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Basement Waterproofing

Basement leaks can lead to significant damage. Learn about Indiana Foundation Service's trusted basement waterproofing solutions.

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Water can accumulate in your basement for many reasons; no matter how it gets there, standing water in your basement causes a slew of problems. Uncontrolled moisture leads to elevated humidity, high energy bills, and increased mold and mildew formation. It can also lead to damage to your home’s structure which can cause warped floors, sticking doors and windows, and cracks in your walls.

It’s important to find the root of the problem and address it at the source so that you can prevent unwanted water in your home. By waterproofing basement areas with water, you can rest assured that you’re protected from the damaging effects of moisture and that your family stays safe.

At Indiana Foundation Service, we have three decades of experience with basement waterproofing in Indiana, offering tailored solutions for your home.


Leaky Basement Causes

Water can leak inside your basement because of a variety of factors. Here are some common causes of your wet basement.

As the construction of your home began, a large hole in the ground had to be made to accommodate the house and its foundation. After the foundation was built, there still was a gap around the house between the structure and the rest of the earth. Some of the previously excavated soil is replaced or “backfilled” around the walls. This soil is looser and fluffier than the rest of the hard-packed, untouched soil. This allows water to collect in the soil immediately surrounding the house, creating a “clay bowl,” and exerting pressure on the walls that leads to cracks and leaking water.

This constant force exerted on the walls by saturated soil is known as hydrostatic pressure. When this force becomes too much for the walls to handle, they will begin to show signs of failure in the form of cracks and inward movement. Water can easily find its way through any cracks and openings, and your home’s structural stability is at risk.

A footing drain was installed outside the foundation walls of your home during its construction in order to help keep water away. But this drain can easily clog and allow water to collect by the walls. Preventing this is difficult, and so is cleaning and flushing the drains.

Clogged or above-ground exterior drainage pipes could allow water to puddle next to the home and leak through cracks or gaps in the foundation walls. It’s a good idea to place these lines in the ground and direct them far away from your house to prevent draining water from leaking inside. But you also need to make sure these lines are doing their job. If they crack, collapse, or clog, you could end up with water in your basement.

Sump pumps are needed to keep water out of the basement. Many sump pump systems are installed with metal basins placed in the floor and have lids that rest on top of the basin and openings for the discharge pipes. Some may not have lids at all. These are ineffective systems that only cause more problems. Metal basins can easily rust and corrode, and partial or nonexistent lids allow water to evaporate back into or flood the basement. This leads to unpleasant odors and moisture issues that defeat the purpose of the sump pump in the first place. Debris and other items also can easily fall into the system and damage the pump if the sump pit is not completely covered.

Mother Nature can be unpredictable and brutal, and Indiana experiences its share of wild weather. Heavy rainstorms can dump a lot of water on the ground with nowhere to go, and wintertime snowmelt results in runoff water. This water can then find its way inside through saturated soil and wall cracks. 

Award-Winning Service

Groundworks, LLC BBB Business Review
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Great company with even better people! They care and they are willing to go above and beyond to take care of any customer, job, or hurdle….

Great company with even better people! They care and they are willing to go above and beyond to take care of any customer, job, or hurdle. Kyle, Ed, Theresa, Freddie, and Chris did a great job of making my experience special and valued. Couldn’t ask for more!

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Jackie S is very knowledgeable about foundation and crawl space issues. She's very capable and determined so she is a problem solver. I…

Jackie S is very knowledgeable about foundation and crawl space issues. She's very capable and determined so she is a problem solver. I trust what she says

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The crew that i had come out to my home was more that excellent. They were on time and responsive to my needs. Christian R. Was the job…

The crew that i had come out to my home was more that excellent. They were on time and responsive to my needs. Christian R. Was the job site manager and did his best to make sure everything was how i wanted it. The crew that was with him Chad B., Dillon A, and Travis R. Were extremely respectful with me and my family. They took the extra steps to make sure things were what I wanted. They all worked well together and was extremely impressed with how they kept the jobsite clean and my house clean as well. Would highly recomend this company and crew to anyone needing their services. If i do have any issues in the future i only have to make one call. Would also recomend this crew to any jobsite. Extremely knowledgeable and honest. Honesty is the key to any contractor coming into your home. Again thanks to the crew. It was a pleasure.

