5 Reasons to Avoid DIY Basement Waterproofing

If you are an avid DIYer, you might be tempted to complete your basement waterproofing project independently. However, we would like to discourage you from doing this – not only because our business provides this service – but also because we often see the results of DIY jobs that have gone horribly wrong.

Reasons to Hire a Professional for Basement Waterproofing

Here are several reasons to hire a professional to fix your wet basement.

A professional will identify the source of the leaks – and stop them.

Your basement walls are damp and streaky. What is the source of this moisture? Determining the source of the leak is more challenging than you would imagine. But, without understanding where the water is coming from, there is no way that you can permanently fix the problem.

A professional will develop a home drainage solution to prevent recurring problems.

A professional has the necessary equipment to dry the space before completing the basement waterproofing project.

You shouldn’t repair basement cracks if there’s water or moisture present. In fact, doing so could make the problem worse. Foundation repair and waterproofing companies have the equipment on hand to dry the space. So, put away your grandma’s old box fan and let a professional complete the job.

A professional will use suitable materials.

You’ll find plenty of cheap DIY waterproofing products at your local home improvement store. However, when it comes to waterproofing products, you get what you pay for.

In fact, one commonly recommended crack sealer requires the user to add water to the product before use. If you add too much or too little water, the product won’t apply to the cement correctly, and the cracks won’t seal.

A professional can see the big picture regarding the health of your foundation.

It’s essential to have a professional inspection if you have cracks in your basement wall or floor. These cracks may be early indicators of significant foundation issues. Left undiagnosed and untreated, these issues will worsen over time – leading to expensive repairs.

A foundation professional is knowledgeable – and has the proper tools and equipment.

Some basement waterproofing techniques may require digging a trench around the home’s foundation. Unfortunately, digging this trench without proper shoring increases the risk of a cave-in, which may be dangerous to the DIYer – and harmful to the foundation.

A little knowledge can be dangerous. For example, you may watch a few YouTube videos and think you understand how to install a sump pump – or how to do a foundation repair job. But only people working in basement waterproofing daily understand how complex the job can be.

Contact JLB Foundation Repair and Basement Waterproofing in Kansas City

Do you have a leaky basement in KC? Contact JLB Foundation Repair and Basement Waterproofing. We have over 60 years of experience fixing foundation problems in the Midwest.

JLB also offers anchoring services, push piers, mud jacking, crawlspace encapsulation, and home drainage solutions. Schedule a free consultation in your Kansas City area home by calling 816-656-6835.

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