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Two large, flexible HVAC ducts connected to a dehumidifier in a basement.

Basement Air Quality

Most indoor air quality issues start in dark, wet areas of the house, like the basement or crawl space. Mold thrives in this kind of environment and will commonly be accompanied by a nasty smell. In addition to mold, excess moisture can lead to wood rot, attracting pests like termites and rodents that further compromise your basement air quality. High humidity levels can also exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues, especially for those with asthma. Addressing basement air quality problems not only improves air quality but also creates a healthier living environment for your family.

After removing any organic materials (mold) and making sure your waterproofing system is working correctly, you should still consider other airborne hazards, such as dust mites and bacteria. These can also affect your basement air quality and potentially endanger your health. Fortunately, you can prevent them with the use of a dehumidifier.

Before and After

Abandoned basement with exposed pipes, moldy walls, and a damaged floor.
Before
Clean basement with exposed pipes, white walls, and a concrete floor.
After
Dirty basement with exposed pipes, moldy walls, and scattered debris on the floor.
Before
Basement with exposed pipes, white walls, and concrete floor, appearing partially cleaned.
after
Sump pump in a basement corner with rough concrete and exposed pipes.
BEFORE
Basement corner with fresh concrete patch and exposed pipes.
AFTER
Empty basement with exposed ceiling, stained concrete floor, and water heater.
BEFORE
Clean basement with exposed ceiling, white plastic walls, water heater, and shelving.
AFTER
Unfinished basement with concrete floor, exposed wooden framing, and block walls.
BEFORE
Partially finished basement with white painted block walls and exposed wooden framing.
AFTER

Schedule your free
Basement Inspection

Book Now

Schedule your free
Basement Inspection

Book Now

TERRAFIRMA IN ACTION

Leaky basement? Moldy odors? You’re not alone. We’ve helped families across Oregon & Washington breathe easier with our Basement Waterproofing Systems.
Check out some tips and examples of our waterproofing work here.

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Homeowner
REVIEWS

We’ve waterproofed basements for over 20 years from Medford to Salem, and Vancouver to Tacoma. Don’t take our word for it – see what our clients have to say.

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Ricky T.
Sam was able to provide an excellent inspection and honest report of my crawlspace waterproofing needs. Didn’t feel rushed or pressured. Was able to educate me to better understand the issues and risks. Thank you so much Sam
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Kim K.
From beginning to end, we experienced professional attitude and work ethic.
All the employees we interacted with were pleasant. They finished the job in two days even though they ran into an issue. All work was completed and cleaned up very nicely. We are pleased with the finished product. It is reassuring to know we will NEVER have water intrusion in our basement ever again!
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Susan S.
TerraFirma Foundation Systems is excellent at basement waterproofing. Be sure to ask about all the available options so you can choose the one that’s right for you. The company is very capable, but it’s important to do your research before making a decision.

The crew—Antonio, Jessi, and Casey—worked extremely well together. Antonio is especially sharp; whenever I suggested an idea, he immediately understood what I meant and offered an even better solution on the spot.
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Timothy S.
So we had Jorge, Juan, and Brad do an encapsulation of our basement crawl space and they did an amazing job. The area they had to literally crawl around in to complete the work was incredibly tight yet they completed their work without complaint and with style. It looks great! The work these guys had to do was tough, give these men a raise! They earned it!
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Shannon M.
James and his crew were efficient, kind, and exceeded my expectations. My foundation was needed piers both outside and in the basement, yet they were quick and cleaned up. I even noticed a change in my home’s interior when it was fixed! Cracks closed up. They took care of the whole process, including permits and inspections. And, James communicated, including walking me through, clearly listening to my responses.

I recommend TerraFirma, especially James who was the foreman on my job, especially to those who want to be respected, want to understand what is happening, and want good communication throughout the job.
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taiboo S.
My mother-in-law’s house was built in 1962 and has had basement water issues for more than 40 years. We’ve spent so much money trying to fix it over the years, but TerraFirma Foundation Systems completely transformed the situation—it feels like magic.

Thank you to the team: Casey from sales and the crew members Antonio, Jessi, and Casey. The three musketeers worked efficiently and truly operated as a team. Thank you for bringing such an incredible change to my mother-in-law’s home!

One suggestion for management: please focus on bringing happiness to your customers rather than worrying too much about potential lawsuits.
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Tim S.
We had a great experience with TerraFirma. The crew that waterproofed our basement were Aris, Manuel, and Cristian, and they were super pro and cleaned up everyday after work. This crew was just great, they were friendly and worked hard every day. Give these guys a raise!
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Basement Waterproofing
HOMEOWNER QUESTIONS

Should I be concerned about damp spots on my basement carpet? What should I do?

If you have wet carpet in your basement or damp spots on the floor or baseboards, this could be a sign that you have a leaky basement issue. Wet basements create more problems than just wet carpet. Mold or mildew could be growing under the carpet, which fills the air you breathe with musty odors and hazardous mold spores.

The first step in fixing your leaky basement is finding the source of the water intrusion. Save yourself the hassle. One of our basement waterproofing experts will inspect your basement for waterproofing problems and recommend the best solution for your home.

Why should I trust your methods to waterproof basements?

TerraFirma is more than just your local waterproofing contractor. We are proud to be part of The Basement Systems® International Network, which comprises more than 300 elite basement waterproofing and crawl space repair contractor companies all across the United States and Canada.

As a member of the Basement Systems® International Network, TerraFirma is able to provide our customers with industry-leading products and warranties, while remaining committed to personalized service and custom solutions.

My basement has flooded in the past. What can I do to prevent this?

Basements can flood from a number of areas, including: floor cracks, leaking or burst pipes, leaking windows, hatchway doors, sump pump failure, and water heater failure. Our local experts will help you understand and address the cause of your basement flooding.

How should I handle a wet, leaky basement?

  • Avoid any electrical hazards – Avoid touching any devices or wires
  • If possible, pump out any standing water
  • Dry out and discard any wet non-essential organic materials such as wood
  • Find the cause of leaking and flooding. Our local experts will help you find the causes and provide you with a tailored solution to your basement.

What are footing drains?

Footing drains are installed just outside the foundation of your home’s basement. These are thick pipes with holes designed to let water flow inside. A layer of stones is put on top of the drainpipe to prevent soil backfill from blocking the pipe. However, with time, backfill can seep through the stones and clog the pipe. Improperly maintained footing drains can lead to a leaky basement.

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