Basements by nature are susceptible to flooding and water infiltration. Anything below grade will battle water issues at some point. Basement waterproofing deals with moisture problems and leaks to keep the basement dry. We came up with a few do’s and don’ts for basement waterproofing.
Don’t ever ignore the problem
Ignoring a water issue in the basement will only cause more problems. Mold, mildew, rot, concrete deterioration and serious structural damage all happen from prolonged and ignored water issues. Dealing with the water problem in the basement will prevent serious problems in the basement in the future.
Do inspect the basement regularly
Part of catching these issues, is to be aware of them. If you see signs of water problems for example: water stains, concrete cracks, condensation on the walls, standing water, etc. then make sure to get the problem taken care of by a professional basement waterproofing contractor.
Don’t do it yourself
Unless you were a basement waterproofing contractor in another life, don’t attempt to do basement waterproofing repairs yourself. Trying to fix a concrete crack yourself with a surface treatment from the local hardware store will not fix the problem. Professionals have pressurized crack injection systems with high grade material that completely fill the crack and bond it to the concrete wall. Even if you find access to crack injection tools and materials, it takes knowledge, skills and training to do it right. All of basement waterproofing fits into that same category. Don’t try to fix it yourself.
Do ask lots of questions
Research different waterproofing techniques and systems beforehand and continue to ask lots of questions of your contractor. Ask for references. Ask about certifications. Make sure he has the proper licensing for the state. Make sure the contractor you choose is the right one for you.
Do keep water away from your foundation
Even if you have a basement waterproofing system installed it is a good idea to always keep water from building up next to your foundation. Keep your gutters and downspouts clean. Fix any damage to them right away. Make sure they are funneling water away from the foundation and draining it out into a drain field in the yard. Make sure your yard has a grade that slopes away from the house. The landscaping around the house should never slope toward the foundation wall. Keep snow drifts away from the foundation wall and never let rainwater puddle by the house. Even with a waterproofing system, you don’t want to overload the system unnecessarily.