Having sleuthed out the symptoms and causes of wet basements for years, I felt confident to tackle an unusual homeowner request. Another home inspector had been to the job but could not satisfy this person with an adequate explanation. I suggested that if I couldn't figure it out, there would be no charge. The trouble was with the clues and logic. There I was in the unfinished basement portion of a 20-year-old home looking at the rear foundation wall. It had been coated with one of those products advertised as capable of keeping the basement dry. Much of the material was flaking off in large blisters, and stains were everywhere. I investigated the outside. The rear yard of the
