4 DIY Basement Waterproofing Mistakes
The majority of any water that leaks into your house will trickle down into the foundation, causing a wet basement and the need to repair it. It is a migraine-inducing problem for most people. But should you attempt to DIY basement waterproofing?
Homeowners that want immediate relief and action often try to fix basement water issues on their own, and it rarely works out well. Here’s four common mistakes we see in the field all the time.
DIY Mistakes We Commonly See
1. Not Removing Wet Items
If your basement gets flooded, whether from a pipe bursting or a natural disaster, it’s important to get rid of the water quickly. You also need to remove things that can soak up a lot of water, like bedding, towels, and furniture with upholstery. If you don’t, these wet items can lead to mold growing in your basement, which is another big problem.
2. Using Caulk For Wall Cracks
Some homeowners think that putting caulk in basement wall cracks is a good way to fix them. Caulk might look like it fixes the crack for a little while, but it’s not a permanent solution. A team that knows how to repair foundations and keep water out will be able to look at your home and tell you the best way to fix it. They understand that every home is different and needs its own solution.
3. Using Products From Infomercials
You might have seen commercials on TV for products that say they can fix big cracks in your foundation, glue the sole of your shoe back on, and seal parts of your car. These products are usually not good for long-term fixes, even if the commercials say they are. If you use these quick-fix products, you might end up having to fix more problems later on.
4. Not Understanding the Issue
If you don’t know much about waterproofing or construction, you might not understand what’s really causing your basement to be wet. There could be many different reasons, or it might just be one specific problem. If you don’t get advice from a professional, you might end up fixing something that isn’t actually causing your basement to be damp. This means you could spend time and money on DIY basement waterproofing without really solving the problem.
Why It’s Best to Let Professionals Handle a Wet Basement
First, professionals have the necessary expertise and equipment to accurately diagnose the root cause of the moisture problem, which might not be immediately apparent to a homeowner. They can determine whether the issue is due to poor drainage, foundation cracks, or something else.
Second, professionals can provide a long-term solution rather than a temporary fix, ensuring that the problem doesn’t recur. Third, attempting to fix a wet basement without the proper knowledge can lead to further damage, increasing the cost and time needed for repairs.
Lastly, professionals can also offer guarantees on their work, giving homeowners peace of mind that the issue is resolved. In summary, hiring professionals to address a wet basement saves time, prevents additional problems, and offers a more reliable and lasting solution.
FAQs
As we’ve discussed, there are many different causes of basement water problems. Each basement waterproofing solution is made to address one or a few specific causes, but not all of them. It’s important to know what is causing your wet basement so you can address that cause specifically—however, some basement waterproofing companies won’t provide a thorough enough inspection to guarantee the solution they’re installing will actually work. At AquaGuard, we provide free basement and foundation inspections so you know exactly which challenges your basement and foundation are up against.
DIY basement waterproofing can be cheaper upfront, but for more severe water problems, a DIY approach might end up being more costly in the long run due to potential for mistakes or failure to address the root cause. Professional waterproofing, while more expensive initially, offers a more reliable and lasting solution, potentially saving you money over time.
Using the wrong materials for DIY waterproofing makes them less likely to stop water from getting into your basement, and they might not last too long. This ends up making water issues worse and costs more money to fix later.
Professional Basement Waterproofing With AquaGuard
If you need to keep your basement dry, AquaGuard Foundation Solutions has industry leading solutions like the BasementGutter™ drainage system and basement wall vapor barriers. Since 1995, we’ve been helping homeowners in Northern Georgia keep their basements dry and protected from moisture—we can do the same for you. Having a dry basement is good for your health and your home, so don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule a free inspection today!
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Ted Dryce
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