What To Expect When Looking For A Basement Waterproofing Expert

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If you’ve ever had water in your basement, then you know how frustrating it can be. Water can lead to mold and other hazardous conditions.

In addition, water damage can ruin your personal belongings and wind up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. 

This is why it’s essential to waterproof your basement. Finding a waterproofing expert you can trust is equally important. 

A basement waterproofing expert should be knowledgeable and explain the entire waterproofing process to you. They should come with estimates, be easy to contact, and follow-up with you during and after any work they are completing.

Keep reading to better understand what to look for when choosing a basement waterproofing expert, and what things to beware of.

How to Find a Basement Waterproofing Expert

Whether you’re using word of mouth recommendations or ads you’ve seen around town, it’s crucial that you choose a basement waterproofing expert you can trust and rely on. 

For example, one of our customers referred to Armored Basement Waterproofing in Baltimore, MD as “A pleasure to deal with…We signed the contract and the workers arrived promptly on the scheduled day, worked steadily, and cleaned up afterward.” 

A glowing recommendation like that one allows new clients to feel comfortable hiring this company for all their basement waterproofing needs. 

After signing your contract, it’s important to understand the next stages of waterproofing your basement and how a trained technician will help you throughout the process.

Working With an Expert

When a trained technician comes out to your home, they will begin by inspecting your basement and looking for any problems with your home’s foundation. If you previously noticed any issues, make sure to note it for the inspector. 

Track any data you have recorded, as this helps the inspector to have a clear understanding of the water in your basement. Any information you provide will help them come up with the best solution for remediating water that is damaging your home. 

If the source of water can’t be located, then a technician will most likely suggest you install a drainage system around the entire perimeter of your property. 

Since this can be pricy depending on the size of your home’s perimeter, it’s best to try and identify the source of any water in your basement before the inspection.

A drainage system is used when no other cause of water can be identified by the technician.

A good idea would be to look for evidence of water when it’s raining in order to report this information to the technician. Look for dampness or standing water and take pictures to show them during your appointment. 

If the technician still recommends a drainage system, they will explain to you how and why it works. 

Drainage Systems

A drainage system is a carefully designed system that prevents water from seeping into your basement. The soil attracts water that accumulates after heavy rain or snow. The water is then redirected away from your home, keeping your basement dry.

A perimeter drain is a PVC or plastic pipe that comes perforated. This allows water to enter the pipe and flow away from your home. Pricing for this type of system is usually calculated by the foot.  

What to Watch out for When Hiring a Basement Waterproofing Expert

The technician will inspect your basement for sources of water and staining. Beware of any basement waterproofing experts that give estimates over the phone. 

In order to properly diagnose the cause of water in your basement and to give an accurate estimate, a technician needs to come to your house. 

They need to check and see if you have a monolithic slab in your basement or foundation footing. The difference in the foundation will impact man-hours needed for completing the job, as well as materials used and the total cost to do the job. 

It’s also important to obtain several different estimates. You may find a large range of prices. Be cautious with basement waterproofing companies that lure you in with sales pitches. 

Quality of work should be the primary factor, along with competitive prices. Read online reviews or visit the company’s website to read reviews. 

Additional Warning Signs 

Other warning signs from a basement waterproofing company include the use of scare tactics and being pressured into using their services.

A reputable company shouldn’t be pressuring you to make any choices but should be informing you of the depth of water damage in your basement. It’s also important to understand the entire scope of work your home needs.

If a company is focusing on one issue, then take that as a red flag. They should be taking into consideration the entire picture and full depth of waterproofing that your basement needs.

Make sure that the company you use creates a basement waterproofing system unique for your home. It’s not a one-size-fits-all, and a system should be created for your specific situation. 

Since most basement water issues are a culmination of problems, a carefully designed system is often needed. A generic system typically won’t address the problem.

Water in a basement is often from clogged footer drains, improper backfilling when the house was built, and movement and cracks in the foundation walls. 

If a company is trying to sell you on one solution and not tailoring a system to meet your specific needs, then you should take this as a warning sign. 

Expertise You Can Rely On

Waterproofing your basement is always a smart idea for any homeowner. This area of the house often suffers water damage due to several factors. 

Your home may have improper grading, cracks in the foundation, or defective window wells. Your house may also suffer from defective gutters and downspouts. Whatever the reason, your basement may be susceptible to water damage.

Hire a professional basement waterproofing expert you can trust and depend on. Make sure to ask how they plan on waterproofing your basement, and what you can expect throughout the process.

Contact us today for more information on our Armored Basement Waterproofing System, and we’ll have your house free from water in no time.  

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