Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions we hear most from homeowners and contractors
If yours isn’t here, call us at (828) 808-4865 or request a free assessment and Rafael will take a look in person.
Rafael will take a look in person.
How do I know if I actually need waterproofing?
Common signs include water on the basement floor or walls after rain, damp spots that won’t dry out, a persistent musty smell, white chalky residue on the walls, or visible cracks in the foundation. If you’re not sure, Signs You May Need Waterproofing walks through what to look for.
What is the best way to waterproof a basement?
In most cases, exterior waterproofing is the best long-term solution. It addresses water at the source, before it reaches the foundation wall, rather than managing it after it’s already inside.
That means identifying where water is reaching the foundation, repairing cracks, preparing the wall, applying the waterproofing membrane, installing drainage, and grading so water moves away from the home.
See How SBW Does ItWhy does my basement leak after heavy rain?
Heavy rain typically exposes a problem that was already there. Common causes include drainage that isn’t moving water far enough away from the foundation, grading that sends water back toward the house, clogged or failed downspouts, hydrostatic pressure building up against the wall, or cracks the wall has developed over time.
If the problem only shows up after significant rain, that doesn’t mean it’s minor. It usually means the system is working until it’s overwhelmed.
Is exterior waterproofing better than interior waterproofing?
Interior systems manage water after it’s already inside the basement. Exterior waterproofing is designed to stop water before it gets through the wall. That’s the distinction SBW is built around.
Full explanationWhat causes wet basement walls?
Wet walls usually come from outside: poor drainage, water pressure against the foundation, grading that slopes toward the house, foundation cracks, or gutters and downspouts dumping water too close to the wall.
In the mountains of Western NC, steep grades and heavy rainfall make this more common. Water finds the path of least resistance, and on sloped lots that path often leads straight to the foundation.
How much does basement waterproofing cost?
It depends on several factors:
- How much of the foundation needs to be waterproofed
- How deep the wall is
- Whether hand digging or machine excavation is needed
- Whether the wall needs crack repair or Thoroseal before the membrane
- What drainage the job calls for
- Grading scope
Because every foundation is different, SBW provides a free site assessment and an itemized written proposal before any work begins.
See Our ProcessHow long does the work take?
Most residential jobs take two to five days once work begins, depending on wall length, foundation condition, drainage scope, and weather. Most projects start within about two weeks of proposal approval.
What drainage systems does SBW use?
It depends on the job. Depending on foundation depth, water volume, and site conditions, drainage may include dimple board, J-drain, PVC pipe with filter fabric, or gravel. SBW uses PVC where possible because it holds up better than corrugated pipe over the long term. Corrugated pipe can crush, clog, or fail from root intrusion.
The right setup depends on the property. SBW doesn’t use the same drainage solution on every job.
What warranty comes with the work?
Residential projects include a Lifetime Limited Warranty on the Rub-R-Wall product and a 40-year workmanship warranty from SBW.
Full Warranty DetailsWhy does SBW handle the full scope instead of using subcontractors?
Because every step affects the next one. When the excavation, waterproofing, drainage, and grading are all done by one crew, there’s no gap between phases and one team is accountable for the result.
More on how SBW is structuredDo you work with builders and contractors?
Yes. SBW works with builders, remodelers, and general contractors on new construction and existing foundations.
For ContractorsWhat areas do you serve?
SBW is based in Hendersonville, NC and serves homeowners and contractors throughout Western NC, upstate South Carolina, east Tennessee, and north Georgia.
See full service areaDo you do sump pumps, crawl space encapsulation, or interior waterproofing?
No. SBW focuses on exterior basement waterproofing only. If Rafael sees something during the assessment that’s outside our scope, he’ll tell you and point you in the right direction.