S&C Waterproofing

10/29/2026

Before fall rain, lake-effect snowmelt, and winter freeze-ups, take a few minutes to check the sump system you already have.

Fall readiness checklist:

Test the pump by pouring water into the pit. Confirm it starts, runs smoothly, and clears the water.

Listen for a strained, rattling, or unusually loud motor.

Check that the float moves freely and that the pit and intake screen are clear of debris, silt, and gravel.

Inspect the check valve for signs of leaking or improper operation.

Make sure the discharge line is clear, properly sloped away from the foundation, and protected from winter freeze-ups. A line that is not drained or insulated can freeze, causing water to back up when the pump runs during a thaw.

Test the battery backup and check its age. Many backup batteries need replacement every 3–5 years, depending on the type and use.

If the pump runs constantly or the pit refills right away, the issue may involve a broader drainage or water-management concern. Replacing the pump alone may not address the cause.

At S&C Waterproofing, we believe in honest diagnosis before recommending work. When a project is needed, we provide fixed-price written estimates and honor the original estimate even if conditions change.

Serving Greater Rochester, Monroe County, Caledonia, and Upstate NY. Contact us for a free, no-pressure consultation: (585) 435-1684 or www.sncwaterproofing.com

10/29/2026

A national survey commissioned by Groundworks this year found that 86% of homeowners believe their home is structurally sound. Over the same period, the company reported demand for foundation repair up more than 20% in the first five months of 2026. Both numbers can be true at once, and that gap is the part worth thinking about.

Foundation problems rarely announce themselves. They show up slowly: a crack in the basement wall that was a hairline last year, a door that sticks in one season and not another, a floor that feels a little uneven near a corner, or a damp stain that returns after every heavy rain. In older Upstate NY housing stock, especially homes built before 1980, some of that movement is simply part of the building's age, and some of it is the ground under and around it responding to water.

The honest way to know which one you're dealing with is an on-site evaluation, not a guess from a photo or a water mark. At S&C Waterproofing, we take an inspection-first approach: we look at the foundation, the drainage, the grading, and how water moves around the property, and we recommend work only when the findings support it. If a project makes sense, you'll get a fixed-price written estimate, and we honor that original estimate even if conditions turn out to be more complex.

If your foundation last got a close look years ago, or never, that's a good enough reason to have it checked. Call (585) 435-1684 or visit www.sncwaterproofing.com for a free, no-pressure consultation. Serving Greater Rochester, Monroe County, Caledonia, and Upstate NY.

Considering the NYS Resiliency & Home Improvement Program? We're glad to talk through how the process works. Eligibility requirements apply, the program determines eligibility, terms, and approved improvements, and funding is subject to availability and not guaranteed for all applicants.

10/26/2026

Fall is a good time to check more than your gutters. Take a look at the ground around your foundation, too.

Over time, soil can settle and create a slope back toward the house, known as negative grading. That can direct rain and melting snow against foundation walls, where water buildup can increase hydrostatic pressure and contribute to leaks.

Before the ground freezes, check for:
• Soil that slopes away from your home
• Downspouts that carry water well away from the foundation
• Low spots where water collects near basement walls

Addressing surface drainage can help reduce water collecting around your foundation. If you’re concerned about grading or drainage on your property, contact S&C Waterproofing to schedule an inspection and drainage assessment. Learn more at www.sncwaterproofing.com

10/26/2026

Your home may feel solid, but would you recognize the early signs of foundation trouble before freeze-thaw season arrives?

Nearly half of U.S. homes were built before 1980, and 2026 industry reporting shows foundation repair demand rising as aging homes enter peak maintenance years. One recent survey found that about 86% of homeowners believe their home is structurally sound, while many may overlook the warning signs.

Take a careful look for:
• Uneven or sloping floors
• Doors or windows that stick or no longer latch
• Gaps where floors meet walls
• Cracks that appear to be widening or stair-step cracks
• Walls that look bowed or rotated
• Musty smells or damp patches near the foundation

These signs do not automatically mean major damage, but they are worth paying attention to, especially in older Greater Rochester and Upstate NY homes.

S&C Waterproofing offers a free on-site assessment that considers the whole property, including water movement, drainage, foundation conditions, and moisture. We focus on long-term solutions rather than quick patches and stand by our original estimate, even when a project becomes more complex.

The NYS Resiliency & Home Improvement Program may be a possible path to explore for eligible home-protection improvements. Eligibility requirements apply; funding is subject to availability and is not guaranteed for all applicants.

Call S&C Waterproofing at (585) 435-1684 or visit www.sncwaterproofing.com to schedule your free consultation and discuss potential program eligibility.

10/22/2026

A small foundation crack can become a bigger problem by spring. When water seeps into a crack and freezes, it expands, putting added pressure on the concrete with each freeze-thaw cycle. Poor drainage can make the problem worse by sending more water toward your foundation.

