Top 3 Reasons Not to DIY Basement Waterproofing
Waterproofing your basement on your own might seem like a smart way to save money, particularly if you’re handy or if the issue appears minor. However, wet basement problems are often more complex than they first appear. These issues worsen with time and require expert knowledge to prevent further complications.
This is where professionals like Tar Heel Basement Systems come in. In our over twenty years in business, we’ve seen many do-it-yourself repair attempts. While some may provide short-term relief, they rarely offer lasting solutions.
In this article, we explain why we advise against DIY basement waterproofing and how our expertise can help create a more protected and healthier home environment.
What Can Go Wrong with DIY Basement Waterproofing?
Many things can go wrong when you try to waterproof your basement without professional input, including:
1. Misdiagnosis
Basement problems can be tricky to diagnose and treat without experience. You could identify only one of the underlying issues which is causing dampness and standing water to invade your home.
2. Installing the Wrong Solutions
Because of this misdiagnosis, you could waste time and money on solutions and products that are not right for your home. This includes popular paints and sealants marketed as “waterproof,” but they simply don’t last. Some systems, like the faulty sump pump pictured here, cannot adequately maintain basement dryness.
3. Escalating Damage
The most worrying possibility is that you could cover up a more serious problem by implementing a DIY fix. For example, if you fix basement floor cracks without investigating your foundation, you might conceal structural instabilities that worsen over time. The best-case scenario when this happens is that the problem snowballs until it becomes noticeable. In this case, the cost of repairs will be higher. The worst-case scenario is that this undiagnosed issue causes a collapse or shift in your home.
As you can see, it’s a good idea to consult an expert.
3 Things You Can Do to Waterproof Your Home
Of course, there are some home waterproofing tasks you can undertake alone. The easiest and most effective are:
1. Seasonal Gutter Clearing
External gutters and downspouts are a crucial part of your home’s waterproofing measures, preventing dampness and flooding. If they are clear, clean, and positioned properly, they will funnel water away from your home. It’s a good idea to check your gutters bi-annually.
2. Proper Yard Planting and Grading
A lot of basement and foundation problems are caused by excessive soil saturation or dehydration. However, if your property has a positive grade and you avoid invasive plants, you can control the level of moisture and movement in the soil around your home. These tasks can be extensive and require professional landscapers, however.
3. Schedule Regular Maintenance Appointments
Scheduling yearly maintenance appointments to ensure the integrity of essential systems is another easy way to keep your home dry and safe. Your drains, sump pump, and dehumidifier should be in good repair if you want them to remove water efficiently from your home. Likewise, your water heater should be maintained yearly to prevent leakages and plumbing floods.
What Professionals Can Do for You
Professional waterproofing specialists have several tools and skills that the average person is simply not likely to have. This means they are more able to diagnose and treat underlying problems effectively. It also means that they are likely to complete any necessary repairs quickly and efficiently.
Other top priorities are health and safety. This work often requires handling heavy materials and working in environments compromised by mold and other health hazards. Professional teams are equipped with appropriate safety gear, have undergone extensive training, and perform these tasks routinely.
Trust Tar Heel for Your Basement Waterproofing Needs!
The bottom line: DIY basement waterproofing is not the answer for a long-lasting, trusted solution. Our team at Tar Heel Basement Systems is experienced, educated, and skilled in recognizing and fixing issues of all sizes and types. Whether you are concerned about leaking walls or foundational integrity, we will respond quickly to identify, stabilize, and resolve the issue.
Better yet, our inspection appointments are entirely free. They include a no-obligation written quote, which details all of our suggested repairs and associated costs. We offer this because we believe that our work speaks for itself and that your safety and security are most important. Start creating a healthier home, and contact us today!
DIY Waterproofing FAQs
While there are DIY methods, including brushing the substance off walls, professional services ensure a more reliable, long-term solution. Contact Tar Heel Basement Systems for a free inspection and repair estimate.
While minor grading projects can be DIY-friendly, significant regrading or drainage issues may require professional assistance to ensure proper slope, drainage systems, and long-term effectiveness.
Attempting DIY mold removal without proper knowledge and equipment can expose you to harmful mold spores. This can aggravate health conditions and even lead to new health issues. Also, incorrect removal methods might spread the mold further or fail to eliminate its root cause, leading to persistent mold problems. It’s always safer and more effective to consult with experts who have the proper equipment and knowledge to handle mold removal safely.
Holly Richards-Purpura
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