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DIY Basement Waterproofing

May 07, 2017

There are two words that most homeowners don’t want to hear in one sentence: “wet” and “basement.” Basements are very susceptible to moisture, leaking and flooding. If you don’t have the right waterproofing in place, all the work you do on finishing your basement space could be for naught. So, should you try DIY basement waterproofing or have professionals do it?

basement waterproofing

Do You Already Have Water Problems?

Here are a few signs that your basement already has moisture problems:

  • Water dripping on walls or from pipes
  • Constant musty smell in the air
  • Staining or blistering on finished wall surfaces
  • Rust
  • Cracks in the wall
  • Mold growth

Even if you don’t have signs of moisture penetration right now, it is a good idea to tackle waterproofing before any problems start. It is an investment that will pay off the next time a big rain comes through.

Waterproofing

If you choose DIY basement waterproofing, you need to approach the process step by step. Failing to get each step done right can end in disaster.

Avoid waterproofing paints. These may work a couple of months. However, the water will find other places to seep through. Plus, the paint will start to peel and then you will have more water problems.

With basement waterproofing, you have three options: interior sealant, exterior waterproofing and drainage–either inside or outside.

  • Interior sealant works much like the filler you put in cracks. You inject the sealant into the cracks to block moisture. The problem with interior sealants is that it is not a permanent solution and does not protect against water pressure that can push water through the foundation wall.
  • Exterior waterproofing stops the water from entering the foundation wall. This involves digging down along the outside of the foundation, around the entire perimeter of the house. Then the walls are sealed with special waterproofing sealants and rubber barriers. Once the waterproofing is in place, the hole is backfilled.
  • Installing drainage, on either the inside or outside, involves digging down along the wall. Inside the basement, this involves breaking through the basement floor. Drainage is installed around the entire perimeter. Inside the drains go into a pit where a sump pump draws the water up and out. Outside drains are made to flow away from the house.

No two basement waterproofing jobs are the same. In some homes, a single method is used. In other homes, a combination of methods is required.

Is it DIY basement waterproofing project or are you hiring a professional?

Before you start digging out around your home’s foundation, you need to seriously consider whether you can tackle a DIY basement waterproofing project yourself or not. This kind of work is not easy. It will take strength and stamina to get the job done right. You will need to rent equipment like jack hammers and backhoes to get everything done. And if you don’t get it done properly, you will have to do it all over again.

Hiring a professional is usually the best answer. While it may cost a bit more upfront, the results are worth the investment. The job gets done correctly the first time–and it gets done quickly. Instead of working evenings and weekends until the job is done, the entire job is done in a few days.

Engineered Solutions of Georgia has been waterproofing basements for decades. We bring effective solutions to every basement we tackle. If you have any questions about our waterproofing service, give us a call.