FAQs
Find answers to all your basement waterproofing questions here or in our Learning Center.
How long have you been in business?
We were founded in 1957 by Al Weiner. He named the company U.S. Waterproofing for the pride he had in his country after his military service. If you want to know what U.S. Waterproofing read about us and our story here.
Are you a franchise?
No. We are a third-generation family-operated business with over 500,000 dry basements to our name. U.S. Waterproofing is Chicagoland’s largest and longest running basement waterproofing and foundation repair company. We have grown our business one satisfied customer at a time. Our goal is to deliver peace of mind to customers through education, comprehensive solutions, and our wealth of experience. Learn more about our history here.
Are you in good standing with the Better Business Bureau?
We have been in good standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for 22 years and carry an A+ rating. U.S. Waterproofing has earned the Chicagoland Better Business Bureau (BBB) Torch Award for Ethics twice (2006, 2021), as well as an honorable mention (2016). The Torch Award is the most prestigious honor the BBB gives out and spotlights companies that exemplify trust and excellence. Learn more about our rating and company here.
Do you do more than just keep basements dry?
In fact, we do. U.S. Waterproofing offers sump pump installation (primary and backup pumps), concrete raising, downspout replacement, gutter cleaning, crawl space encapsulation, window well upgrades, underground extensions & yard drainage, structural foundation repair, basic carpentry tasks like drywall removal and replacement, and more. Always consultative and solutions-oriented, we guide homeowners in the right direction, even if it means we don’t get your business. We educate homeowners about potential issues many of our customers aren’t aware of, as well as about the importance of taking preventative action to avoid unwanted problems later (like foundation wall cracks, structural issues, and basement seepage).
What can I expect from a basement waterproofing estimate?
Fairness, honesty, and an easy-to-understand consultation from the industry leader. An experienced Advisor will assess your needs and walk you through solutions. This is all free of charge. Check out this article for more on what to expect from a reputable basement waterproofing company.
Will I have to wait around all day for your Basement Advisor to show up?
No. We give you a two-hour time frame for your free consultation. We can also call you before we arrive.
What is the average repair cost?
We know this a frustrating answer to an important question, but it depends. No two houses are the same, and since we aim to customize our work around your home (as much as possible), each job is different. You will never be charged for an estimate, and we always recommend the most practical solutions for your needs, even if that means directing you elsewhere. Smaller jobs may only be a few hundred dollars (often with an added benefit of saving or preventing thousands spent in the future!), while more involved work can cost significantly more. No matter the size of the job, we stand behind our work.
How do I pay for the work?
Cash, personal checks, bank checks, money orders and debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and Discover) are all accepted forms of payment. We also offer financing programs.
Do you do work in crawl spaces?
Yes. After all, a crawl space is like a mini basement. Many of our products, services, and processes used to repair and improve full-depth basements can also solve crawl space-related problems. If we are to do any work from the interior, we generally need at least three feet of headroom.
The crawl space area should be dry, safe, functional, and accessible, and it doesn’t need to be an eyesore. Crawl Space Encapsulation allows you to maximize your crawl space.
If you have a dirt or gravel floor inside the crawl space, we could also install (pump) a concrete floor to reduce moisture and provide additional storage space.
Will concrete, asphalt or brick pavers prohibit you from fixing the problem from the exterior?
It depends. We can remove any type of paving to install our systems and we can replace concrete if that’s what the work calls for, but we don’t replace asphalt or brick pavers, as that involves specialty work. Whatever the job entails, we’ll recommend practical solutions tailored to you, your home, and your budget.
My chimney is leaking. Do you offer any service to eliminate that type of problem?
We aren’t chimney sweeps, but if the problem is below ground level, we have solutions both from the exterior and interior to correct it. To confirm the issue is below grade, run water from a hose on the ground near the chimney. If water seeps into your basement within a reasonable amount of time, it’s safe to assume at least part of the problem is below grade. For above ground chimney work — the more conventional kind — contact a chimney building and repair contractor.
