Frequently Asked Questions

In basement waterproofing, drainage channels (also known as French drains) are used to capture groundwater and redirect that water to a location that’s safely away from your foundation. For some basement waterproofing systems, such as an interior basement waterproofing system, the drainage channels leading to a sump pit where a sump pump then pushes the water out of the house via a discharge pipe.

Yes! A wet basement can mean more than just repairing water damage. A wet basement can lead to a variety of other problems such as mold and termites, which in turn can lead to more costly repairs. Basement waterproofing can prevent these problems from happening in the first place, and you’ll be able to use your basement safely!

It sure can! Prospective home buyers will be pleased to know that your home’s basement is protected by a waterproofing system. For them, it means not having to worry about extensive repair costs after a home purchase. For you, it can mean getting more for your home.

Absolutely! At ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing, we provide a customizable interior basement waterproofing solution. By installing drainage channels along the inside of the basement perimeter, beside-the-footer, our system captures water as the water table rises to meet the foundation. This prevents hydrostatic pressure from building against your foundation, which in turn prevents problems like intrusive moisture or groundwater.

While basement waterproofing paint can keep water from seeping through, it doesn’t work to address the cause of that water or moisture intrusion: hydrostatic pressure. Painting your basement walls with waterproofing paint might seem like it’s keeping your basement dry, but hydrostatic pressure will still continue to push water and moisture against the concrete, which can create cracks and cause further damage to your foundation.

Hydrostatic pressure is a kind of water pressure created when water is allowed to sit against a structure. For your foundation, this typically occurs when it rains and the water table rises until it meets the foundation. This immense pressure is what can cause water and moisture to push through any cracks your foundation may have, leading to a wet basement.

Since hydrostatic pressure is a common reason for why moisture and water can leak into a basement from the outside, it’s important to address that hydrostatic pressure. While exterior waterproofing may work to an extent, it requires intrusive excavation to install, which can disrupt your landscaping, gardens, and even your backyard deck. When exterior waterproofing gets clogged, it requires the same level of excavation to replace. That’s why ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing uses an interior basement waterproofing method. It’s easier to install and it ensures that the hydrostatic pressure problem is addressed—it gets to work as soon as the water table rises to the foundation, preventing hydrostatic pressure from being a problem and keeping your basement and foundation safe from water-related damage. What’s more, our ‘58 products including our Workhorse sump pump and our Channel ‘58 drainage channels are designed to capture and move as much as 3x the amount of water versus other competitor solutions.

When you’re looking for the best local basement waterproofing company, you’ll want to make sure that the company meets at least these criteria:

1. Decades of experience. Small company's come and go. It takes many years to perfect systems and procedures. Trust your home to our 65 years of experience.
2. A strong warranty that’s backed by the company’s longevity. A 2015 study showed that a family-owned construction business's average lifespan was 24 years. Make sure your warranty is safe. At ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing, we've been honoring warranties since 1958.
3. Lots of positive online reviews. If you look across our footprint you'll find that we've maintained an average 4.7 stars. Not 5.0, but we're a real business with real customers and real reviews.
4. Licensed and insured. This is a must. Basement and Foundation work is too important to not use a licensed and insured contractor in your local area to fix your home.

Yes, in most cases. Concrete leveling can be used to lift and support cracked or sunken slabs, as long as the concrete is still structurally sound. Small cracks are common and don’t always require replacement. During your inspection, we’ll check the condition of your slab and let you know whether leveling is the right solution.

Concrete leveling is a process used to lift and stabilize sunken or uneven concrete slabs. At ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing, we use a precision foam injection method that fills voids beneath the slab and raises it back to its original position. The result is a smooth, level surface, without having to demolish and re-pour your concrete.

In many cases, yes. Concrete leveling is faster, less disruptive, and far more affordable than tearing out and replacing concrete. Most leveling jobs take just a few hours, and your surface is ready to use the same day. It’s an ideal solution for sunken sidewalks, driveways, patios, and pool decks, without the mess or high cost of full replacement.

