DIY waterproofing VS Hiring a Professional Waterproofing company

DIY waterproofing VS Hiring a Professional Waterproofing company

For many Des Moines homeowners, waterproofing their basements and the foundation of their homes is very important. homeowners also like to save money, so they often try to waterproof things themselves. That seems like a great idea in theory, but it’s not always the best idea. Unfortunately, there are a lot of risks 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 with your basement – or at least don’t assume that the problem is only with your basement. there are a lot of risks and waterproofing mistakes that homeowners can get into when they try to do it themselves. 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.

It’s Not Just About Digging

Basement and foundation waterproofing is a labor-intensive undertaking that sometimes requires excavating the surrounding soil. A skilled team must quickly and efficiently do the digging.

Many homeowners who take the DIY approach often forget to call and get utility line locations. If you were to hit the gas or water line, you could be staring at dangerous and costly consequences.

What’s more, is that the excavation itself is not without its risks. You will be digging an eight-foot-deep trench, which can be dangerous. The hole could cave in and cause serious injuries. To help avoid these risks, get the help of a professional who specializes in safe excavation techniques to waterproof your home.

Not always a quick fix

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.

Not just sealing cracks

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 quite common. With that in mind, you can seal and waterproof a basement by filling in cracks, but it must be done the right way. That is why you need a professional to help.

Don’t wait too long to fix the problem!

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.

Health Risks to Your Loved Ones

If you don’t waterproof the basement properly, water can still make its way in and settle there. Moisture levels will go up, and condensation will occur. Mold and mildew will start growing and could cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. To avoid mold problems and the risks that come with them, leave basement waterproofing to our professional team.

Understanding Why DIY Waterproofing Isn’t the Answer

DIY waterproofing is usually based on sealing cracks, caulking holes, and window wells, and painting the inside of the basement with a waterproof paint. These common quick fixes don’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.

Many people who own homes and businesses in Des Moines and other surrounding areas of Iowa, where cold weather and water in the basement can be a problem, think DIY is the only option. They worry that having a professional handle the issue will be too costly. However eventually, it typically ends up being more expensive when you do it yourself. Hiring a professional right from the beginning can reduce time, stress, and money spent on the waterproofing of a basement, crawlspace, or foundation.

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 is 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 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.

Call BAM for your Waterproofing needs

All you need to do is contact BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines. We are the Premier waterproofing and Egress window company serving the Des Moines, Iowa area. If you’re located in Des Moines, Ankeny, Bondurant, Altoona Pleasant hill, Ames, Adel, Waukee, Indianola, Grimes, Urbandale, Johnston, West Des Moines, or the surrounding areas, we’re the place to call.

We can help you avoid costly and stressful waterproofing mistakes, by giving you a customized solution that’s going to work for you and your home long term and keep the water out of your basement. BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines is a professional and locally owned and operated licensed contractor. We offer affordable honest upfront pricing, no hidden costs, offer free estimates and limited lifetime warranties. We use new methods and materials in all jobs.