What to Expect From Good Basement Waterproofing Companies
Did you know renovating your basement can cost you between $50,000 and $75,000? Natural disasters such as floods are some of the contributing factors to basement remodeling. If your home is prone to floods and other water damages, you might need to consider waterproofing the entire space.
You’ll need basement waterproofing companies to deal with the leaking floor, walls, or cracks in the basement. For first-time homeowners who haven’t dealt with basement repairs, the process might be unsettling. You might have no idea what to expect through the process!
Are you looking to waterproof your basement? Here’s our comprehensive guide on what to expect from credible basement waterproofing companies.
Thorough Basement Inspection
With a DIY basement waterproofing, you might miss out on the actual cause of the problem. It is essential to hire a professional for a comprehensive assessment. The inspection guides the resultant decisions on how to go about the process.
This evaluation will check areas where water is leaking through to get in your basement. When you know the source, you’ll know the steps to take to avoid recurrence.
A reputable basement waterproofing company will offer you a free inspection and any guidance on the entire procedure. You need to know the questions to ask the basement waterproofing company at this point. The information you collect will help you gauge if the company has what it takes to handle your situation.
Get Estimates from Basement Waterproofing Companies
Basement waterproofing cost depends on the company and the extent of the damage. A waterproofing company can only give you a realistic quote after the initial visit. A contractor has to evaluate the seepage problem in your basement to establish the kind of repairs required.
You might be having a foundation crack or other cracks that are more serious than they appear. The basement waterproofing technician will examine your basement and ask several questions. You answers will help them determine the solution needed and the cost implication.
A company might give you a proposal right away. However, others choose to email you quotes after analyzing the basement. Whichever approach is taken, ensure that you have everything agreed in writing.
The Process of Basement Waterproofing
If you’re okay with the quote provided, now it’s time to dive in the ins and outs of waterproofing a basement. Theoretically, waterproofing a basement means sealing the ceiling, floor, and walls to deter water from getting in. It sounds easy, but it’s far from that.
A construction expert will have to break the entire concrete that’s surrounding the basement. The result will be a shallow ditch within the basement. The professionals will then create a deep crevice by hand-digging through the ditch.
A corrugated pipe is installed in the crevice. The next step is covering the pipe in loose gravel. Then, new concrete is poured over to the ditch to level the ground with the rest of the flooring.
You’ll also have a sump pump installed, which automatically pumps water to the new pipes as the water rises. The process will further involve sealing walls, building the basement retaining walls, or humidifier installation, which can be optional.
There are several waterproofing solutions that you might need to know to guide you when sourcing for basement waterproofing companies.
Crack Injections
Crack injection is a repair approach best for poured concrete foundations. It’s relevant in instances when the seepage is coming from the walls as opposed to floors. Stone, cinder block, and brick are not suitable for this basement waterproofing solution. Instead, contractors inject polyurethane or epoxy in the crack to deter water from leaking into your basement.
Exterior Excavation
In exterior waterproofing, contractors have to excavate at least 6 feet down to correct the drainage. Given than one in five workers dying in 2018 were in the construction industry, you might have to rethink a DIY basement waterproofing project.
Exterior basement waterproofing might cost you more as the extensive excavation makes the process expensive. Nonetheless, it’s ideal as it won’t require ongoing maintenance. You have to weigh the cons and pros to know if it is the best option for you.
Interior Excavation
The interior waterproofing technique is often preferred because the cost is lower than in exterior excavation. Besides, it is less invasive. This waterproofing solution deals with hydrostatic pressure that tends to force a way through the foundations or the basement walls.
Interior exaction is more of a water management technique. It addresses the water issue at hand but doesn’t prevent water from entering the basement. Given the stack differences between the interior and exterior excavations, you need to research in-depth before contacting basement waterproofing companies for a quote.
Waterproofing Primers
Waterproofing primers and paints only produce cosmetic solutions that aren’t often sustainable. The contractor hardly recommends waterproofing primers. Your identified company will guide you on the best waterproofing solution based on the problem at hand.
Time Taken to Complete the Project
It’s normal to want to know when you can use your basement. As such, understanding the period contractors will take to waterproof your basement is essential. The type of technique a company uses will determine the time taken to complete the job.
Exterior waterproofing can take several weeks as the project is quite extensive. On the other hand, an interior waterproofing can take professional a few days. If you have the waterproofing during the rainy season, there might be delays as waterproofing companies are often in high demand.
It’s Crucial to Understand How Basement Waterproofing Companies Work
It would help to arm yourself with information when looking for the best basement waterproofing companies. Understanding what to expect will make you monitor the projects from a knowledgeable view. You can request modifications if you’re unsatisfied.
More importantly, work with a reputable basement waterproofing company. You can’t afford to have someone mess up with your basement construction!
Do you need basement waterproofing services for your home? Sedona Waterproofing Solutions has the expertise necessary to address the water menace in your basement. Contact us today to get a free quote.
