There are many options on the market for fixing a basement water issue. The problem is that most of them don't work! The place to begin is with a professional inspector who will diagnose your problem and recommend the right solution. In most situations, the signature Atlantis solution is the best way to stop all sources of water entry. However, every basement is different, and you should beware of companies that offer a "one size fits all" solution. At Atlantis, our inspectors are the most professional in the field, and our inspections are free. Call us- toll free 1-866-625-6004 or if your in the Cookeville, Tennessee area, you can call 931-525-6009.

Re-grading may be a good idea if the ground slopes toward your foundation, or if you are noticing water entry only at the top of your basement walls. But if you see water further down your foundation walls or at the cove (the seam where the wall meets the floor), or if water is coming up through the floor, then re-grading will not solve the problem.

Likewise, you may want to extend or re-direct your downspouts away from your foundation if you are noticing wetness inside your basement only in the areas where your exterior downspouts are. If there is wetness in other areas, then your downspouts probably aren't the problem.

Probably not. Your Atlantis inspector will discuss with you whether exterior excavation is a good idea, but in most situations, we do not recommend it for several reasons. First, it is very expensive and disruptive and requires removal of any landscaping and outdoor improvements (patios, decks, driveways, etc.) around your foundation. Second, most exterior treatments fail over time - after all, your walls were probably treated when your home was built. Third, exterior wall treatment cannot stop water entry from hydrostatic pressure (water that arises from directly below your foundation).

Absolutely not! This method involves injecting a sodium bentonite mixture (a clay-like substance) into the ground around the perimeter of the foundation without excavation. The hope is that the mixture will coat the foundation walls and stop water entry. If it sounds impossible, it's because it is. Without excavation, there is no way to spread the mixture evenly along the walls. Even if it were spread properly, the mixture would eventually fail like other exterior treatment methods. This method was long ago de-bunked by the Pennsylvania Department of Consumer Protection (among other agencies) and is not approved by HUD as a legitimate waterproofing method. Many companies using this method were driven out of business, although there are a few still around.

Interior sealers can be useful to address isolated damp spots, or as an extra measure of precaution. We occasionally apply sealers as a supplement to the Atlantis solution. We do not recommend interior sealers as a complete solution to a significant problem. First, sealers are a "band aid" and do not address your real problem: water is penetrating through your foundation. The band aid will eventually fail and the water penetration will resume. In addition, sealers trap water within the walls, which can actually accelerate foundation deterioration. Also, like all other wall treatments, interior sealers do not solve the problem of hydrostatic water pressure from below your basement floor.

In most cases (but not all), the signature Atlantis solution is the way to go. Your Atlantis inspector will discuss the specifics of the solution and how it will solve your problem, but in general the Atlantis solution offers these benefits over other alternatives:

Waterproof it! Atlantis routinely waterproofs new construction - with the same lifetime guarantee. It will be cheaper now than after the home is already built. You should insist that your contractor work with Atlantis, instead of just applying the typical exterior foundation wall treatments that won't last. If your builder objects, ask him for a lifetime guarantee comparable to the Atlantis guarantee. Then, he'll back down.

In waterproofing, like anything else, you get what you pay for. You should be wary of extremely expensive proposals, but also of cut-rate "pick-up truck" contractors, as they often go out of business, which will make their warranties worthless. At Atlantis, our prices are always competitive with our reputable competitors, and cheaper than many. One thing is certain: your cost will be a lot less than the increased value in your home that comes with the Atlantis lifetime guarantee.