Why Your Basement Was Basically Designed to Fail (And How We Can Fix It)

Let’s face it: basements weren’t exactly engineered with waterproofing in mind. Most were built with minimal protection against moisture, and over time, that becomes a recipe for leaks, mold, and structural headaches.

At A Better Choice, Inc., we’ve seen it all—and we’re here to break down the science behind basement moisture, how it forms, and how to stop it for good.

Footing Drains: The Flawed First Line of Defense

When homes are built, contractors usually install footing drains around the perimeter of the foundation. Sounds helpful, right? Not so fast.

These drains often sit directly in the mud and clog up over time, rendering them virtually useless. Worse, many of them don’t even connect to a reliable outlet. So when water builds up around your home, it pushes against your foundation, and with nowhere to go, it finds its way in.

Foundation Walls Aren’t Helping

If your home has block walls, you’ve got another problem. Concrete blocks are hollow and porous, and water loves to exploit that. Once moisture enters one part of the wall, it spreads internally and starts leaking in multiple places. Mortar joints, hairline cracks—these are all invitations for water to sneak through.

Humidity + Cold Basement = Mold Central

Basements are naturally cooler because they’re surrounded by 50-degree soil. Now mix in hot, humid summer air—and boom, you’ve got condensation. It’s a little science thing called psychrometrics: for every degree the air cools, relative humidity increases by 2.2%. That means warm, muggy air entering a cool basement can instantly spike RH above 100%, leading to condensation on walls, floors, pipes, and ducts.

Even before you see water droplets, humidity at 70% lets mold thrive. At 90%? Things start to rot. And guess what else loves moisture? Termites, dust mites, and all the creepy crawlies you don’t want in your home.

Mold Food Is Everywhere

Think of your basement as a buffet for mold. Wood beams, drywall, latex paint—these materials all absorb moisture and become breeding grounds for mold spores. And even if things dry out in winter, mold just goes dormant. It’ll be back.

Dry Air is the Best Defense

To keep your basement dry and healthy year-round, a high-quality dehumidifier is a must. It reduces airborne moisture, improves air quality, and circulates dry air to every corner. Pair that with proper insulation along your foundation walls, and you’re on your way to long-term protection.

The Real Cost of Doing Nothing

Ignoring basement moisture isn’t just annoying—it’s expensive. A wet, moldy, or musty basement can reduce your home’s value by 10–20%. That’s a huge loss. Not to mention the health risks and the wasted square footage.

The good news? Fixing it is almost always cheaper than not fixing it. And when you waterproof with A Better Choice, you’re not just protecting your property—you’re gaining peace of mind.

The Ultimate Basement Protection System

Our recommended solution combines the best of modern waterproofing tech:

• Interior Drainage System (IDS) – Installed around the inside perimeter of your basement, this collects incoming water and channels it to…

• Sump Pump – Automatically removes collected water from your home before it becomes a problem.

• Vapor Barrier – Stops water vapor from passing through foundation walls and routes it into the IDS.

• High-Capacity Dehumidifier – Keeps the air dry and inhospitable to mold, mildew, and musty odors.

This system doesn’t rely on clogged exterior pipes or temporary patches—it’s clean, reliable, and built to last.

Choose Peace of Mind. Choose A Better Choice.

If your basement is wet, musty, or just underperforming, don’t wait. Our experts will assess your space and recommend a custom waterproofing solution tailored to your home.

👉 Get started today with a free inspection.