What’s your first move when faced with a wet basement? Do you call the pros and have your basement cleaned out and waterproofed? What type of basement waterproofing would you opt for?
The following are some mistakes homeowners make when waterproofing their basements that you ought to avoid.
- Doing it yourself
This is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make when it comes to basement waterproofing. They think that waterproofing is easy and can be done without skill, experience or proper training. Many opt for simple waterproofing methods such as crack injection or DIY kits. However, they soon find out that waterproofing is more difficult and complex than they thought. This often happens after extensive damage to the foundation.
- Using waterproofing paint
Have you noticed a leak on your foundation wall? Many homeowners reach for waterproofing paint with the intention of keeping moisture out of their basements. This however, only keeps moisture from seeping through the wall and into the basement at that particular point. It doesn’t solve the underlying problem. It instead makes hydrostatic pressure against the wall even worse.
The leaking will be worse when the walls finally succumb to the pressure. You’ll also be dealing with worse damage when the walls begin to bow inward.
- Using hydraulic cement to fix cracks
Do you have a crack in the floor or wall of your foundation? Some homeowners believe that hydraulic cement is the best fix to any crack or leak in a foundation wall or floor. While the cement will seal the crack, it will only cause buildup in pressure against the outside of the wall. The water will eventually push the patch out or cause the wall to bow inward.
- Using caulk to fix cracks
Another method of basement waterproofing that many homeowners turn to when they notice cracks or leaks in the basement is using caulk to fill in cracks. Like with the other patch work methods mentioned above, this method will only result in an increase in hydrostatic pressure on the basement walls.
- Using inexpensive covers for window wells
Going cheap when it comes to basement waterproofing is never a good idea. Never purchase cheap window well covers. These are not sturdy enough to keep debris and water out of the window well. You’ll end up with a flooded window well, which in turn will cause water problems for your basement.
Rob VanSuilichem
Serving Michigan homeowners for over 32 years, Everdry is one of the Nation’s largest and most experienced waterproofer.
Locally owned, operated and staffed, Everdry professionals take a personal one-on-one approach in educating homeowners so they truly understand all their options for creating a safe, dry, healthy and usable space in their basements.
What Sets Us Apart
- Unbeatable quality due to the experience of the owners and staff.
- Unbeatable value due to the efficiency and expertise of more than 32 years of experience.
- Unbeatable value due to the purchasing power of being one of the largest waterproofers in the nation.
- Unbeatable service due to the fact that EverDry is a locally owned and operated company.
Credentials Include:
- Members of the Home Builders Association
- H.U.D. evaluated
- I.C.C. evaluated (Report #94-07)
- Better Business Bureau Accredited with the Eastern and Western Michigan BBB
- Fully Licensed and Insured
The aforementioned memberships are important because we benefit from the constant exchange of information and knowledge. We are updated on everything from installation techniques, to customer service improvements. You benefit in the knowledge that these third party inspection agencies require us to meet stringent requirements to remain members in good standing.
Better Business Bureau
We have been nominated and won the prestigious Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Ethics many times, Chosen as a W.Mich.BBB Torch finalist in 2014 & 2015, Won the Torch Award for Ethics in 2016, Won the Eastern Michigan BBB Torch Award in 2019 and was also chosen as a Western Michigan BBB Torch finalist in 2019. Won the Eastern Michigan BBB Torch Award in 2023 and Finalist for the Western Michigan BBB Torch Award in 2020 & 2021!
Mission Statement
To create raving fans of our customers and employees through frequent contact, constant training, a commitment to excellence and unlimited opportunity.