History of Basement Waterproofing

Surprisingly, basement waterproofing has been around for hundreds of years. While the techniques may not the same or as advanced, since the beginning of basements, there have been methods of preventing or eliminating water from entering the area. The first liquid waterproofing mechanisms, such as bitumen, can be traced back to the biblical era. More advanced methods of basement waterproofing, such as cellar drainage, have been recorded as early as 1800.

A Little USA History On Basement Waterproofing

During this time in the United States, cellars and basements were primarily used to store extra food and other agricultural needs. Water problems were persistent, which lead to the introduction of advanced basement waterproofing. Drain tiles were implemented in farms, and was even explained in the book “Farm Drainage” by Henry French. His design for the “French Drain” was popular amongst farmers and those with extensive cellar usage, in order to properly drain incoming water.

In the more damp areas of the Midwest, Northeast, and South, basement waterproofing became more commonplace. Typically, families started up their own basement waterproofing businesses, and passed on their trades to each generation. Some companies that started as early as 1920 still exist today.

In the 1970’s, the basement waterproofing franchise business started to boom. A multitude of contractors started specializing in basement waterproofing at this time, typically because it was unregulated and brought in incredible profits. The downfall of this profitable skill was that many contractors were too quick to start working, and were improperly trained. A lot of the original methods of basement waterproofing were abandoned, due to the lack of knowledge being passed down, and many companies becoming more and more unprofessional.

Over the next 20-30 years, technology managed to catch up with the art of basement waterproofing. Chemists and manufacturers developed new products to better serve basement repairs, also creating more professional and certified contractors. The Basement Health Association was created, and anyone looking to step into the basement waterproofing industry was regulated by a high set of standards.

Basement Waterproofing Is Not Well Regulated And Requires You To Hire The Right Company

However, basement waterproofing is still somewhat unregulated today. Due to the endless possibilities of controlling water from entering a basement, it is hard to determine or say there is a right way for each house. However, while professionals can use several different methods for basement repair, standards are still set to ensure that construction is safe and effective.

Basement waterproofing has come a long way, and isn’t just about keeping the water out anymore. The professionals at Tom’s Basement Waterproofing always look for mold, air quality, radon, and pests as other extremities from basement leakage and water issues. With more energy efficient homes, basement waterproofing has been easier to maintain and the environment has benefited. As more basements become living spaces, rather than food storage, basement waterproofing is still a crucial and viable business, that we take very seriously.