5 Signs That You Need A Waterproofing Contractor For Basement

Strategies and processes used to prevent water from penetrating in the basement of a building are known as Basement Waterproofing. Waterproofing contractors are the professionals who provide waterproofing services in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They focus primarily on preventing moisture damage by applying waterproofing membranes, sealants, coating, and other techniques to building surfaces like roofs, foundations, basements, walls, etc.

Popular Services Offered By Waterproofing Contractors:

1. Basement Waterproofing: To protect basements from flooding, leakage, and moisture infiltration they use waterproofing solutions, sealants, and install drainage systems.
2. Exterior Wall Waterproofing: Sealing exterior walls to prevent water penetration is done through the application of sealants, membranes, and waterproof coatings.
3. Foundation Waterproofing: Similar to basement waterproofing, foundation waterproofing focuses on the foundation walls to prevent structural damage and water intrusion.
4. Roof Waterproofing: To prevent leaks and water damage on the roof, waterproofing contractors apply waterproof coatings and membranes.
5. Consultation and Inspection: They address if there are any potential water damage risks and provide recommendations and suggestions for waterproofing solutions.
6. Concrete Crack Repair: They repair cracks in the concrete structures to prevent water penetration.
7. Swimming Pool Waterproofing: To prevent leaks and water loss, they waterproof the surface and structure of the swimming pool.
8. Concrete Crack Repair: They repair cracks in the concrete structures to prevent water penetration.
9. Deck and Balcony Waterproofing: They use waterproof coatings to protect balconies and decks from water damage.

Signs You Should Hire a Waterproofing Professional for the Basement:

1. Dampness and Odour in your Basement:

If you get a musty and damp odor in your basement then it is a sign that you need to hire a waterproofing professional immediately as it signals water intrusion. It must not be smelling like that and if that is the case then it signifies that there is water seeping in your basement. You might not be able to see where the water is coming from but the odor is enough to be sure about its presence. Hire a professional urgently to prevent the situation from worsening and get it resolved.

2. Presence of Insects and Termites:

Dark and moist places like a basement are perfect homes for bugs and other creatures. Avoid the insects entering your basement as you can’t waterproof it. Some of these creatures are also very venomous and their existence should be removed. If by any chance, insects have made a breeding ground in your basement, call a professional to first get rid of them and then waterproof it.

3. Enlargement:

Swelling arises in timber when it is wet as the moisture is absorbed by the wood fibers which makes it enlarge. This swelling in wooden floors and walls in the basement signifies a seepage issue. Try walking on the floor barefoot and if you feel a wavy texture on your feet then understand that there is swelling in the wooden flooring. Sometimes, it is difficult to understand if there is swelling in the floor or the walls but when it comes to doors, it gets easier as there is difficulty in opening or closing them. This needs to be addressed and taken care of by a professional waterproofing contractor to prevent it from aggravating.

4. Rust:

There is moisture in your basement if nails and hinges are getting rusty as iron and moisture bring out rust. If there is a presence of rust in your basement then it indicates that water is seeping in from somewhere which requires attention from a professional. Rust indicates water intrusion at its initial stages so it is better to treat it then and there. Giving it more time will only make it worse and will increase the cost of repair.

5. Staining:

If you notice stain patches on the floor or the walls of the basement then it signifies water intrusion or plumbing leak from the outside which can give you a feeling of dampness when you touch it. If this is the case then call a professional immediately. Just covering the stains won’t provide a solution to it. If not repaired on time then the floor or the walls might distort and this might result in a far reaching structural damage over time which will require a lot more money to repair.

What to Check When Hiring a Waterproofing Contractor?

• Expertise and Experience: Hire a professional who has previous experience in the field of waterproofing. Their experience speaks about the quality of their work.
• Valid License: Make sure that the professional that you are hiring has a valid license, permit, insurance, and all the required documents from its municipality as it ensures safety and security.
• Clear Communication: Look for a professional who communicates clearly and in detail as it prevents misunderstandings and disputes. The requirements, payment terms, timeline, warranty, etc should be communicated beforehand only.
• Portfolio: Ask the waterproofing contractor for their portfolio and in case they don’t have one, research about them and read the reviews carefully. It gives you an idea about what experiences their customers have had with them earlier.
• Warranties and Guarantees: A reputed professional will always offer a warranty on their work and installations. Warranty and guarantee are important because if anything falls apart after the work is completed, the contractor is responsible for redoing it without any extra charges.

Conclusion

Basement waterproofing is done to prevent water from penetrating in the basement of a house or a building. It is professionally done by a waterproofing contractor. Various signs that a basement requires waterproofing are dampness, swelling, staining, rusting, and the presence of bugs. All these indicate the presence of moisture and water in the basement which requires to be treated immediately by a waterproofing contractor.