Beat the Fall Rains: Essential Foundation Waterproofing & Drainage Preps

As we reach mid-August, foundation contractors across southeastern Wisconsin are right in the thick of peak building season. While dry conditions and clear summer skies make for fast foundation pours today, autumn rains and shifting water tables are right around the corner.

Getting footings, foundation walls, and backfilling completed before the wet weather sets in is critical. To help crews maintain momentum and prevent costly call-backs, here is a guide on how to prepare foundations to withstand late-summer heat and heavy fall rains.

1. Upgrade Footing Systems with Integrated Drainage

A dry basement starts at the lowest point of the excavation: the footing. Traditional concrete footings require installing separate drain pipes and forms, adding labor hours and multi-step prep.

Using multi-functional footing systems like PRO Form HD® allows contractors to form footings, collect water, and route perimeter drainage all in a single step. Eliminating the need to strip forms saves valuable jobsite time, allowing your crew to finish footings faster and backfill before fall weather turns muddy.

2. Check Exterior Water Management & Drain Tile Stock

Perimeter water pressure is the primary culprit behind wet basements once soil becomes saturated in September and October. Installing reliable drainage systems ensures hydrostatic pressure never builds up against fresh concrete foundation walls.

Key items to verify on site include:

• Perimeter Drain Tile: Check that your team has enough 4” perforated drain tile (with filter socks) ready for the exterior footprint.
• Damp-Proofing & Poly Sheeting: Protecting green concrete with proper moisture barriers and 4 Mil or 6 Mil poly sheeting ensures moisture doesn't migrate through wall ties or cold joints.
• Sealer & Curing Compounds: Apply high-grade treatments like NOX-CRETE Cure & Seal to protect fresh wall pours during late-summer heat while sealing out moisture.

3. Secure Egress & Basement Window Wells Before Backfilling

Before backfilling around foundation walls, ensure all basement openings are fully protected against pooling water. Heavy autumnal downpours can wash loose backfill directly into window openings if wells aren't properly anchored and sealed.

• Pair high-quality DuoCorp basement windows with durable galvanized steel or Quarry View window wells.
• Ensure window wells sit at least 4 to 6 inches above final grade to prevent surface runoff from spilling inside.
• Don't forget well covers and grates to keep falling autumn leaves and debris from clogging well drains.

Stay Ahead of the Fall Schedule with Midwest Forms & Supply

Mid-August is the ideal time to audit jobsite inventory and restock crucial water management supplies. Having the right drainage supplies on site prevents weather-related downtime and keeps foundation projects moving smoothly into Q3 and Q4.

Whether you need bulk drain tile, PRO Form lineals, window wells, or waterproofing sealers, Midwest Forms & Supply delivers directly to job sites throughout southeastern Wisconsin.

​​​​​​​Need materials delivered to your job site? Check out our full Contractor Material List or contact our team today to schedule your delivery.