"Also, don't underestimate the power of good gutters and downspouts—redirecting water away from your foundation makes a huge difference."
Couldn't agree more on this. A couple flips ago, we thought we'd nailed it with just interior waterproofing and a good sump pump. But after one particularly nasty storm, we realized the gutters were dumping water right near the foundation... rookie mistake, I know. After extending those downspouts and grading properly, things improved dramatically. Definitely worth tackling early rather than dealing with moldy drywall later... trust me on that one.
Gotta admit, I've been there too—thought I was being smart by sealing up the basement walls and calling it a day. Then one spring, I noticed water pooling around the foundation after every rainstorm. Turns out I overlooked the landscaping angle completely. Ended up spending a weekend regrading the soil to slope away from the house, and adding some gravel drainage paths... definitely not how I'd planned to spend my Saturday.
One thing I'm still on the fence about is insulation types for flood-prone basements. I've heard spray foam is great because it doesn't absorb moisture as easily, but others swear by rigid foam boards since they're easier to replace if things do get wet. Has anyone tested these options side-by-side or have a preference based on experience? Curious what route people here have taken.
"I've heard spray foam is great because it doesn't absorb moisture as easily, but others swear by rigid foam boards since they're easier to replace if things do get wet."
Totally agree on the landscaping oversight—been there myself. On insulation though, I've had some experience with both spray foam and rigid foam board, especially in basements prone to flooding. A couple thoughts:
- Spray foam is excellent at sealing gaps, which helps prevent moisture intrusion and air leaks. It also provides a higher R-value per inch compared to most rigid boards, so you can save space.
- But you're right about rigid foam boards being easier to replace after a flood. Plus, they offer more flexibility if you're dealing with uneven walls or need access behind them later for repairs or inspections.
- One thing to consider: closed-cell spray foam (not open-cell) is key for flood-prone areas—it resists moisture absorption better and can actually strengthen your basement walls structurally.
- On the downside, spray foam installation needs skilled application... otherwise, you risk gaps or uneven coverage.
If flooding is frequent enough that replacement costs are a real concern, I'd lean towards rigid foam. Otherwise, closed-cell spray foam might be worth the upfront investment for long-term peace of mind.
I've been leaning towards rigid foam myself, mostly because I've seen how messy spray foam can get if the installer isn't careful. Plus, I like the idea of being able to easily swap out sections if things get damp again... peace of mind counts for something.
Rigid foam is definitely easier to deal with down the road. I remember one job where the homeowner insisted on spray foam—said he wanted "maximum waterproofing." Installer must've sneezed or something because we ended up with foam splattered everywhere...walls, trim, even the poor guy's toolbox. Took hours scraping and sanding everything back down. Lesson learned: waterproofing is great, but not when it turns your basement into a Jackson Pollock painting. Rigid foam sounds like a solid plan—especially if you're prone to water issues.
