Why Your DIY Waterproofing Isn’t Working

When basement waterproofing jobs come to mind, we know many of you realize that the costs can add up. In our experience, we found that the most costly jobs come from shoddy workmanship or issues that were left untreated for a long period of time. Many homeowners attempt basement waterproofing on their own, and we’re here to tell you to STOP! Basement waterproofing is an incredibly difficult task, and we want you to consider your safety, not only for your home, but your family as well. Basement waterproofing isn’t the average DIY venture for your home, and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Here are some of the most common DIY disasters that Tom’s Basement Waterproofing has seen over the years.

DIY Problem #1: Draining Basements

When water comes in, all you can think about is get it out! We understand your urgency, but diving into the deep end too fast can lead to a multitude of other problems down the road. When a large storm of heavy rain has hit your basement, and everything is flooded, draining the basement too quickly can cause a pressure build-up in and around your home. In the worst case scenarios, walls can even collapse from pressure against the foundation and soil. Leave basement draining to the professionals!

DIY Problem #2: Not Draining Basements

On the opposite end of the issue, some homeowners don’t manage to get all the water out of their basement. After a flood occurs, a basement needs to be properly drained AND completely dried out. Sheetrock should be removed and discarded, and fans should be placed around the entire basement to keep the moisture away. This can take up to several days, but many homeowners aren’t patient enough or completely sure that the water is gone. If you’re unsure, we encourage you to call Tom’s Basement Waterproofing instead!

DIY Problem #3: Caulking Cracks

Caulk will fix many things, but a foundation is not one of them. Most common caulk will not withstand the pressure that cracks are putting on a basement foundation, and can actually make the issue worse. Cracks should be properly addressed by a basement waterproofing professional, to determine which type of material to use instead (epoxy, polyurethane, etc.). A good rule of thumb to remember with basement waterproofing is that the visual issues always lead to deeper issues beneath the surface. Tom’s Basement Waterproofing is prepared to handle any crack and eliminate it from reoccurring ever again.

The professionals at Tom’s Basement Waterproofing know how much saving money is important to you. This is why all of our quotes are fair, reasonable, and not without financing options. Next time, before you decide to jump into a waterproofing project on your own and without experience, consider Tom’s Basement Waterproofing to get the job done right the first time and last you for a lifetime!