Signs worth investigating
- Dampness concentrated after storms or snowmelt
- Water at the wall–floor joint
- Efflorescence or peeling coatings on masonry
- Rust, odors, or stored items developing mildew
What a careful evaluation should cover
- Inspect gutters, downspouts, grading, window wells, and visible cracks.
- Document where water first appears and what weather preceded it.
- Compare exterior drainage corrections with interior collection systems.
- Confirm where collected water will discharge and how the system is maintained.
Before approving work
Questions to ask the contractor
- What evidence identifies the entry point?
- Which less-invasive corrections were considered?
- What is excluded from the warranty?
- How will the system operate during winter and a power outage?