What You Need To Know To Waterproof Your Basement

stock-photo-4258890-interior-abstractIf your basement is wet, old, and needs to be waterproofed, you are probably wondering who to call or how to go about getting it fix.  There are many companies out there that will give you estimates that are inflated, or are not telling you the truth about what needs to be done to fix your basement.  Many companies will give warranties that do not mean anything because they will probably be out of business or change their names, and those warranties do not mean anything for the “New Company.” Do your homework, choose a company that has been in business for a long time and have excellent customer care, a free estimate can be beneficial for you and your wallet. Better yet, call us and we will be happy to help.  Continue reading for more information about basement waterproofing,


Specification for Basement Waterproofing

During home or business construction, basement waterproofing is an extremely important step. Due to the nature of a basement, being subterranean, it is easy for water to leak through the surrounding ground and into the basement itself causing water problems.  Problems such as leaking, rot, and unhealthy mold are not unusual.  It is not suggested that the owners try and do waterproofing themselves as there are very strict guidelines that must be followed for the job to be completed properly.  It is best to hire a contractor that knows how to do the job.

Specifications for Waterproofing

Basements offer a unique set of variables that each need to be waterproofed properly, and often-times with varying mixes. There are a number of specifications that must be met to ensure a truly waterproof basement and any good contractor should be aware of the variances.   There are a few particular areas that need special care:

  • Any concrete in the basement
  • All details and joints
  • The basement slab

Winterize Your Basement Waterproofing System Now

We’ve had a much colder and snowier than expected November so far, but next week we’re supposed to see a considerable warm up. If you haven’t yet winterized your basement waterproofing system … now is the time. Keep in mind, it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to winterize the system in fall.

Here are the correct steps:

  1. To help prevent freezing, remove the discharge extension as close to your home as possible.  Install the diffuser cap from the end of the pipe in its place.
  2. Open your sump basin by removing all 4 bolts.
  3. Check every clamp connection to make sure they are tight and then test the pump by adding water into it until it cycles. Keep in mind the water might need to be 6-8” above the pump before it will cycle.
  4. Replace the batteries in your high water alarm.
  5. If you have a battery backup system, check the water level in the battery.  Add distilled water if necessary.
  6. If you have a free flow discharge with a heat cable, plug it in after the first snow falls.

Flipping Homes Tip: Basement Waterproofing

I can’t say it was T.G.I.Friday, yesterday. Those of you living on the east coast know what I’m talkin’ about. We got DUMPED ON by the remnants of tropical storm, Nicole in an historic rainfall. Some parts of Maryland got 12″. Holy crap that’s a lot of rain. Needless to say, it wasn’t the leisurely Friday I was hoping for. We had water in two of our 6 listed houses. No big deal, just a learning experience.

So you rehabbers – are you waterproofing your houses? What are you paying?

The picture to the left by the way shows a house that we purchased several months ago. On the day we bought the house it had 15″ of rain in the basement!

As a rule, we waterproof EVERY basement. Its a crappy task. The tips below WILL save THOUSANDS on your next waterproofing job. Seriously folks, this might be my most important tip yet. Waterproofing is NOT rocket science.

Any licensed plumber or general contractor who has had experience installing waterproofing should be able to do the following.


 

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