Keep Your Basement Dry. Protect What Matters Most.
Expert interior & exterior waterproofing systems built for your foundation — block, poured, brick, or stone.
Locally Owned
Lifetime Warranty
5-Star Rated in Ohio, Columbus
Choosing the correct solution for basement waterproofing can drastically affect the health and longevity of your home. Waterproofing systems are also essential for peace of mind and insurance against future water issues before finishing your basement or below-ground space. Certain foundations, such as brick or stone, are best for exterior systems, and others are better for interior footer drain systems such as block or poured wall foundations. It is important to understand that when building the system that is best for your home, we look at every aspect of your home’s layout, building materials, age, and site conditions. Water is mitigated best when using a combination of inside and outside solutions.
Common Basement Waterproofing Myths
Myth: Waterproof paint will fix a leaking basement.
Reality: Waterproof paint or sealant (like Drylok) may temporarily reduce minor seepage or hide water staining, but it won’t stop water under pressure or groundwater seepage. Eventually, hydrostatic pressure can cause the paint to blister, peel, or crack, and water will find a way through. It can also expedite the deterioration of block, mortar, or concrete when used improperly, without relieving the water issue behind it.
True Fix: You need to relieve water pressure with proper drainage — not just block it at the surface.
Myth: Gutters and grading don’t matter if you waterproof from the inside.
Reality: Improper grading or missing downspout gutters are major sources of water problems. Even the best interior system will be overwhelmed if water is constantly dumped next to the foundation.
True Fix: Start with proper exterior water management:
- Extend buried downspouts to the curb or at minimum downgrade at least 10+ feet from the home
- Slope soil away from the house. Clay based soil is best for grading.
- Keep gutters clean and functioning properly.
Myth: Exterior waterproofing is always better than interior.
Reality:Exterior waterproofing is ideal for brick or stone foundations or new construction, but it can be…
- More expensive
- More disruptive
- Not always necessary or practical
True Fix: For poured concrete or block foundations, interior systems with sump pumps are often more cost-effective and reliable. The best solution depends on the foundation type and condition.
Myth: The same solution works for every basement.
Reality: Every basement is unique.
- Soil conditions
- Foundation type
- Existing drainage
True Fix: There’s no one-size-fits-all. The best waterproofing approach is custom-tailored after a full inspection and diagnosis.
Myth: Cracks in the concrete floor and walls means your basement will flood..
Reality: Not all cracks leak. Hairline cracks are often normal from curing or settling. Only actively moving or leaking cracks need to be addressed.
True Fix: Reinforce or fill cracks only when necessary. Don’t panic over every crack.
Myth: Mold only grows in flooded basements and crawlspaces.
Reality: Mold can grow anywhere there’s humidity above 60% — even if the basement is technically “dry.” Condensation and minor seepage are enough.
True Fix: Use a dehumidifier, seal leaks, and manage humidity to keep the environment safe and dry. Especially in a crawlspace area.
Interior Footer Drains w/ Sump Pumps
(Poured and Block Foundations – Modern Day Construction)
An interior footer drain system with a sump pump solves water problems at their root, is easier to maintain, less expensive, and more effective long-term — making it the best waterproofing method for most homes, especially where persistent groundwater is an issue. If you’re dealing with water intrusion in your basement, this system is often the most practical, reliable, and cost-effective solution.
Here’s WHY interior systems are considered the best solution in many cases:
Addresses Water at the Source — Below the Slab
Water that enters a basement typically comes from hydrostatic pressure — when groundwater builds up around and beneath your foundation. An interior drain system intercepts this water at the footer and under the cove joint before it has a chance to rise and seep through the floor or walls.
Works Independently of Outside Conditions
Exterior waterproofing systems can be affected by:
- Clogged footing drains due to time, water, and soil.
- Deteriorated waterproof coatings
- Soil shifting or landscaping changes
An interior system is installed inside the foundation, so it’s unaffected by outside elements. It offers greater long-term reliability and is easier to inspect and maintain.