With Rochester’s first hard freeze potentially only weeks away, now is a good time to check for cracks, damp spots, and water pooling near your home. Addressing concerns before the ground freezes may help prevent a minor repair from becoming a more involved one.

Schedule a free on-site inspection with S&C Waterproofing before winter. We’ll assess the issue and talk through practical next steps, no pressure.

Serving Greater Rochester and Upstate NY.

10/22/2026

Radon can be in any home (new or old, with any foundation type) and you cannot see, smell, or taste it. The only way to know your home’s radon level is through testing.

Winter is an especially important time to test in Rochester and Upstate NY. With homes closed up, the stack effect can draw soil gas indoors. The EPA identifies radon exposure as the leading cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked, so understanding your home’s levels is an important part of indoor air safety.

A proper mitigation system is designed for the home and may include a sealed suction point, vent piping, an exterior discharge, a continuously operating fan, and follow-up testing. The goal is to reduce radon entry, not to promise a specific result without testing and evaluation.

At S&C Waterproofing, we believe in honest recommendations. We encourage testing before invasive or expensive work, provide fixed-price written estimates, and work to honor the original estimate even when unexpected conditions arise.

Serving Greater Rochester, Monroe County, Caledonia, and Upstate NY. Contact us for a free, no-pressure consultation to discuss radon testing and mitigation options for your home:
(585) 435-1684
www.sncwaterproofing.com

A safer, healthier home starts with knowing what is in the air you breathe.

Basement waterproofing is essential for preserving your homes foundation,preventing water damage, and ensuring a healthy environment.

10/20/2026

Fall leaves can do more than clog your gutters. They can put your basement at risk.

When gutters are blocked, or downspouts end too close to the house, roof water can pour right beside the foundation and saturate the soil. That moisture can become a bigger concern as winter freeze-thaw conditions set in.

A simple seasonal check can help: clear the gutters, make sure downspouts are flowing freely, and use 4–6 ft extensions to direct water away from your home.

Not sure where your drainage is sending water? Schedule a free on-site inspection and drainage check with S&C Waterproofing. Call (585) 435-1684.

10/19/2026

Before winter arrives, take a closer look at your basement window wells. They can become overlooked entry points for water when leaves and debris collect, snow and ice build up, or covers deteriorate.

A clogged or missing drain can allow water to pool against below-grade basement windows and walls. Cracked window wells, damaged frames, and poor grading around the well can also contribute to leaks, dampness, and moisture damage.

Before the ground freezes, clear away debris, check the gravel and drain area, inspect the well and window frame, and consider installing a properly fitted cover. Small details like these can make a difference in keeping water outside.

S&C Waterproofing offers a free on-site assessment that looks at the whole property, including often-missed window well and drainage concerns. We focus on long-term solutions and stick to the original estimate, even when a project becomes more complex.

Eligible Greater Rochester and Upstate NY homeowners may potentially explore assistance through the NYS Resiliency & Home Improvement Program for approved home-protection improvements. The program is described conditionally as a 50/50 grant and low-interest loan of up to $50,000, potentially including basement waterproofing, drainage, and foundation repair. A window well project is not guaranteed to qualify. Eligibility, terms, approved improvements, and availability are determined by the program, not S&C Waterproofing.

Eligibility requirements apply; funding is subject to availability and is not guaranteed for all applicants.

Contact S&C Waterproofing for a free consultation: (585) 435-1684 or www.sncwaterproofing.com

10/19/2026

A basement can look dry and still have openings that let both moisture and soil gas move into your home.

Foundation cracks, cove joints, sump pits, and gaps around utility or pipe penetrations don't just admit water: they can also influence how radon enters your basement. That's why it pays to start with a thorough on-site inspection before any corrective work is chosen. Evaluating moisture concerns and radon risk together gives you a more complete picture of your home's below-grade environment.

It's also smart to consider radon retesting after significant waterproofing or drainage work. Changes involving foundation sealing, interior drainage, or sump systems can affect how air and soil gas move through the basement.

For homeowners in Greater Rochester and throughout Upstate New York, S&C Waterproofing takes an inspection-first approach, with honest evaluations and transparent, fixed-price estimates. Schedule a free, no-pressure consultation to discuss your concerns and learn what may be appropriate for your home.

Call (585) 435-1684 or visit

Basement waterproofing is essential for preserving your homes foundation,preventing water damage, and ensuring a healthy environment.

10/16/2026

Rochester’s recent record rainfall is a good reminder: your sump pump needs attention in every season, not just when a storm is on the way.

A simple check you can do at home: carefully pour water into the sump pit and listen for the pump to switch on, remove the water, and shut off properly. If it doesn’t, or you’re unsure, arrange a professional inspection.

Storms can knock out power right when your pump is needed most. A battery backup helps keep your basement protected if the power goes out.

S&C Waterproofing provides sump pump and battery backup services for homeowners across Greater Rochester and Upstate NY. Contact us to schedule a check and discuss the right solution for your home.