A waterproofed basement allows you to enjoy a safe and healthy home. Basement waterproofing is something that you should invest in. It increases square footage and the overall value of your property.
When it comes to home improvement projects, many people opt for DIY methods. There’s a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment in taking on home projects. However, basement waterproofing should not be one of them. Moisture in the basement can lead to mold growth and structural damage. In this article, we will show you the pitfalls of DIY basement waterproofing:
Time-Consuming
Basement waterproofing requires a huge amount of time and commitment. This project requires you to install various waterproofing measures, which might take so much of your time. Before you start your DIY project, ask yourself—are you willing to commit a significant amount of time and effort?
A basement waterproofing project can take 2-5 days, depending on the repairs that need to be done. If you attempt to handle the work on your own, the timeline can be extended for several days. Fortunately, basement professionals can get the job done properly within a few days.
No One-Size-Fits-All Solution
Many people assume that there’s only one basement waterproofing method. However, this isn’t true. Different causes of leaky basements require different solutions. In waterproofing your below-grade level, you can’t expect a one-size-fits-all solution.
This home improvement project involves different factors and techniques. You will likely need to conduct an inspection first to identify the potential cause of leaks and water intrusion. When you’re done with the inspection, you can determine the method applicable to your basement.
The most common waterproofing methods are the following:
- Exterior Basement Waterproofing
- Interior Sealants
- Interior Water Drainage
Each technique has its pros and cons. In some cases, it’s best to combine two or more methods to achieve the best results. Talk to your trusted waterproofing contractor on how to keep your basement dry.
No Guarantee
A guarantee is a promise or assurance that a product or service is of excellent quality. If such a product or service falls within a particular time, it will be replaced or fixed free of charge. In DIY basement waterproofing, there is no quality guarantee. You have to take full responsibility for any errors or further damage in your basement. If something goes wrong, you will pay higher repair costs.
Wrong Waterproofing Materials
Due to a lack of expertise, you might end up using the wrong materials for basement waterproofing. Incorrect selection of waterproofing materials can result in serious problems. Moreover, you should pick primers that are compatible with the waterproofing membrane.
Yes, it’s possible to find useful resources and DIY guides on the internet. But you still need expert advice in sourcing the materials and applying the waterproofing membrane. These labor-intensive tasks are recommended to be done professionally.
More Than Just Digging
The most well-known waterproofing method is to excavate the soil away from your foundation. However, this is more than just excavating and digging the surrounding soil. Basement waterproofing is a task that requires a large amount of labor.
Typical basements have 8-foot walls, so your foundation must be excavated to such depth. The minimum 8-foot-deep trench can be difficult to accomplish for newbies. When you don’t follow safe excavation techniques, this could result in serious injuries. Avoid this pitfall by working with a professional contractor who can expertly perform the job.
More Expensive
By purchasing your own materials and doing the labor yourself, DIY basement waterproofing might seem cost-effective. In reality, DIY basement waterproofing is more expensive than you expected. This is more costly because long-term results aren’t guaranteed.
Subpar waterproofing won’t protect your basement fully. In the long run, you may end up paying for costly repairs and replacements. It makes more sense to hire an experienced basement remodeling company that can deliver satisfactory results at a reduced cost.
Hire Our Basement Waterproofing Experts
Professional basement waterproofing beats DIY in every aspect. If you are looking for a trusted contractor, count on Pittsburgh Basement Remodeling. We have the expertise and years of experience to fix different basement issues. Our team only uses industry-approved waterproofing solutions to achieve the best possible result.
To find out more about our services, contact our staff today! We are more than willing to provide you with a free basement waterproofing inspection.