Over half of the homes in the country have leaky basements. Most new homes will develop leaks as the house settles usually within the first 10-15 years. The key is to ensure that your home is waterproofed before the leaks start, as repairing damage can be very expensive. The key to preventing leaks is more than keeping the water from coming through the basement walls; you have to understand where the water is coming from, and how to keep it from attacking your foundation. A good waterproofing company can help.
Waterproofing basement walls is a challenging job, and for most homeowners it is best to hire a qualified basement waterproofing company to handle the task. While there are many products available for do-it-yourselfers, this is not a weekend project. Many of the do-it yourself kits are simply band-aid type repairs that patch up the walls of your basement without fixing the underlying problem.
Waterproofing basement walls is more than just putting up a fresh coat of water resistant paint and a patch kit in your basement. Most waterproofing professionals will want to do a basement inspection and estimate to let you know the extent of the work that needs to be done. Repairs to most homes will use some combination of techniques depending on the particular problem. There is no “one size fits all” solution for waterproofing basement walls.
When working with your waterproofing company be sure to let them know your final plans for the basement. Different repair techniques may be used in basements that will be used as utility spaces than those that will be converted into living spaces. Some repair companies can even help with the finishing of your basement. A good basement waterproofing company can ensure that the job is done right from start to finish, and that your basement will remain dry and structurally sound for years to come.