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Whitney Rose is the best!! Whitney was very knowledgeable and helped with all issues and concerns we had. Greg Spires

Whitney Rose is the best!! Whitney was very knowledgeable and helped with all issues and concerns we had. Greg Spires

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Doug C provided me a quote after giving my crawl space a thorough inspection. He was friendly and explained the entire process to me in a…

Doug C provided me a quote after giving my crawl space a thorough inspection. He was friendly and explained the entire process to me in a way that way digestible.

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Damian, Phillip and Tristan were wonderful to work with. They were on time, professional, polite and informative. They took pictures so I…

Damian, Phillip and Tristan were wonderful to work with. They were on time, professional, polite and informative. They took pictures so I was able to see their work. They also pointed out a potential problem so I would have the opportunity to get it fixed before it became a huge problem. My experience with IFS was a positive one and I would truly recommend them.

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I’m a real estate agent and Indiana foundation services came in at a pinch to look at what we were told was a foundation problem by a…

I’m a real estate agent and Indiana foundation services came in at a pinch to look at what we were told was a foundation problem by a different foundation contractor and they actually told us that it wasn’t a foundation problem and it would actually cost less than half of what the first guy suggested so I would highly recommend Indiana foundation services and Deckoda Hodges to anyone for their foundation needs

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Mark was a professional

Mark was a professional

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I had an estimate done by Bailey Gardner and he was great. Super knowledgeable and helpful with all my questions.

I had an estimate done by Bailey Gardner and he was great. Super knowledgeable and helpful with all my questions.

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Great place to work

Great place to work

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We had the company come out to give us an estimate for some basement work. They were prompt and very professional. We got a good…

We had the company come out to give us an estimate for some basement work. They were prompt and very professional. We got a good explanation of our options and a detailed estimate. I would definitely recommend them. Ask specifically for Mark Gladish. He is great!

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Whitney Rose wonderful and knowledgeable! Highly recommended!!

Whitney Rose wonderful and knowledgeable! Highly recommended!!

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Bailey Gardner was amazing! He was very thorough, knowledgeable, and informative. He was extremely polite even after rescheduling. I hope…

Bailey Gardner was amazing! He was very thorough, knowledgeable, and informative. He was extremely polite even after rescheduling. I hope all Indiana Foundation Service employees are as great as he is 😊

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Mark was such a pleasure to work with. Very informative and courteous. Will definitely recommend to family and friends. Can’t wait to…

Mark was such a pleasure to work with. Very informative and courteous. Will definitely recommend to family and friends. Can’t wait to continue working with Mark on our project.

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James, Saul & Devarion showed up very timely. James explained his thoughts on what they needed to do and updated me every step of their…

James, Saul & Devarion showed up very timely. James explained his thoughts on what they needed to do and updated me every step of their work. He asked me to come out and see what they were doing. He constantly asked if i had any questions or wanted something different done! They were very courteous: always please and thank you and maam! They made very little mess and cleaned up very well after themselves! Best experience i have had with Indiana Foundation!!! Would definitely recommend.

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We just completed our foundation work with Indiana Foundation. Because of the depths of the concrete pillars, much more excavation was…

We just completed our foundation work with Indiana Foundation. Because of the depths of the concrete pillars, much more excavation was required than planned and much more landscape alteration and subsequent work will be required. This is just the nature of these kinds of projects and certainly no fault of the company at all. Just as a homeowner, be prepared for things to be more involved than you originally anticipated. This is the only reason for the four star rating instead of five, because things were much more involved than we planned, much more landscape alteration, which will cost money to put back together, double the length of the initial anticipated time of the project… Those kinds of things. The personnel, however, were excellent. See below. Fortunately, we had a superb team on site… Andrew, Anthony and his brother Jeremy. They were present every day until the lift was done, which took several days because one of the pillars was very deep. These young men were remarkable representatives of their company. Very pleasant, easy to understand, and clearly were knowledgeable at their profession. There were times during our project where we were frustrated with the amount of dirt removed and they took great care to damage none of the property, or any of the trees or other wooden features of the home as they were doing their job. The cleanup was very good at the end. We were happy to have these three men on site and appreciate their experience and know how. High marks for them. We also had some steps that had subsided raised with the polyfoam, and that was very straightforward and very successful. We have one more set of steps to go, and then we will be complete. Lastly, we also had the opportunity to meet Colby, a supervisor. A true gem of a man, he inspected the project during the height of our frustration and helped reassure us about the eventual success and ultimate resolution of things. His presence and repeat timely communication was invaluable. Thank you, Indiana Foundation!

