Basement Waterproofing ?

This is a "on the footer" system - notice that even though there is a wall vapor barrier tucked behind this system it still has an open back which can allow radon, moisture, bugs to come up into the basement and into your home.

Basement Waterproofing is what our industry calls themselves. The proper term for what most basement waterproofing contractors do is really basement water control. If you are a homeowner with a wet basement it is important that you make sure your contractor installs a closed drainage system. DO NOT ALLOW a contractor to put in a sub floor drainage system with an open back channel. These open systems are what contractors have been installing for years. These types of systems allow radon to enter your basement (an odorless gas that the EPA estimates kills 21,000 people a year in the US)

If you want to see a closed sub floor drainage system that protect your home and your family visit http://www.grateproducts.com/

French Drains

In recent years some marketing has been done to convince homeowners that an "on the footer system" is better because it doesn't clog like a "french drain". I must say as the owner of Pioneer Basement, having 30 years experience in basement drainage, I do not agree. In fact a modern day "french drain" called GrateDrain is much easier to maintain and service because it has access ports in all corners, allowing the drain to be flushed with hot water if needed.

These on the footer systems are really a benefit to the contractor not the homeowner. They take less time to install yet they charge as much as a "french drain" system. They do clog with iron bacteria and because the system has no access ports in the corner they clog and the only way to repair them is to re break the concrete floor.

The GrateDrain while costing more for labor, is the right thing for the customer. It is not installed on the footing but rather in front of the footer. It has large punched holes on each side with a center divider allowing the drain to collect more water quickier and directing it faster to the GrateSump.