor and send it away from the house.
- Free basement inspection
- Written price before work
- Bonded & insured
Why Lafayette basements leak
Saturated clay soil and pressure at the wall
After heavy rain or snowmelt, the clay soil around many Greater Lafayette homes holds water right against the foundation. That water builds pressure, called hydrostatic pressure, and pushes through the easiest path in.
The most common path is the cove joint, where the basement wall meets the floor. Water also comes through cracks, pipe penetrations, window wells and the hollow cores of block walls.
Roof water makes it worse. A single storm can send thousands of gallons off the roof, and if downspouts dump it at the foundation, the soil there stays saturated.
Signs your basement has a water problem
- Water or damp spots along the base of the walls
- Puddles on the floor after rain or snowmelt
- White, chalky residue (efflorescence) on block or concrete
- Musty smell or high humidity in the basement
- Peeling paint or bubbling on basement walls
- Mold or mildew on walls, stored boxes or framing
- Water around window wells after storms
How we fix it
Waterproofing systems we install
Most basements need a way to collect water and a way to get rid of it. Your written plan lists exactly what yours needs.
Interior drain tile
A perforated drain installed along the inside perimeter, below the floor, to catch water at the cove joint and from the walls before it reaches the floor.
Sump pump
Collected water drains to a sealed sump pit, where a pump sends it outside and away from the foundation.
Battery backup
A backup pump that keeps running when the power goes out, which is often during the same storm that's sending water in.
Wall vapor barrier
A liner on the inside of the walls that directs seepage down into the drain and keeps the basement drier.
Cove & crack leak repair
Seal leaking cracks and joints that let water through.
Window well repair
Fix leaking window wells with proper drains, covers and sealing.
Inside vs. outside
Why sealer paint alone usually isn't enough
Waterproof paint can hide damp spots for a while, but it doesn't relieve the water pressure outside the wall. The water keeps pushing, and the paint peels.
A lasting fix gives the water somewhere to go: an interior drain and sump pump to collect it, plus exterior drainage to keep less of it against the wall to begin with. We'll tell you which your home needs, and if a simple downspout fix solves it, that's what we'll recommend.
How long does it take?
Many basement waterproofing jobs take a few days. We protect your floors and belongings, and clean up every day.
What does it cost?
Price depends on the length of wall that needs a drain, whether the basement is finished, the number of sump pumps and access. We measure during the free inspection and give you a written price with options. Ask about payment plans when you get your estimate.
Often paired with
- Exterior drainage: buried downspout extensions, French drains and regrading to keep water away from the walls
- Foundation repair: for cracked or bowing walls we find during the inspection
- Crawlspace encapsulation: for homes with both a basement and a crawlspace
Questions
Basement waterproofing questions
Don't see yours? Call or text and ask. There's no charge for advice.
Do I need a battery backup sump pump?
In most cases, yes. The heaviest storms are also the ones most likely to knock out power, and that's exactly when the main pump needs to run. A battery backup keeps water moving until power comes back.
Will waterproof paint fix my wet basement?
Usually not for long. It can hide damp spots, but it doesn't relieve the water pressure outside the wall. A drain and sump pump give the water a place to go.
Can you waterproof a finished basement?
Often, yes. It may mean removing a strip of drywall and flooring along the walls to install the drain. We'll explain what's involved for your basement during the inspection.
How long does basement waterproofing take?
Many jobs take a few days. We give you a timeline with your estimate.
How much does basement waterproofing cost?
It depends on how much wall needs a drain, whether the basement is finished and how many sump pumps are needed. We measure during the free inspection and give you a written price with options before any work starts.
Let's take a look underneath.
Free basement inspection, written plan, no pressure. Serving Lafayette, West Lafayette, Battle Ground, Dayton, Frankfort, Delphi, Monticello, Crawfordsville and the surrounding counties.