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Shout out to Doug for looking at my foundation issues and being honest and effective in his communication on a plan of attack. Thanks Doug! …

Shout out to Doug for looking at my foundation issues and being honest and effective in his communication on a plan of attack. Thanks Doug! Would recommend this company over and over again.

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It’s been some time since I got Indiana Foundation to come out and look at my crawl space and give me an estimate. I used to have so much…

It’s been some time since I got Indiana Foundation to come out and look at my crawl space and give me an estimate. I used to have so much water in my crawl space some summers I had frogs in there. My sump pumps all burned out and nothing I put in kept up with the water to pump out. Matt came out and did my estimate and laid all out on the table how bad it was down there. It had rotted out the floor in my main bathroom and even under my furnace. His guys came out and put inna new floor in my bathroom, pumped out 16 inches of water before they could even start working, and work they did. They worked into the nights, on weekend, and did a fantastic job and saved the foundation of my house. They just came out for an annual check if everything is working and it is. I am so glad to hear one of the 3 pumps, they created on their own and cooled by water pumped so they won’t burn out, when it pours rain. Thank you Matt and your entire crew. What a great job!!!

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Doug was extremely prompt, went out to give me an estimate the very next day, he was kind, thorough and detailed and helped me understand…

Doug was extremely prompt, went out to give me an estimate the very next day, he was kind, thorough and detailed and helped me understand what were dealing with. Thank you so much !

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Mark Gladish came promptly and was forthcoming about the price and effort to fix my problem. It was cosmetic and I ended up not doing it,…

Mark Gladish came promptly and was forthcoming about the price and effort to fix my problem. It was cosmetic and I ended up not doing it, but now I know what the underlying problem is.

Is Basement Waterproofing the Right Solution for Me?

As a homeowner, it’s important to guard your home against any damage it faces from the outside elements. Waterproofing basement areas affected by water intrusion is essential to prevent problems including mold, foundation cracks, uneven floors, and sticking windows and doors that endanger your family’s health and safety.

Indiana Foundation Service has more than 30 years of experience in diagnosing basement water problems and installing trusted solutions to address basement waterproofing in Indiana. Our multi-step process ensures your home is sealed and protected from water for good. Internal basement waterproofing solutions such as interior drainage and a superior sump pump system effectively drain water away from your foundation.

Basement Waterproofing FAQs

The ideal humidity levels for basements are between 40 and 50%. It’s important to keep the levels below 60% to avoid moisture-related issues. If you need assistance maintaining your basement’s humidity levels and ensuring its protection, contact Indiana Foundation Service. Our team of professionals offers reliable basement waterproofing solutions. 

While a damp and musty basement is common, it is not normal or healthy for your home and family. The presence of water and humidity causes other issues like mold growth, damaged belongings, structural instability, and more. That’s why waterproofing your basement is essential. The most effective methods include an interior drainage system, sump pump, wall vapor barrier, and dehumidifier. Working in tandem, these solutions keep water from infiltrating your home and prevent humidity from wreaking havoc.

Absolutely! If the source of the odor is mold, inhaling mold spores can worsen allergies or cause illness. It’s important not to disregard persistent musty odors. We encourage you to contact Indiana Foundation Service for a free inspection and basement waterproofing estimate. We address musty basement smells at their source and provide solutions that protect your home. 

Regular maintenance includes checking and cleaning your gutters, inspecting your sump pump to ensure it’s functioning properly, and monitoring any cracks in the walls for changes. You can take advantage of Indiana Foundation Service’s annual maintenance programs to ensure your basement waterproofing systems are in top shape.

Why is Basement Waterproofing Needed?

Most homes have some sort of water management system. Although the age and effectiveness may vary, it’s important to maintain regular inspections to ensure they’re in good working condition. Here are some common reasons why waterproofing your basement is an important step in protecting your most valuable asset, your home.