Concrete leveling costs vary depending on the size of the area, how much the slab has settled, and the method used. While national averages range widely, the best way to understand your true cost is through a free on-site inspection. At ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing, we’ll assess your concrete and provide a clear, no-obligation estimate, so you know exactly what you're paying for and why.

When installed properly, concrete leveling can last for decades. Our polyurethane foam system is water-resistant and stable, meaning it won’t break down over time like older mudjacking methods. Many projects remain solid and level for 30 years or more, depending on soil conditions and drainage.

Our polyurethane is fully cured in 15 minutes. By the time we clean up and leave the job, you can use your concrete immediately! You can even park your cars on your newly repaired concrete.

Polyurethane injections require smaller and fewer holes, and the hole repairs are virtually unnoticeable. Once the polyurethane cures, it won’t be compromised by water or chemicals in the soil. This means your concrete will avoid moisture intrusion and potential re-settlement for years to come.

Concrete leveling can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. this depends on the scope of the project. Either way, by the time you get home your concrete is ready to use.

Crawl space encapsulation describes the sealing of your crawl space and protecting it against the outside environment. The goal is to prevent outside moisture from flowing into the crawl space and causing moisture-related problems.

It is important to get your crawl space encapsulated because not only does it protect your crawl space from outside moisture, but it can also help keep pests out and even provides a passive defense against radon gas.

While the total cost will depend on the size of your crawl space and the extent of any damage caused by moisture-related problems, crawl space encapsulation costs usually range from $1,500 to $15,000. ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing offers both a free inspection and a detailed cost estimate.

Yes! An encapsulated crawl space provides more than just protection for your home against invasive moisture—it turns your crawl space into a usable space! Whether you want to use it for storage, a cellar, or even an indoor garden space, the ability to use the crawl space safely for these purposes will add value to your home.

Breathe easier with a healthier home. The air in your crawl space inevitably flows up into your living space. But with crawl space encapsulation, the air in your crawl space will be kept cleaner and healthier without all that outside air, moisture, and allergens.

Between having a healthy, safe, and usable crawl space or having a dirty, damp, and musty crawl space, it’s easy to see that crawl space encapsulation will only improve your quality of life in your home.

If your crawl space has a musty odor, you may have a moisture problem in your crawl space and mold has started growing in there. Crawl space encapsulation can keep your crawl space safe and dry, which prevents mold growth since mold requires a certain level of moisture to live.

Termites need a certain level of humidity to survive. With crawl space encapsulation, your crawl space and any wooden support structures within will be kept dry, closing the door on any termites looking for a new home.

Rodent pests love looking for dark, damp, and messy places to build their nests and raise their young. That would make a damp and musty dirt crawl space perfect for them. But with crawl space encapsulation, your crawl space can be made clean and dry. This not only deprives potential rodent pests of the moisture they want, but it also can help discourage rodents by depriving them of nesting materials that a dirt crawl space may offer.

Foundation cracks can occur for different reasons. For some homes, it is because of uneven foundation settlement and parts of the foundation become stressed to the point of cracking. For other homes, it can be because of hydrostatic pressure as outside groundwater presses against the foundation, especially during rain storms. One case of hydrostatic pressure being responsible is when a homeowner is having bowing basement walls. ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing has over 65 years of experience behind our foundation repair solutions. Whatever the reason for your foundation cracks, you can be sure that we’ll have a comprehensive solution to repair your foundation cracks while also addressing the source of the problems. We offer solutions ranging from our ‘58 Strong Helical Piers to our Carbon ‘58 Wall Straps. Our waterproofing solutions can also provide the means to keep hydrostatic pressure from building up against your foundation.

