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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

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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 25 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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Paul S.
We reached out to a few local companies before deciding to go with TerraFirma for our basement waterproofing. Their solution was straightforward, well explained and competitively priced.

We had a sump pump installed along with a waterproof membrane and dry track along the walls. Their team found a way to put the sump pump under the stairs so it was accessible but out of the way.

I had a few concerns that I brought to their attention after the project was finished. They went above and beyond to make sure that everything was taken care of. I appreciate that they really stood by their work.

Since the waterproofing was finished we had torrential rain (that previously would have left standing water) and our basement remained bone dry. The peace of mind has definitely been worth it.
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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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Julie B.
Terrafirma just completed the EverBrace wall system on our basement and we couldn't be happier. The house has stopped shaking when the tenant upstairs does laundry. Rocky, our project foreman was outstanding to work with. His communication was fantastic. The project site was well managed. He was always realistic about the daily impacts we might feel while the project was underway (it can get quite noisy) and he was able to flex the project noise level so it wouldn't impact our upstairs tenant. Sammy, their project coordinator, stayed in communication with me from the moment our contract was signed through the project completion.

The only suggestion we have if you're considering the Everbrace wall system, is that you may need to manage some additional work to prepare for the system. Plumbing electrical and HVAC systems will most likely need to be moved. Factor this in both financially and timewise.
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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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John F.
We had a great team and a great experience with Jorge, Juan, Manuel, Luis, Aris, and Cristian. They did a terrific job with a full waterproofing system under our home. They were very respectful of our home and treated us with the utmost respect and care. They left the rooms they worked in cleaner than they found them!
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Alex P.
Bailey came out and gave us a quote on some crawlspace waterproofing. He was very knowledgeable, professional, and a pleasure to work with. He was insightful and gave several good recommendations, ultimately putting together a great quote for our work with a couple of different options. I would highly recommend giving these guys a call for your next project.
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Ian G.
Great work. I had huge foundation issues on a large waterfront project. Terra firma waterproofed my basement and lifted the house on hydolic piers to level it out. They saved my project. Seth was a fantastic project manager and Oscar and Jorge completed the job extremely well. 10/10 would recommend for any foundation issues.
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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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