What You Should Do When You Want to Waterproof Your Basement

One of the biggest problems a homeowner can have is a flooded basement, which can happen to anyone. One of the leading causes of this problem is the water buildup around a house’s foundation. When this happens, the water puts too much pressure on the concrete, making it crack.

To avoid a flooded basement, you need to make sure your property has proper drainage and contact a waterproofing contractor. A professional will help you waterproof your basement and guarantee your drainage system is in working order. However, before you agree to a service, it’s a good idea to do your research.

Here are some things you should do when you want to waterproof your basement:

Identify the Source If You Have a Leak

If you already have a small leak going on in your basement, the first thing you want to do is identify its source. Your waterproofing contractor is going to ask you about possible leak sources anyway, so it’s best to be prepared to make the job go more quickly. 

The leak may come from a small crack, but that’s enough to cause a lot of damage. As soon as you identify the source of the leak, hire a professional to fix it immediately to prevent further problems. Small cracks can lead to bigger damage to your house’s foundation and your basement, resulting in costlier services.

Research Various Waterproofing Methods

Before you settle on waterproofing services, it will help to know the different methods available for waterproofing your basement. There are three ways to do this: using interior sealants, exterior waterproofing, and drainage.

Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages, and you may even need to use a combination of them if the situation calls for it. Your contractor will assess the condition of your home and give you recommendations. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions, too, especially about what they think is the best method.

Don’t Try to Do It Yourself

No matter what you do, don’t try to waterproof your basement by yourself. Doing this doesn’t usually end well, and it may even cost you more money. If it seems like an easy solution and you can do it yourself, remember that the easiest ones are always temporary.

Doing a DIY treatment is only viable if you intend to use it as a temporary solution in the first place. It’s handy if there’s a small leak you want to cover up until you can get a professional to your house. Other than that, it’s best to leave the solutions to people who have the skillset to address them.

Keep Water from Hitting Your Foundation

Lastly, you should keep water from directly hitting your foundation. As mentioned earlier, when water continuously strikes your home’s foundation, it can cause a lot of pressure on the concrete and later deal a lot of damage. Make sure your gutters are clean and the water flows freely away from your home to mitigate this.

Another way to keep water off your foundation is to check your downspouts. Downspouts are supposed to direct water away from your home. If they’re pointed right at your foundation, it completely defeats the purpose of having them.

Final Thoughts

These are simple things you can research more about if you plan to waterproof your basement. Of course, you can always ask your waterproofing contractor for more information regarding the process, but it’s best to be informed beforehand.

Sir Williams Drainage and Waterproofing Solutions offer residential and commercial landscaping and grounds maintenance services. Our waterproofing contractors are ready to serve the homeowners of Michigan, and our goal is to provide high-quality services to our clients. Contact us today for more information!