Like most home improvement, repair and maintenance projects, there are aspects you can take care of yourself and there are always circumstances when you should call a professional. Attempting to tackle the whole job of waterproofing your basement all by yourself can be dangerous as it generally involves using harsh chemicals and often deals with mold, both of which can pose serious health risks if you are not properly protected. Below Tite Seal Waterproofing outlines some of the smaller tasks that are safe for a DIY home owner to check off their to-do list as well as some of the signs it is time to call in a professional!
DIY Basement Waterproofing Tasks
There are a few basement waterproofing projects even the least experienced DIYer can take on with a fair amount of success. These tasks include:
Plugging Holes – Filling small holes and cracks in the basement walls or flooring can be a relatively simple project that requires cleaning the surfaces and applying hydraulic cement. This special cement can plug unwanted holes in masonry, reducing or even preventing water from entering. Larger holes, or numerous holes, should be handled by a professional to assess what the problem is.
Sealing Cracks – Another DIY job could be basement crack repair in the walls, floors, and other structurally important cement or concrete that may allow water to seep into the subflooring. This can be accomplished by cleaning the area and applying waterproof sealant. These products generally dry quickly and can be painted over. Larger cracks, or cracks that are growing, require a professional, as they could indicate serious problems.
Sealing Gaps – Sealing gaps around windows, doors, or mortar joints that are up to about 2 inches wide is a project that most waterproofing DIYers can take on themselves. First, clean or thoroughly brush off the area. Then, seal any unnecessary gaps around these basement fixtures with acrylic caulking. This material will ward off water and drafts in the basement.
Removing Garden Beds – Sometimes keeping your basement dry requires taking care of your landscaping. If you have garden beds around your home, it’s best to have a slight downward gradient at least five to 10 feet from the foundation’s outer walls to minimize basement moisture. For many households that means removing garden beds, shrubs, and plants that abut the exterior foundation.
Other projects homeowners can do themselves may include cleaning and possibly repairing gutters and downspouts to make sure water and debris are channeled away from the home’s structural supports. One other DIY job to help reduce basement water is to install a dehumidifier to minimize moisture.
How Do You Know if Your Basement Has Water Problems & Needs Professional Waterproofing Service?
DIY homeowners should be alert for certain indications in their basement that may mean it’s time to call a basement waterproofing professional. These signs include:
Warped Wood – If the basement is too wet and humid, wood planks and beams will react by swelling and warping. If this is the case, it’s a sure sign of excess moisture in the subfloor area that can quickly begin to damage the foundation and fixtures such as doors and windows. When wood becomes warped it’s time to seek a professional.
Efflorescence – Efflorescence is crystallized salt left from water evaporation within the concrete, brick, and other similar building materials. These salts can cause corrosion and weaken the materials’ structural integrity. When efflorescence appears you may need exterior basement waterproofing by a waterproofing company. This procedure includes wrapping the foundation’s exterior in a protective material so water can’t penetrate the masonry.
Water Puddle – Basement flooding should always be handled by professionals. It is possible interior basement waterproofing or sump pump installation is needed to remedy these situations and prevent future flooding.
Mold – If you notice mold and mildew in the basement, it’s recommended to call for professional basement waterproofing services to address this problem right away. Not only are mold and mildew a sign of excess water, but they can trigger health issues such as allergies and asthma.
Basement Waterproofing, Crawl Space Repair, Remediation, & Encapsulation & More in Lebanon, Branson, Republic, Aurora, Bolivar & Greater Springfield, MO
Tite Seal Waterproofing is here to offer years of experience, providing “no diggin” basement waterproofing, crawl space repair, foundation crack repair as well as installation of dehumidifiers and sump pumps. We use the best, most advanced technology and state of the art materials. To learn more about basement waterproofing and other related services, contact us today.