When there are foundation cracks leaking with water, it is important to address the problem as soon as possible to prevent further water damage and moisture-related problems. Water can also leak into your basement or crawl space through the space between your foundation wall and floor slab, also known as the cove. To prevent these leaks requires a solution that addresses the main cause: hydrostatic pressure. That’s where ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing can help! We offer both our own ‘58 waterproofing system and a variety of foundation repair solutions to solve your foundation leaks and cracked foundation problems. We can address both the hydrostatic pressure and the cracks that your foundation has suffered.

Are you noticing a widening space between the base of your wall and your floor? That’s typically a sign of home settlement. ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing can help check your foundation with a free inspection. Should uneven foundation settlement be occurring, we have the solutions to stabilize and reinforce your foundation to prevent further sinking.

Homes with poor soil conditions can often experience uneven foundation settlement. This can cause cracks in your foundation floor, cracks in your foundation wall, and even damage to other parts of your home. ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing has over 65 years of experience in how to repair a settling foundation with the use of piers. Our ‘58 Strong Helical Piers can help stabilize your foundation and prevent further settlement from occurring.

Foundation problems don’t fix themselves. In fact, waiting to get a foundation problem fixed will only let it get worse. That means more damage to your foundation and more repair costs. Foundation problems can even lead to other problems for your home, such as water leaking into your basement, leaning chimneys, and the jamming of your doors and windows.

Due to the uniqueness of each foundation repair situation, the cost of the foundation repair job will depend on a number of factors. Our ‘58 foundation repair experts will need to assess and determine the scope of the work needed to properly fix your foundation. This can include what products and materials will be needed, such as our ‘58 Strong Helical Piers and our ‘58 Strong Steel I-beams. Your foundation repair can include your foundation sinking due to settlement as well as your walls either cracking or beginning to bow. We must also assess the land surrounding your foundation. Once our inspection is complete, you will receive a free, no-obligation foundation cost estimate.

For foundation repair, the length of time it will take will depend on a variety of factors, such as the size of your building or home, the soil situation around and under your foundation, and the scale of work to be done. On average, you can expect your foundation repair to take around 2-5 days.

From stair-step cracks on an exterior brick wall to bowing basement walls and sinking foundations, these are problems with your foundation that require a foundation repair contractor. ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing has over 65 years of experience in fixing these kinds of foundation crack problems and more!

Yes, we offer financing** with approved credit to fit your budget. We use multiple financing companies, so we have a better chance of helping you find a financing plan that works for you.

We ask that you set aside 1 hour for a thorough inspection and price estimate. Time will vary, shorter or longer, depending on the complexity or questions you may have. We are happy to spend as much time as necessary to get the correct solution and accurate cost estimate.

Yes. When you call to schedule an appointment, we will be able to work with you to accommodate your schedule.

You can expect a few things:

• We will show up on time.
• We will do a thorough inspection your basement or crawl space, inside and out, to make sure we understand the situation.
• We will ask a lot of questions to better understand the problem and your concerns.
• We will explain what we’ve seen and present you with our solution to fix the problem.
• We will let you know the cost to fix the problem.
• We certainly would love to earn your business, but we will NOT pressure you into buying.

It is not typical that homeowner’s insurance covers any of the basement, crawl space or foundation repair services that we offer. To know for sure, check your home owner’s insurance policy and/or speak with your insurance company.

It depends. Insurance typically covers mold damage resulting from a sudden, accidental event (like burst pipes). But if mold develops gradually due to long-term moisture, it’s often not covered. We help you understand what qualifies, document the damage properly, and support you through the claims process if needed.

Yes, when done correctly. Professional remediation removes the mold, treats porous surfaces, and improves ventilation or drainage. That eliminates the source of the odor, not just masking it, leaving your home smelling fresh.

Mold is fueled by moisture. Common causes are water leaks, poor sealing, high humidity, or insufficient ventilation. A fully effective remediation plan not only removes mold but also corrects these underlying moisture issues, keeping your home dry long-term.

Most residential mold removal jobs take between 1–3 days, depending on the size of the affected area and the extent of contamination. We’ll assess the situation and walk you through the timeline before any work begins, so you know exactly what to expect.

