Basement waterproofing do’s and don’ts

Basement Waterproofing Do’s and Don’ts

September 23, 2021
Basement waterproofing
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If you’re reading this, chances are good that you have a damp, musty basement, a wet basement, or even a flooded basement. We’re sorry this has happened to you. It can be very traumatic to have a flooded basement, and a wet or damp basement is worrisome, and prevents you from enjoying your home. Whether you call it damp, musty, or wet, any signs of water intrusion in your basement are signs that you need to consider basement waterproofing. It’s the best long-term solution to your problem. Our top advice: Don’t ignore the problem. It will only get worse. We’ve put together some Do’s and Don’ts to help you learn more about basement waterproofing, and how to get it done right. Today companies can look professional with fancy websites and marketing but do they have the people, knowledge, and tools to back it up?

1. Do Research About Basement Waterproofing

You’re already on your way to completing our first Do: Research basement waterproofing. As part of that research, you want to see how many of the top signs you need it you have in your basement. These can include visible water, cracks in the foundation or floor, mold or mildew growth, and efflorescence.

You may also want to research what the industry standard is for how much waterproofing will cost in your area.

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2. Do Take Preventive Measures

If you have just the tiniest musty smell or damp feeling, there may be some things you can do to prevent water from getting into your basement. These can include improving drainage and grading around your foundation, keeping your gutters clean, using window well covers, and more.

But even if you take these measures, the problem may persist. It’s time to waterproof. It is underground water movement that causes basements to leak, not surface water.

3. Don’t Try to Do It Yourself

Basement waterproofing is a job for professionals. There is a lot more to it than painting over cracks, or applying a so-called “waterproofing sealant.” These are cosmetic measures that are doomed to failure, and don’t get at the root of the problem, which addressing the source of the water intrusion. We have seen so many homeowners waste time and money over the years with gimmicks and bubblegum fixes only to call us later.

4. Don’t Hire a Handyman

Once you’ve decided that you have a bigger problem than you can handle, you might be tempted to save some money and hire a handyman. Don’t do it. Basement waterproofing is a specialized industry, requiring training, expertise, and special materials.

Your average handyman may be able to paint, do minor carpentry, or even install a sump pump, but they are not qualified to do full basement waterproofing. We are not saying your handyman isn’t handy or honest. We just know waterproofing and we warranty our fixes. Smart handymen know when to recommend professionals.

5. Do Hire a Basement Waterproofing Professional

You knew we were going to say this. After all, we are a basement waterproofing company. Of course we’re going to say hire a professional. It’s the same thing as going to a dentist if you have a problem with your teeth, or taking your car to an auto mechanic.

Professionals have the training and industry experience to develop customized waterproofing plans for your home, and implement them correctly. And there’s a huge bonus – with Value Dry Waterproofing, you get a lifetime transferable warranty. It protects you from future water seepage in treated areas.

6. Do Get More Than One Estimate

As with hiring any contractor or working with any service provider, you’ll want to get more than one estimate. Ask friends, family, and coworkers if they have had basement waterproofing done, and if they were happy with the company.

Look at the company websites and their online reviews to learn more about them and what their customers think of them. Choose a few and have them come give you a written estimate. If they’re reputable, all of the inspectors should tell you essentially the same thing.

Make sure you research the company’s service capabilities! Do they have their own trucks, employees, facility for storing replacement pumps, batteries and other equipment? When big storms come, sump pumps sell out at hardware stores. Make sure the company you choose has the people, trucks, and material to service you when the time comes.

Choose who to work with based on their customer service, experience, and expertise.

7. Do Pay the Few Extra Bucks for a Battery Backup Sump Pump

We cannot overstate the importance of adding a battery backup sump pump to your basement waterproofing system. This protects you in the event you lose power and your main sump pump stops pumping. The backup pump will also come on if your main pump fails.

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8. Do Schedule Your FREE Basement Inspection with Value Dry

If you have a wet basement or one that recently flooded, it’s important that you address the water intrusion issues right away. The structural integrity of your home’s foundation depends on it.

You can schedule a FREE basement inspection with Value Dry Waterproofing by filling out the contact form, or calling us at (888) 768-2583. Our experienced inspectors will go over every inch of visible walls and floor to determine what waterproofing plan and elements would work best for you. We would then provide you with a customized plan and estimate.

We serve homeowners throughout Maryland, northern Virginia, DC, and parts of Delaware.

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