Perma-Seal is a basement waterproofing company, not a DIY product or material you buy yourself

Perma-Seal is a regional waterproofing contractor that operates in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, primarily serving Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and a few surrounding states. They install interior and exterior drainage systems, seal cracks, and explore coatings — the same types of work other basement waterproofing companies do. You contact them directly for an inspection and quote; they do not sell products through retail stores or online.

If you found Perma-Seal while researching basement waterproofing options, you are looking at one contractor among many. The decision to hire them (or any contractor) depends on what your basement actually needs, what they charge, and whether their service area includes your address. This guide explains what Perma-Seal does, how to evaluate whether their services fit your situation, and what questions to ask before signing a contract.

Key Takeaways

  • Perma-Seal is a regional contractor, not a national chain, so they only serve parts of the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic — check their website to confirm they work in your area.
  • They offer interior systems (floor drains and sump pumps), exterior systems (foundation drainage), crack sealing, and waterproof coatings, which are standard basement waterproofing methods.
  • Getting a quote requires scheduling an in-home inspection; they do not provide pricing online or over the phone.
  • Like any contractor, Perma-Seal's reputation, pricing, and warranty terms vary — compare their quote to at least one other local waterproofing company before deciding.
  • Check online reviews, ask for references, and verify their licensing and insurance before signing a contract.

What Perma-Seal actually installs

Perma-Seal performs the standard basement waterproofing work: they install interior drainage systems (floor drains and sump pumps that collect water seeping in from below), exterior drainage systems (trenches and drain tile around the foundation), crack repair (injecting sealant into foundation cracks), and waterproof coatings (paint-on sealers applied to basement walls). None of these are unique to Perma-Seal — every waterproofing contractor offers similar services.

The difference between contractors is usually in the quality of materials they use, how long they have been in business, what their warranty covers, and what they charge. Perma-Seal has been operating since 1979, which is longer than many regional contractors, but that alone does not mean they are the right choice for your basement.

How to learn about Perma-Seal serves your area

Perma-Seal's service territory is limited. They work in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and parts of adjacent states, but not nationwide. Before you spend time getting a quote from them, confirm they actually service your zip code.

Visit their website and look for a service area map or a zip code checker. If you cannot find one, call their main number and ask directly whether they send crews to your address. If they do not, you will need to contact other local waterproofing contractors instead.

What to expect when you request an inspection

Perma-Seal (like most waterproofing contractors) requires an in-home inspection before providing a quote. You schedule an appointment, a technician visits your basement, assesses the water intrusion, and then gives you a price for the work they recommend.

During the inspection, they will look for active water entry, cracks, efflorescence (white mineral deposits), mold, and structural damage. They will ask how long you have owned the home, when the water problems started, and whether you have tried any fixes already. Be honest about what you have seen — the more detail you give, the more accurate their recommendation will be.

Inspections are usually free, but confirm this when you call. Some contractors charge a small fee that they credit toward the final bill if you hire them.

Understanding Perma-Seal's warranty and what it covers

Perma-Seal offers warranties on their work, but the length and scope depend on what they install. Interior systems, exterior systems, crack repairs, and coatings typically have different warranty periods. Some warranties are transferable if you sell the home; others are not.

Before you sign a contract, ask for the warranty in writing and read it carefully. Specifically ask: How long does the warranty last? Does it cover labor, materials, or both? What is not covered? If water comes back, do they return to fix it for free, or do you pay again? Is the warranty transferable to the next owner if you sell? These details matter far more than the warranty length alone.

Comparing Perma-Seal to other contractors

Perma-Seal is one option, but you should get quotes from at least one other local waterproofing contractor before deciding. Different companies charge different prices for the same work, and their reputations vary widely even within the same region.

When you compare quotes, look at what each contractor is actually proposing to install — do not just compare the dollar amounts. One quote might include an interior sump pump system; another might recommend exterior drainage instead. The cheapest quote is not always the best choice if it does not address your actual problem.

Check online reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, and Yelp. Read both positive and negative reviews and look for patterns — do complaints mention the same issue repeatedly? Do positive reviews mention specific work that matches what you need? Ask each contractor for references from recent jobs in your area and actually call those homeowners.

Questions to ask before you hire any waterproofing contractor

Before you sign a contract with Perma-Seal or anyone else, ask these questions in writing and get written answers:

  • What exactly will you install, and where? (Get a diagram or detailed description.)
  • What is the total cost, and what does it include?
  • How long will the work take, and when can you start?
  • What is your warranty, and what does it cover?
  • Are you licensed and insured in this state? (Ask for proof.)
  • Will you provide references from work done in the last two years?
  • If water comes back after the work is done, what happens?

Do not sign anything until you have answers to all of these. If a contractor rushes you, refuses to put terms in writing, or pressures you to decide when ready, that is a red flag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Perma-Seal work in my state?

Perma-Seal operates in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and parts of nearby states. Check their website or call them to confirm they service your zip code. If they do not, search for "basement waterproofing contractors near me" to find local companies that do.

How much does Perma-Seal cost?

Pricing depends on what your basement needs and how much work is involved. Interior systems, exterior systems, and crack repairs all cost different amounts. You will need an in-home inspection to get a quote. Costs vary by region and contractor, so compare at least two quotes before deciding.

What is the difference between interior and exterior waterproofing?

Interior systems collect water after it enters the basement and pump it out. Exterior systems stop water before it reaches the foundation. Exterior work is usually more expensive but more permanent. Many contractors recommend interior systems for existing water problems and exterior systems for prevention or new construction.

How long does basement waterproofing last?

Interior sump pump systems typically last 10 to 15 years before the pump needs replacement. Exterior drainage systems can last 20+ years if installed correctly. Crack sealants and coatings may need reapplication sooner. Ask each contractor what maintenance you will need to do and how often.

What if I get a quote from Perma-Seal but want to shop around?

You should. Get quotes from at least one other local waterproofing contractor. Compare what each one is proposing to install, what it costs, what the warranty covers, and what homeowners say about their work. The lowest price is not always the best value if the work does not actually solve your problem.