Making a basement dry doesn’t just start with foundation waterproofing. There are other systems and features that need to be included as a building is being built to be sure the basement stays dry.

1. Foundation Drainage System

All waterproofing products need to have a functioning ground water drainage system in place. This is simply a perforated pipe that goes around the bottom of a foundation and either drains water to daylight, or if that is not possible, then collects the water in a sump pit. From there a sump pump removes the water from the foundation area.

The purpose of a foundation drainage system is to remove ground water that accumulates around a foundation and under the basement floor. Foundations that lack or have an improperly working foundation drainage system can have water actually enter the basement at the joint where the floor meets the foundation wall.

2. Soil Grading

In addition, the grade of the soil around the building should slope away from it. Grade that slopes towards the building can cause a pooling effect that can get above the area treated with waterproofing. When this happens, the water can enter any cracks in the foundation and enter the basement.