Many homeowners have had to face mold and mildew in their homes at some point. Unfortunately known as a common occurrence that stems from moisture in your home, mold can also wreak havoc on the health of your loved ones. Certain strains of mold are toxic and can cause severe respiratory issues and allergies. When you waterproof basement areas affected by moisture with solutions including a vapor barrier or dehumidifier, you’re able to tackle moisture levels in your home and prevent mold.

bowed basement wall

Eradicates the Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure

Hydrostatic pressure is the force oversaturated soil exerts on your foundation walls. This can lead to cracks along your basement walls that allow water to easily seep in. If the soil surrounding your home becomes overly wet, you may experience pooling water around your cove joints or on your basement floors. To prevent this, consider repairing foundation damage, checking the grade of your yard, and inspecting your gutters for clogs or damage. Additionally, lining your basement walls with a durable vapor barrier can seal out the effects of hydrostatic pressure, and interior drains and a sump pump help direct excess water away from your home.

Adds Value to Your Home

A finished, waterproof basement can add appeal to potential buyers when you decide to sell your house. This is mainly because of the added livable space, which can be used for many purposes. It also is attractive to buyers who don’t want to worry about having to install waterproofing systems once they move in or do any invasive construction. Our warrantied solutions ease the minds of future owners so that they can have the same protection for their new home.

Common Basement Waterproofing Tips & Mistakes

Over the years, we’ve heard it all and seen it all when it comes to homeowners deciding to waterproof their basements. It’s important to us to make sure all our potential and current customers are educated and knowledgeable about what’s going on in their homes. Here are some of our tips and mistakes to avoid when waterproofing basement areas.

Helpful Basement Waterproofing Tips

  • Did you know that waterproofing your basement can also save you money on your energy bills? Installing waterproofing measures in and around your home protects your HVAC system from having to work harder. When moisture gets into your home, it leads to increased humidity levels, which makes it difficult for your heating and cooling appliances to run efficiently. Waterproofing basement areas controls moisture, creates a comfortable living environment, and reduces the money you spend on energy costs.
  • In most cases, gutters aren’t commonly known by homeowners to protect the interior of their homes, only the exterior. Gutters play an important role in protecting your basement. Their main purpose is to catch rainwater from your roof and direct it away through downspouts. Gutters with proper downspouts and downspout extensions are a great way to keep water away from the edge of the home’s foundation and away from the basement. It is important to note that gutters should be regularly inspected for damage or clogs to ensure they work properly. Installing gutter guards can also prevent clogs from forming as a result of tree debris.
  • Although installing a sump pump is a step in the right direction, a battery-powered backup can make all the difference during a power outage. Since your main sump pump runs off your home’s electricity, if the power goes out, so does your protection from standing water. When you choose to install a backup sump pump, you’re protecting your basement from water and any damage that could arise.

Basement Waterproofing Mistakes to Avoid

  • When your home was first constructed, the soil that was backfilled around your foundation is usually compacted, but still won’t be as dense as when it was dug up. Indiana’s clay soil makes it easy for oversaturation to occur due to its poor drainage. This can lead to hydrostatic pressure wreaking havoc in your basement. To keep this from happening and allow that soaked-up moisture to enter your foundation, it’s important to check the grade of your yard to ensure any water runoff flows away from your home and not towards it.
  • Some home repairs can be completed on your own, but basement waterproofing is not meant to be a DIY project. Many necessary steps need to be taken to ensure your home is properly waterproofed. If something is left out or not inspected thoroughly, your water problems will likely persist, causing more damage. It’s important to have a professional inspect the interior and exterior of your home so that your basement is adequately protected.
  • If you don’t maintain your gutter systems, chances are you’re still going to be experiencing moisture-related problems in your home. It’s vital to regularly check your gutters and downspouts for signs of damage including cracks or holes, separated joints, and clogs. By cleaning out your gutters and repairing any damage, you can feel confident in knowing your basement waterproofing measures are efficiently working.

Providing Expert Basement Waterproofing in Indiana

Pennsylvania trusts Indiana Foundation Service for reliable basement waterproofing, crawl space, foundation, and concrete repair services. Contact us for a free inspection!  

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Our Locations

Indianapolis, IN

624 North Front Street
Whiteland, IN 46184

Kokomo, IN

2731 Albright Rd
Kokomo, 46902

Lafayette, IN

8 N 3rd St
Lafayette, IN 47901