DIY solutions may remove surface mold, but they often fail to get to the root. Products like bleach don’t penetrate porous materials, and vinegar isn’t EPA-certified for mold remediation. Professional treatment ensures proper containment, removal, and prevention to keep mold from coming back.

You might not always see mold, but common clues include a persistently musty or earthy smell, allergy-like symptoms (sneezing, itchy eyes, wheezing), or visible signs like discoloration on walls, floors, or ceilings. We conduct a thorough inspection, even in hidden areas, to locate and address mold at its source.

Some of the common types of mold you may encounter in a home include Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Stachybotrys chartarum (toxic black mold).

Many mold removal companies use solutions that include hydrogen peroxide. However, at ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing, we wanted to take mold removal to the next level. Our partnership with Sudoc and their DOT technology allows us to remove mold while using less chemicals. This means a healthy and safe home for you and your family! With over 65 years of experience in mold removal, we know the importance of finding better ways to protect homes from mold.

As mold grows, it can damage the surface of whatever its growing on. Meanwhile, mold spores that are released can trigger allergic reactions, asthma symptoms, and even lead to infections in those with weakened immune systems.

For a more detailed look at our process, here are the six main steps that go into our mold removal:

• Step 1: Mold inspection and damage assessmen
• Step 2: Containment of mold-affected areas
• Step 3: Air flow management (using air filtration devices)
• Step 4: Mold removal
• Step 5: Cleaning
• Step 6: Restoration

Certainly! Mold removal is essential to protecting you and your loved ones from the damage that mold can cause both to your property as well as your health.

Yes! ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing mold technicians are certified by the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors (NORMI) or the Mold Inspection Consulting And Removal Organization (MICRO).

Yes! ‘58 uses a mold removal solution that works to get rid of the mold while revitalizing the wooden surface.

Mold spores are virtually everywhere. But they won’t grow until there is enough moisture present to activate those spores and begin their growth cycle. But if there is enough moisture and those mold spores are on a food source, it won’t be long before it starts to grow. For example, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mold typically takes 24 to 48 hours to grow after a flood if the right conditions are met.

Mold removal is the process of removing mold from your home. Some examples including removing mold from a wooden floor joist in your crawl space or getting rid of mold that’s growing in your basement. In partnership with Sudoc and their DOT technology, ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing offers mold removal solutions that fight against mold with less chemicals—that means a clean and healthy home for you!1

It depends, but most homeowner policies don’t cover sagging due to long-term wear, decay, or moisture without a sudden incident (like a flood). We can help you document the work and provide detailed reports, so you have full records for any insurance claims.

Several factors can lead to sagging floors: water damage in the crawl space, decayed joists, or soil shifting beneath footings. When supports lose strength or shift, the floors above often noticeably sink or slope.

Yes, when done correctly. Our systems use steel piers or helical piles driven to solid soil, paired with adjustable jacks up top. This creates a permanent load-bearing structure, preventing future movement and stabilizing your foundation.

Most crawl space jack installations take 1 to 3 days, depending on access and the number of supports needed. We’ll assess the affected area first and share a clear timeline and repair plan before starting.

In many cases, yes. By installing adjustable crawl space jacks under weakened beams or joists, we can raise the floor from below without tearing up your flooring. Once supports are level again, cosmetic repairs can finish the job cleanly.

Uneven or sinking floors often point to a foundation issue, like soil compaction or moisture causing supports to shift. Crawl space jacks and pier systems can lift and stabilize your home, helping restore flat, secure flooring.

If you notice significant sagging, cracks, or shifting in your walls or floors, it's a strong indicator that you may need foundation repair services.

Regular maintenance, moisture control, and ensuring your foundation is stable can help prevent sagging floors in the future.

It depends on the extent of the damage. In many cases, minor sagging can be repaired with simple solutions. But more serious issues require professional repair to fix the root cause.