For a lot of Michigan homeowners, waterproofing their basements and the foundation of their homes is very important. They also like to save money, so they often try to waterproof things themselves. That seems great in theory, but it’s not always the best idea. Unfortunately, there are a lot of pitfalls and waterproofing mistakes that homeowners can get into when they try to do it themselves. From things that just don’t work to serious problems that can be more harmful than helpful, here are the biggest waterproofing mistakes you’ll want to avoid.
DIY Waterproofing Doesn’t Always Work as Planned
Don’t assume that the problem is actually with your basement – or at least don’t assume that the problem is only with your basement. There may be leaks and other issues that have to be addressed, but you actually want to start your search for proper basement waterproofing outside of your home. That’s because you can’t really waterproof a basement adequately if your entire yard is designed to funnel water toward your home’s foundation. If the slope of your yard sends water into your basement, address that slope before you try to do anything on the inside of your basement. Not doing that is a common mistake.
Another common mistake people make when trying to waterproof their basement is going with a quick fix. That can include things like waterproofing paint or other options that are sprayed or painted on. These DIY fixes aren’t the same as the high-quality treatments that a basement waterproofing company can offer. Because of that, the treatments frequently don’t work. They can even make things worse by allowing water to get into the basement walls and bubble up behind the paint. That’s doing damage to those walls, and the water will eventually break free and cause more damage quickly and unexpectedly.
Many homeowners assume that they should find every crack and seal it up. But the problem is that they really can’t find every crack. They discover one and seal it, thinking they’ve solved the problem. But all they’ve done is encouraged the water to go somewhere else. That water just finds another crack to head to and focuses on getting into the basement that way. It’s unfortunate, but it’s also very common. With that in mind, you can seal and waterproof a basement by filling in cracks, but it has to be done the right way. A professional can help you with that.
Waiting too long is another common problem for people who want to waterproof their basement. They don’t see much of a problem until there’s a lot of water or the walls are starting to crack and chip. By then, a lot of damage could have already been done to the basement. That’s something that could then cost them a lot more money to fix. Even if it’s just a little bit of condensation, treating it quickly matters. Over time, water in the basement can do a lot of damage and can severely reduce the resale value when it’s time to sell the home. You don’t have to make this waterproofing mistake.
If you’re looking for an area that really gets ignored, consider the service walks around your home. These are the walkways that lead from the driveway to the front porch, or from the back porch around to the door on the side of the house. These make it easier to get around outside your house and keep you from walking on the lawn or damaging the landscaping. Unfortunately, they can also contribute to leaky basements. Over time they settle and slant toward the house. That causes water to run toward the foundation and pool there, which can mean more leaks and dampness in the basement.
Understanding Why DIY Waterproofing Isn’t the Answer
Too many people who own homes and businesses in Michigan and other areas of the country where cold weather and water in the basement can be a problem see the DIY solution as the only option. They worry that having a professional handle the issue will cost them too much money. But in the long run, it’s typically more expensive to do something yourself and then have a professional correct problems later. Instead of doing that, hiring a professional right from the beginning can reduce time, stress, and money spent on the waterproofing of a basement, crawlspace, or foundation.
DIY waterproofing is usually based on sealing cracks, caulking holes and window wells, and painting the inside of the basement with a waterproof paint that’s meant to act as a barrier. But that paint doesn’t usually get the job done, and water just finds another way to get inside. The problem might be reduced with DIY fixes, but it’s not going away. Assuming that the problem can be fixed quickly and easily with a few things from the hardware store is among the biggest waterproofing mistakes that people make. There aren’t really any quick fixes for leaking basements, but there are ways to fix the issue.
Avoid Waterproofing Mistakes By Hiring a Professional Company
While a lot of people still like to use DIY options, the biggest and best way to avoid waterproofing mistakes it to let a professional company handle the issue. When you hire a waterproofing contractor, you’ll get an expert who will look at the entire picture and determine the best course of action. That might be interior or exterior waterproofing — or even both for very difficult cases. You might need a sump pump, or the area around your home re-graded to pull water away from the foundation. You could also need a different type of soil close to your basement to help reduce water build-up.
With so many options for professional waterproofing to handle the issue, there’s no reason to try a DIY solution that’s just not going to get the job done. You don’t have to waste your time and money on anything like that. All you need to do is contact us today at Mobile Waterproofing. We are a basement restoration and foundation repair contractor, serving the Midland, Michigan area. If you’re located in Midland, Bay City, Saginaw, Mount Pleasant, Sanford, Auburn, Beaverton, Gladwin, Pinconning, or the surrounding areas, we’re the place to call.
We can help you avoid costly and stressful waterproofing mistakes, by giving you a solution that’s going to work for you long term and keep the water out of your basement. We have 40+ years of experience, and we also handle egress window installation, humidity ventilation systems, commercial waterproofing, and more. Get in touch today, and we’ll show you how we can help protect the investment in your home or commercial property.