DIY Basement Waterproofing mistakes
Far too many people make the following mistakes when attempting DIY home basement waterproofing. BAM Basement and Masons has been waterproofing basements for years, and these are the most common mistakes we see on a regular basis.
Applying Waterproof Paint to the basement walls
Basement Waterproof paint can be misleading. It is not a basement waterproofing solution. The paint will start flaking and peeling as water continues to seep in. Basement foundations are usually made of concrete, brick, or stone. All of these are porous materials, meaning that water can seep into them. Basement waterproofing paint can increase wall pressure. This can trap water inside your basement foundation, allowing water to stagnate, mold, and erode the foundational materials. Waterproofing paint will hide the problem visually, but it will not solve it.
Not Identifying the source of Water
Failing to locate the source of water in the basement. Basement wall foundations are porous, meaning you can see streaks of wetness. But what happens if the entire basement wall is wet? If you don’t have a trained eye, you can’t tell whether the water is originating from mortar joints, window corners, around water pipes, cracks, or elsewhere.
Do not confuse a basement floor drain with legitimate waterproofing. When the home builder installed a drain in your basement floor, they did so as a preventative measure against emergency situations. These include busted pipes, a leaking water heater, or a once-in-a-lifetime flood. Floor drains are not meant for leaks that regularly occur during heavy rains; in fact, if the drain is connected to a faulty sewage line or overtaxed water pipe, that floor drain may actually be the source of the basement flood. You will need to have a sump pump installed.
Assuming Basement Waterproofing Isn’t Necessary
You live in an area that’s not in a flood zone. You haven’t ever had water damage in your basement, and you don’t think your neighbors have either. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean you’re immune to flood damage or water intrusion. Every home is different, from the foundation to the existing waterproofing systems, to even the grading of the land. Your house may be more susceptible than you think to water damage, even if your area isn’t prone to it.
Choose the Right Basement Waterproofing for your home
Basement Waterproofing can be a misleading term; it’s not the process that gives you a 100% dry basement. Waterproofing is the management of water that gets into your basement. Basement Waterproofing has two major components: perimeter water drainage and a professionally installed sump pump. There are a variety of other basement waterproofing solutions as basement waterproofing drainage tracks that can be used, they are installed under your basement floor around the perimeter. The track drains in the sump pump pit, where the water collects until it triggers the sump pump, which expels the water out of your home through a discharge line.
Waiting Too Long Before Waterproofing
Of course, it’s easiest to avoid water damage to your basement by starting to waterproof the basement right away! While a bit of water seems easy to deal with now and again, a wet basement can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, making it unsafe to use. Not only will this make your basement hazardous, but it will also be incredibly expensive to deal with mold removal. Your home will also likely continue to collect water during the extermination process, meaning it will take much longer for you to begin waterproofing your basement.
Even if your home isn’t at risk for water damage, it’s better to know than to guess! Scheduling a professional estimator with BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines is free. BAM waterproofing can give you peace of mind in knowing that you’re not at risk or provide you with the information you need to protect your home from potential foundation failure.
BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines is your premier basement waterproofing 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 foundation repair mistakes, by giving you a customized solution that’s going to work for you and your home long term. BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines is a professional and locally owned and operated state-registered contractor. We offer affordable honest upfront pricing, no hidden costs, offer free estimates, and limited lifetime warranties. We use new methods and materials on all jobs. Your basement waterproofing solution team at BAM’S. We would love to help!