Collects Water from Multiple Sources
An interior system can collect:
- Water seepage from walls and wall-floor (cove) joints
- Under-slab water due to rising groundwater
- Leaky cracks or masonry failures
Because the drainage tile is installed around the interior perimeter of the basement, it captures water from nearly every entry point.
Integrated with a Sump Pump for Active Removal
Water collected in the drainage system is pitched and/or directed to a sump basin or pit, where a sump pump actively removes it from the home by discharging it away from the foundation. This combination of passive collection and active ejection ensures that water doesn’t accumulate or create pressure against the foundation walls or floor.
Less Invasive and Less Expensive than Exterior Systems
Compared to exterior waterproofing (which requires digging around the entire house), an interior system:
- Is faster and easier to install
- Costs significantly less
- Doesn’t disrupt landscaping, porches, driveways, or utilities
Lower Maintenance Over Time
Most modern interior drain systems use perforated pipe surrounded by gravel, reducing the chances of clogging. And since the sump pump is accessible from inside, it’s easier to inspect and service as needed.
Exterior Footer Drain Systems w/ Damp Proofing (Stone & Brick)
We do not shy away from exterior systems, unlike many other waterproofing companies. We have the experience and equipment to waterproof stone and brick foundations, preserving them for decades in the future. An exterior footer drain system with damp proofing is often considered the best solution for brick and stone foundations due to the unique vulnerabilities of these materials and the way moisture affects them over time.
Here’s WHY its considered best for brick and stone foundations:
Brick and Stone Are Porous and Mortar Is Vulnerable
- Brick and stone absorb water readily — they’re naturally porous materials.
- Mortar joints… can crack, crumble, or dissolve when exposed to constant moisture or freeze-thaw cycles.
- If water is allowed to penetrate the masonry, it can lead to:
- Efflorescence (white salt deposits)
- Mold growth
- Interior leaks
- Structural damage over time
Exterior damp proofing stops water before it contacts the foundation wall, protecting both the materials and mortar joints from moisture infiltration. These systems will often still utilize a sump pump to actively move water up and out of the basement or crawlspace.
Avoids Freeze-Thaw Damage
- When water enters porous materials and freezes in cold weather, it expands and causes cracking or spalling (flaking of brick or stone).
- Exterior waterproofing reduces this risk by keeping the wall itself dry year-round.
Allows for Structural Repairs and Wall Sealing During Installation
When an exterior system is installed, we have access to the full wall and can:
- Repoint mortar joints
- Seal cracks
- Apply high-quality waterproof membranes or coatings
- Add a protective drainage board over the wall
These steps are essential to preserving old or fragile foundations, and they’re only possible from the outside.
Restores Natural Drainage Similar to Original Construction
Older homes with brick or stone foundations often had original exterior drains… that have since failed or clogged.
Installing a modern exterior footer drain with gravel and perforated pipe restores this natural drainage system, keeping groundwater moving away from the foundation.Brick and stone foundations need to stay dry to avoid serious deterioration.
An exterior footer drain system with damp proofing is the best way to keep water away from these materials entirely, rather than letting moisture in and managing it afterward. If your home has a brick or stone foundation, investing in an exterior system is not just about waterproofing — it’s about protecting the structural integrity of your home for the long term.
Lifetime Warranty
Transferrable warranty on all waterproofing systems for lasting peace of mind.
5-Star Service
Local, licensed, insured — trusted by homeowners across Columbus, Ohio.
Interior & Exterior
We install both methods — including exterior systems for brick & stone.
The Spartan Process
Free Inspection
No-pressure visit to diagnose moisture & structure.
Foundation Analysis
Assess soil, materials, age, and site conditions.
Custom Design
Interior, exterior, or hybrid solution for your home.
Pro Installation
Clean, efficient, and code-compliant work.
Test & Warranty
System verification plus lifetime coverage.
Schedule Your Free Basement Inspection
- ✓ Same/next-day callbacks
- ✓ Lifetime warranty eligible
- ✓ Licensed & insured
Locally Owned
Lifetime Warranty
5-Star Rated in Ohio, Columbus