Frequently Asked Questions

The most common cause is hydrostatic pressure, which builds when the soil around your foundation becomes saturated. This pressure forces water through cracks, joints, or porous concrete. Poor exterior drainage and high water tables also contribute.

Most waterproofing projects are completed in one to three days. The timeline depends on the size of the basement, the level of water intrusion, and the type of system being installed.

In most cases, no. Our crews work inside the basement or along the foundation perimeter. We make every effort to minimize disruption, and you can remain at home throughout the process.

Yes. SouthernDry serves homeowners across Alabama, Georgia, and parts of Tennessee. If you’re not sure whether we cover your neighborhood, just give us a call or check our service area.

All of our basement waterproofing services are backed by the industry’s only money-back guarantee. This warranty stays with the home, even if you sell it, and is one of the strongest guarantees in the industry.

Water doesn’t need a visible crack to get in. Hydrostatic pressure can push moisture through porous concrete or along weak points where the wall meets the floor. Poor exterior drainage and open utility lines also let water in without obvious damage.

Moisture near the base of the walls or after heavy rain usually points to groundwater or exterior drainage issues. If the problem is year-round and unrelated to weather, it may be caused by indoor humidity or plumbing leaks. A basement waterproofing contractor can diagnose the source.

Not always. Many basement waterproofing services are completed from the inside using drainage channels and sump pumps. Exterior drainage improvements are only recommended when water is pooling near the foundation or grading needs correction.

Basement waterproofing is a permanent solution. That’s not to say it doesn’t require maintenance. To make sure you have a system that protects you for a lifetime, we offer our Lifetime TotalCare™ maintenance membership. This extends product warranties and gets you free product replacements for life. With Southern Dry, you have the most protection available.

If you see cracks, tripping edges, sloped sections, or gaps beneath stairs or stoops, your concrete may have settled. A concrete leveling contractor can confirm whether the slab can be lifted or if other repairs are needed.

Most residential projects are completed the same day. You can usually walk or drive on the surface within hours, depending on the size of the area and weather conditions.

Our process is designed for long-term performance. We use high-density polyurethane foam to lift and support the slab, and we address the cause of settlement to help prevent future movement.

Yes. SouthernDry provides concrete leveling services across Alabama in Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, West Georgia, and parts of Tennessee. If you’re not sure whether we cover your neighborhood, just give us a call or check our service area.

No. The process is minimally invasive and does not require large equipment or digging. The foam expands under the slab, not across your yard, and any small drill holes are sealed once the work is complete.

The slab will likely continue to settle, which can lead to deeper cracks, wider gaps, and more expensive repairs later. Uneven concrete also increases the risk of injury, water intrusion, and structural strain if it’s near the foundation.

Crawl space encapsulation describes the sealing of your crawl space and protecting it against the outside environment. The goal is to prevent outside moisture from flowing into the crawl space and causing moisture-related problems.

It is important to get your crawl space encapsulated because not only does it protect your crawl space from outside moisture, but it can also help keep pests out and even provides a passive defense against radon gas.

While the total cost will depend on the size of your crawl space and the extent of any damage caused by moisture-related problems, crawl space encapsulation costs usually range from $1,500 to $15,000. Southern Dry offers both a free inspection and a detailed cost estimate.

Yes! An encapsulated crawl space provides more than just protection for your home against invasive moisture—it turns your crawl space into a usable space! Whether you want to use it for storage, a cellar, or even an indoor garden space, the ability to use the crawl space safely for these purposes will add value to your home.

Breathe easier with a healthier home. The air in your crawl space inevitably flows up into your living space. But with crawl space encapsulation, the air in your crawl space will be kept cleaner and healthier without all that outside air, moisture, and allergens.

Between having a healthy, safe, and usable crawl space or having a dirty, damp, and musty crawl space, it’s easy to see that crawl space encapsulation will only improve your quality of life in your home.

If your crawl space has a musty odor, you may have a moisture problem in your crawl space and mold has started growing in there. Crawl space encapsulation can keep your crawl space safe and dry, which prevents mold growth since mold requires a certain level of moisture to live.

Termites need a certain level of humidity to survive. With crawl space encapsulation, your crawl space and any wooden support structures within will be kept dry, closing the door on any termites looking for a new home.

Rodent pests love looking for dark, damp, and messy places to build their nests and raise their young. That would make a damp and musty dirt crawl space perfect for them. But with crawl space encapsulation, your crawl space can be made clean and dry. This not only deprives potential rodent pests of the moisture they want, but it also can help discourage rodents by depriving them of nesting materials that a dirt crawl space may offer.

Some problems, like stair-step cracks or sticking doors, may seem minor at first. But they often point to deeper structural movement. If you’re unsure, it’s best to schedule a professional inspection. Our Certified Foundation Specialists can tell the difference between cosmetic concerns and real damage.

That depends on your policy. Most homeowners’ insurance plans do not cover damage caused by soil movement or settling, but they may cover damage from a sudden event like a plumbing leak. We can help document our findings if you choose to file a claim.

Most projects take one to three days, depending on the type and extent of the repair. Your Certified Foundation Specialist will provide a clear timeline during your inspection.

In most cases, no. Our work is done from outside the home, in the crawl space, or in the basement. We keep disruption to a minimum and let you know exactly what to expect.

Most of our foundation repair systems are backed by our exclusive Life-of-the-Structure Warranty and Money-back Guarantee. This gives you long-term peace of mind and lasting protection for your home.

Yes. SouthernDry serves homeowners across Alabama, Georgia, and parts of Tennessee. If you’re not sure whether we cover your neighborhood, just give us a call or check our service area.

Yes, we offer financing** with approved credit to fit your budget. We use multiple financing companies, so we have a better chance of helping you find a financing plan that works for you.

We ask that you set aside 1 hour for a thorough inspection and price estimate. Time will vary, shorter or longer, depending on the complexity or questions you may have. We are happy to spend as much time as necessary to get the correct solution and accurate cost estimate.

Yes. When you call to schedule an appointment, we will be able to work with you to accommodate your schedule.

You can expect a few things:

• We will show up on time.
• We will do a thorough inspection your basement or crawl space, inside and out, to make sure we understand the situation.
• We will ask a lot of questions to better understand the problem and your concerns.
• We will explain what we’ve seen and present you with our solution to fix the problem.
• We will let you know the cost to fix the problem.
• We certainly would love to earn your business, but we will NOT pressure you into buying.

It is not typical that homeowner’s insurance covers any of the basement, crawl space or foundation repair services that we offer. To know for sure, check your home owner’s insurance policy and/or speak with your insurance company.