How long does the average job take?
U.S Waterproofing is a full-service waterproofing contractor and committed to getting the job done right the first time. Many jobs, such as foundation crack repair can be completed in one day or less, but there are exceptions (some work may take multiple days). We are transparent and candid with potential customers about how long we’ll take to complete the job, as we understand homeowners need to plan. We make every effort to minimize any disruption and inconvenience.
Why should I fix my basement?
There are many reasons to repair and improve your basement — create a healthier and cleaner living environment; increase storage space; prevent damage to the area and your belongings; raise your property value; avoid wasted hours cleaning up after a rain; etc. Maybe above all else, though, is peace of mind. Nothing is more important than your family and their safety, and when it comes to the foundation and structural integrity of your home, you can’t take any chances.
What is the white chalky stuff on my walls?
It is likely efflorescence, the mineral deposits left behind when moisture dries and crystallizes. Efflorescence can be a sign that water in that wall is or will be problematic; if you notice it, schedule a no-cost consultation online. The good news is it’s easy to treat and remove — just apply a mixture of vinegar and water.
How do I know if I have any structural problems?
Is there preventative work that can be done to avoid big seepage issues in the future?
What happens if the problem recurs after you do the work? Do you offer warranties?
Should I address issues with the basement before I sell my house?
Definitely. Prior to selling your home, you are required to fill out a disclosure form, which asks, among other questions, if you are aware of any seepage problems in your basement or crawl space. Most issues will likely be discovered by a home inspector and leaving problems for the new owner to fix will typically result in a lower sale price. Failure to inform the buyer of any problems can also result in a lawsuit.
If my basement is finished can you still fix my seepage problem?
Absolutely. We can often do the needed work from outside the house, with no disruption to your finished basement. If an inside fix is called for, we make every effort to not alter the interior finishes (if necessary, we can remove and replace studs and drywall, baseboards, etc.).
If I am remodeling/finishing my basement, is there anything I can do to avoid future problems?
Yes. If you are proactive, you are preventative. We can advise on a few basic steps to take to keep your basement dry, safe, healthy, and free of seepage. Schedule your free consultation online!
Can I fix just one small area of my house or basement?
In many cases, the answer is yes. Unlike some waterproofing contractors, we do not push you into waterproofing the entire basement if it is not necessary. We offer customized solutions — interior and exterior — that fit the home and budget of the customer. That means our recommendations cover work inside and outside the house, DIY options, and short term fixes. Sometimes we’ll recommend a repair that doesn’t involve U.S. Waterproofing (we want your home safe, secure, dry, and structurally sound more than we want your business).
Can anybody be a waterproofing contractor?
Any amateur with a set of tools and a truck can claim to be a waterproofing contractor, but there is no substitute for our experience and credibility. There have been many waterproofing companies come and go over the years, but only one industry leader. We put service first and treat each home we are in like it’s our own. More than half our business comes to us from a person-to-person recommendation or from previous customers.
It’s important to check out a company’s reviews, testimonials, and endorsements, as well read what influencers say. We encourage you to do just that before doing business with us. U.S. Waterproofing often appears in media as a leading expert on home improvement. We are Angi Certified and Best Pick Certified for 2021 (Best Pick Reports). We were recently recognized as a Neighborhood Favorite on Nextdoor, which promotes local recommendations. Our reputation in communities and neighborhoods throughout Chicagoland is unmatched.
Can’t I just pick up some materials from the hardware store and fix it myself?
You can, but you can’t buy the decades of experience that our crews have. Plus, many materials found at hardware and big box stores produce short term or inadequate results. You’ll often pay more when going retail versus letting U.S. Waterproofing help you get what you need.
Ready to Protect Your Home?
Schedule Your FREE Foundation & Waterproofing Consultation
Don’t wait for foundation problems or basement moisture to worsen. Our certified specialists will evaluate your home’s unique needs and recommend the right combination of foundation repair and basement waterproofing solutions.