Frequently Asked Questions

Trust The Experts…Trotter offers Lifetime Warranties since 1929!

Basement Waterproofing * Crawlspace Waterproofing* Structural Repair * Drainage

Thank you for your interest in Trotter Company. Below you will find answers to many common questions about our services and experience. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. We look forward to serving you.

Can my basement or crawlspace be made dry?

The basic theory of exterior waterproofing is very simple:

below-grade walls are provided with a waterproof covering
the covering will force water to soak down the wall to be absorbed by drains at the base of the wall

The main advantage of this approach is that when installed properly, with no water table problem, it can provide a completely dry basement.

The biggest disadvantage to this approach is that when it wears out or fails, it can be very difficult, expensive, or even impossible to replace because of landscaping and /or structures built over the back-fill area such as decks, porches, additions, paving, etc.

Another major disadvantage of exterior waterproofing is that it cannot stop water from rising under the basement floor, as in the case of a high water table or perched water table.

Fortunately, our Dry-Tec sub-floor system is installed without exterior excavation necessary. Our system is an affordable, permanent solution to one of the most frustrating and exhausting headaches a homeowner can endure. With our proven design, we confidently provide a full Life of the Structure Warranty for all our Dry-Tec waterproofing systems.

How does Trotter Company stop my home from settling?

Most settlement problems in our area are due to poor soil conditions, either non-compacted fill dirt or unstable natural soils.

The Trotter Company Composite Piers are driven through the soft, unstable soils to the bedrock or load bearing strata.

This is like putting legs on a table; it transfers the weight from the unstable soil to the load-bearing strata below.

Why are Trotter Company's Composite Piers the strongest piers available?

Trotter’s Composite Pier combines the foundation of the helical plate and the rigidity of the large diameter pipe shaft, which is reinforced with concrete.

As usual, Trotter Company was the first company to provide these major technological advantages to their customers!

What are Trotter Company's qualifications?

Foundation Waterproofing, Foundation Repair/Stabilization, and Storm Water Management has been a family tradition since 1929.

Trotter Company has more than 40,000 satisfied customers in Georgia.

Mike Trotter has been on the Board of Directors for the NAWSRC (National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors) since 1988, and has served as both President and Vice President several times.

Trotter Company is also a member of the Atlanta Better Business Bureau, Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Home Builders, and National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

We are not a franchise or a dealer, we didn’t learn our trade by watching a video and taking a couple of classes, and we don’t change owners every few years.

Is Trotter Company insured?

YES! For your protection, Trotter Company is covered by a $2 million general liability policy with a $5 million umbrella policy.

We also carry workman’s compensation and vehicle insurance.

Why does my basement or crawlspace leak?

In most cases, a basement or crawlspace leaks simply because the exterior foundation drains installed by the builder are stopped up or may have been omitted.

The life of a waterproofing system (original or remedial) is largely determined by how rapidly mud and silt can percolate into the foundation drains. Foundation drains can fill as quickly as the first rains or anytime thereafter. How long this takes is determined by the knowledge, workmanship, and materials used by the waterproofing contractor.

Basement/crawl space waterproofing is not a homeowners “do-it-yourself” project! In fact, it’s not even a project for a general contractor. You need a contractor specializing in this type of work! Below-grade waterproofing is one of the most difficult and challenging projects in construction!

Can Trotter Company help me with my concrete slab that is settling?

Absolutely! Because our Composite Piers are “screwed” into the ground, they work equally as well on slab foundations.

Pushed piers are not recommended for slab piering.

How long is the Dry-Tec System warranted for?

Our Dry-Tec System & Composite Piers are warranted for the full life of the structure and there is no service charge to transfer your warranty to a new owner.

Less than 1% of our foundation repairs ever require service after they are installed!

Does Trotter Company provide referrals?

We are pleased to provide you with a COMPLETE LIST of past customers from your neighborhood (from up to the past 15 years). This provides you with the opportunity to speak with a friend, neighbor, or acquaintance that has used Trotter Company and makes it easy for you to choose a contractor that won’t disappoint you. Ask any contractor you may be considering to give you a complete list of past customers! How did they react?

