Wet Basements Need Basement Waterproofing
When you first envisioned your home's basement you probably didn't imagine your storage boxes floating around and little duckies inhabiting your home. You most likely just saw the space and had the best ideas in mind for how you'd use it for a little while until you saved enough money to finish the space.
Then a couple rainstorms later you're beginning to worry. Will my foundation get ruined? Could this get any worse? Where do I go from here?
When the Basement Leaks
The first time you noticed the water was during a light rainstorm. It wasn't too much, just a little "moisture," or so you'd like to say.
After each rainstorm that "moisture" began to look more and more like puddles. When the kids grabbed their swim suits and went into the basement no one believed the moisture theory anymore.
So, you looked all around the basement and there aren't that many big cracks or any noticeable holes. Oh, and according to the previous owners, the basement was waterproofed years ago. Isn't that a one time process?
The Good and the Bad
Basement waterproofing isn't an impossible procedure, but it's either done well or done poorly. All too often it's the latter, which gives any good contractor capable of doing a great job a bad reputation and little business.
If a basement is leaking and the rain is pouring into your home, it's time to call an expert. Although all contractors maintain different skill-sets, it's important to do your research and consider several things before considering your contractor or considering against another contractor.
1. Not every contractor is the same: Maybe you've had some bad experiences or you've heard from your neighbors what some contractors have done poorly. Try not to assume that every contractor will treat you improperly. There are some contractors who hold their customers in the highest esteem and only have to waterproof a basement one time! Yes, that's right!
2. Try to get the best basement waterproofing system: Not every contractor uses the same system. Less expensive doesn't mean a good price. It sometimes means, cheap. When you go cheap, you can sometimes find yourself in need of replacement and doing the whole project over again. Find a contractor to do it right the first time, it's worth the money.
3. An Addition is more expensive: If you're choosing your contractor based off of the price of the system they offer, please consider that you can increase the value of your home, receive a huge return on investment and spend less than you would for an addition-- even with the "not to inexpensive" systems. It's worth the expense if it's done well and does the job right!
4. Professionalism and warranties: A basement waterproofing contractor should always appear organized and ready to help you with all your questions and concerns. You should never be afraid in your own home, so if you're uncomfortable with your contractor then maybe the company isn't right for you. A good contractor will believe in the product and provide a warranty. No warranty means little faith. That's not a good sign, huh?
Itâs Actually Waterproof
You may not believe it, but it's true. A basement can be waterproofed once and one time only. There are a few things you should know about the systems that do and don't work so well.
1. The internal drainage system prevents cracking and water buildup. It helps relieve hydrostatic pressure that causes the cracks and wall buckling, and it's easy to maintain. The system prevents water and pressure from entering, whereas the external system waterproofs the wall allowing for water and pressure buildup. Thus, not solving the problem, but certainly adding to the list.
2. Water damage resistant products are the way to go! Be sure that you choose products that are capable of resisting mold, mildew and rot. In addition to preventing water damage. This doesn't mean the water won't come, but if it somehow comes in by way of a plumbing leak, water pipe burst or a problem from an above level, the product won't need replacing! Mold-proof means "bye-bye" to that musty old basement smell and hello to allergy improved living.
3. You can finally finish your basement! If you're not certain that your basement is waterproof then try to hold off on any additional repairs. If you're considering finishing your basement, do so only after you're confident in the waterproofing capabilities of your basement. Thus, if you choose to finish your basement your finishing project won't one day get ruined by the leaks and water problems.
For the highly acclaimed, valued and trusted basement waterproofing system throughout the U.S. and the world, contact Basement Systems, Inc. Contact Healthy Spaces today for basement waterproofing in Indiana and repairs for your wet basement in Kentucky.