Waterproofing your basement isn’t one of those home renovations that is talked about a lot, or has television shows about it. It isn’t quite as glamorous as a new paint job, or getting rid of that old furniture and buying everything new. Basically, it doesn’t get a lot of attention, which isn’t such a good thing. Waterproofing keeps your basement, and in turn your home, and in turn your family, safe. So, it pays to take a few minutes and do a little reading on waterproofing, so you get what it’s all about. That knowledge will help you realize if and when you need the job done on your own home, and how it will benefit. Here are some frequently asked questions about waterproofing – and remember you can also always ask your basement contractor any of these and more. Experts like Quality Dry Basements owner Charles Pellaton have years of experience, and all the answers.
Why should I waterproof my basement?
If you find any moisture in your basement, it’s time to waterproof. The problem could be as drastic as actual inches of standing water on the floor, or it could be dampness around the room near the floor, or it could be a reading on a moisture monitor for a high level of humidity. You want to waterproof for a few reasons: to avoid flooding and the structural and electrical damage it causes, to avoid overall damage to your home, to avoid having to pay more for bigger repairs, and to protect yourself and your family, especially from the mold that will grow as a result of the moisture.
What does the average waterproofing job cost?
It varies, since basement sizes vary, and also the severity of the water damage – for example, if you have the job done at the first sight of dampness, you may just need the waterproofing done, leaving the cost lower. But, if you call in the contractors because damage is already occurring in the basement, causing cracks, mold, rust, or more, there will now be repair costs added on. Everything will be extensively discussed with you, though, by the estimator beforehand, so you can make a decision without any surprises.
How long does the process tend to take?
Usually, the job can be done in one day. The only difference might be those repairs, if they are structural they will add a little time onto the job for that extra attention and work.
What if moisture begins to show up again after the job is done?
This is where a guarantee and/or warranty comes in handy. A good contractor is confident in his work, that this won’t happen. He believes that his job is permanent protection from water infiltrating the basement again. But if something should for some reason go wrong, their guarantee gives you the security of knowing they’ll take care of any problems at no cost to you.
Can finished basements be waterproofed?
Yes, it will just require a bit of extra work, as it will mean removing the flooring near where the trenches are dug. The floor will then have to be replaced, and the walls will be repaired where the drilling took place. But with the consideration that waterproofing your basement is a need not a want, and that even finished basements can flood, your contractor should work hard to keep everything in a reasonable frame, both time-wise and financially.
Can basement waterproofing be a DIY job?
Maybe, if you have experience doing home renovations – and putting shelves on a wall doesn’t count. You can take certain preventative measures on your own, like maintaining the gutters around your home. But when it comes down to waterproofing, you need to know how to trench the floor, where to drill, how to relieve the pressure in the walls, exactly what locations in the floor and walls to do this – a mistake can cost a lot, both in time and money, not to mention the fact that it may render the job futile, and moisture can still enter. You also need special materials and equipment. Buying all these materials and tools leaves you in a position where you aren’t saving much money as opposed to having the job professionally done – and you’re definitely a lot safer choosing the professionals.