So be sure to check out any company you are considering with the Atlanta Better Business Bureau (phone: 404-688-4910) and the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs (phone: 404-656-3790) and get a minimum of 10 recent references from your zip code.

Are Trotter's prices competitive?

Not only do we warrant our foundation repairs for the life of the structure, we also guarantee our price with our Fair Price Assurance policy! If a qualified contractor, meeting the conditions below, offers to perform the work specified for a lower price within thirty days, Trotter will match their price, plus deduct 5% of the difference discount!

Fair Price Assurance Policy Conditions:

Contractor must be licensed and have an established office (working out of a vehicle does not qualify).
Contractor must use full-time, experienced employees who arrive in company vehicles (no “pick-up” or “day-laborers”).
Contractor must produce proof of $1,000,000 General Liability minimum and $100,000 Workman’s Compensation minimum.
Contractor must submit exact specifications as to scope of work, materials to be used, what is warranted, and for how long.
Contractor must be a Better Business Bureau Accredited Business Member with an A+ rating.

Since 1929, More Than 100,000 Homeowners Have Trusted Trotter

Q: How does Trotter Company stop my home from settling?

Most settlement issues in the area are due to poor soil conditions, such as non-compacted fill dirt or unstable natural soils. Trotter Company uses Composite Piers that are driven through these unstable soils to bedrock or load-bearing strata, which transfers the weight from the unstable soil to solid ground below.

Q: Is Trotter Company insured?

Yes, Trotter Company is covered by a $2 million general liability policy with a $5 million umbrella policy. The company also carries workman’s compensation and vehicle insurance for additional protection.

Q: Why does my basement or crawlspace leak?

Most basement or crawlspace leaks are due to stopped-up or missing exterior foundation drains. The life of a waterproofing system depends largely on how quickly mud and silt percolate into these drains. Proper waterproofing is a specialized task best left to experts.

Q: Can Trotter Company help me with my concrete slab that is settling?

Absolutely! Trotter Company's Composite Piers, which are 'screwed' into the ground, work well on slab foundations, providing stability and strength.

Q: How long is the Dry-Tec System warranted for?

The Dry-Tec System and Composite Piers are warranted for the full life of the structure, and there is no service charge for transferring the warranty to a new owner. Less than 1% of Trotter’s foundation repairs require post-installation service.

Q: Does Trotter Company provide referrals?

Yes, Trotter Company provides a complete list of past customers from the client’s neighborhood. Customers can speak with friends or neighbors who have used Trotter's services to make an informed decision.

Q: Are Trotter's prices competitive?

Trotter Company offers a Fair Price Assurance policy. If a qualified contractor offers to perform the specified work for a lower price within thirty days, Trotter will match the price and deduct 5% of the difference. Conditions apply to ensure the competing contractor meets certain standards.

Want to learn more?

Check out our library of videos to help you understand and diagnose your home of common foundation and leak issues.

Ponding Water or Wet/Damp Crawlspace

If water is collecting in flat areas or the soil is staying saturated in some spots, it may be surface depressions causing the problem. These depressions allow water to puddle, creating a mess. A swale could be helpful, or certain portions could be filled in and graded so that the water drains out of the low spot and away from the home. If this doesn’t work, an underground catch basin or drain may be necessary. If you notice that your lawn is muddy in one spot and dry in the next, it could be the type of soil that is causing drainage problems. There are three basic soil types: sand, silt and clay. If your soil is heavy in clay, it won’t drain very well. If it’s sandy, it will let water slip right through. If it is sandy right against your home, the water will run down the sides of your foundation causing wet areas in the walls to your basement. The best trick is to dig a small hole, fill it with water and watch how it drains. If it takes 12-24 hours to drain, you have a problem. (It should only take about 4 hours.) Improve your soil with a coarse aggregate like sand or pea gravel and organic matter.