Why It's Never a Good Idea to DIY Basement Waterproofing
In one of our previous articles, we’ve already discussed what you should be looking for when selecting a basement waterproofing contractor. Yet, we don’t doubt that some of you may be thinking about attempting this project all on your own. And while DIY repairs can be useful and should definitely be an option in certain situations, we’re here to tell you that waterproofing your basement is not one of those situations.
Indeed, trying to waterproof your basement can do more harm than good and may cause you a lot of trouble down the line. Not only will this choice potentially cost you a lot of money, but your property will also be susceptible to even more damage, especially when the task is done improperly.
Here’s a brief discussion on why you shouldn’t attempt to DIY your basement waterproofing and let the experts handle it:
Waterproofing Is Complicated
There’s a reason expert contractors are called in for waterproofing jobs. This is because the entire process is far too complicated for someone with no experience in this field of work. What makes this even more difficult is that there is no one-size-fits-all method for waterproofing, and every case will be different due to the unique situation presented by the space.
It’s going to take a combination of drainage and sealing techniques all around the interiors and exteriors of your home to properly waterproof your basement. This is just not something that just anyone can do and will require expert assessment in order to pull off effectively.
Things Can Go Wrong
Now, your first thought when DIY waterproofing is “what could possibly go wrong?” We’re here to tell you that a lot can go wrong if you choose to go through with this and apply improper steps. To expound on this, here’s a brief breakdown of everything that can go wrong when you attempt to DIY your basement waterproofing:
- Using the wrong products and methods can lead to subpar waterproofing. This can give you the false assurance that your basement is waterproof, which may put you in an even more difficult situation once water does inevitably get inside your basement. To add to this, you’ll also be wasting money on products as you will need to redo the entire process.
- Waterproofing your basement may require you to use a sump pump. This is a special pump that’s installed to keep water out of your basement. The thing about the pump is that it will require you to incorporate it with your current drainage channels and plumbing. If you are not knowledgeable in this process, the pump could work incorrectly and can even end up flooding your basement.
- Waterproofing contractors know which products to use when waterproofing your basement. However, choosing the wrong products means that the waterproofing won’t be as effective and won’t last as long as compared to professional waterproofing services.
Conclusion
We hope the information that we’ve laid out in this article is enough to convince you to avoid any DIY basement waterproofing projects that you may have been thinking about doing. When it comes to things like this, it’s best to leave everything up to the experts. With their expertise, pieces of equipment, and experience in the industry, you can rest assured that your home will be protected at all costs!
If you need reliable waterproofing services, Advanced Basement Waterproofing has got you covered.
We offer expert basement waterproofing done by the best contractors who are experienced in all matters of sealing, crack repair, and mold removal. We serve clients in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut. For more information on this, contact us for a free basement waterproofing quote!
