Most of homeowners’ problems about water seepage could be attributed to inevitable seasonal conditions. Rapid runoff as well as the frozen ground’s disability to properly and effectively absorb water could leave only one site for that water to go. Unfortunately, it would be right through your walls. Spring and fall rainy seasons typically are peak times when unlikely water seepage is experienced. Homeowners could easily associate water seepage problems with costly drainage and excavation. However, are you aware that with just about $500, you could actually complete a waterproofing project?
You do not need to always look at those expensive drainage and excavations whenever you need to remedy water seepage problems at your walls. You could eliminate the problem through high-quality masonry waterproof paint. When you look for an effective product or material to eliminate water seepage in your wall, remember that a waterproofer would do, instead of a water sealer. Obviously, there are significant differences between the two.
Water sealers are only repelling water. They would not actually stop water penetration through the walls. On the other hand, waterproofers penetrate the surface of walls and bond to the masonry. This way, they could serve as integral barriers that would completely arrest or stop water seepage. Take note that waterproofers are not like ordinary paints, which merely adhere to wall surfaces so that oncoming water pressure could easily force them off.
If there is a wet basement wall, you should take it as a sign of a much larger problem. Remember that water coming through could come from several types of possible sources like blocked drainage pipes, improper grading, leaky gutters or downspouts, or ruts that could direct runoff at the ground toward the building foundations. You should immediately seek to correct the problem or else you would be facing much greater risks and hassles in the coming days. Corrections should be combined with proper application of high-quality waterproofing paint, which is still the most effective way for prevention of water on masonry surfaces.
At the same time, it is also necessary to determine if condensation or seepage is the actual source of problem regarding wet walls. You could find it out by a simple test. To do so, dry a small portion or area of your affected wall using a hair dryer or a cloth. Then, tape a piece of about a foot-square aluminum foil securely and tightly to the just-dried interior basement wall. Leave it there for a day or for several days. When you remove the foil, take note which side is wet.
If the side facing the room is wet, condensation is the problem. To remedy the situation, you may use a dehumidifier for waterproofing the room. If the side facing the wall is wet, take it as a confirmation that seepage is present. However, you should also be aware that both problems could possibly happen at the same time. If that is the case, you may find and hire budget waterproofing services that are offered in your area.
Over the last 20 years, there had been a series of technological advances in the construction industry and its adjunct waterproofing services. Mostly, this is more in the use of materials of advanced qualities and sophisticated systems.
All of these have varying costs, degrees of effectiveness, and toned-down invasiveness of the nature of installation. Some are simpler to install, and others need some detailed systems information. The question is: Do you need a waterproof specialist?
Why waterproofing
A concrete building or structure needs waterproofing for the simple reason that the concrete itself is not watertight on its own. A moisture-laden room, caused by water seepage (usually your basement) is a good breeding ground for molds and mildew.
In time, these will cause an additional problem of unpleasant musty odors. Damp areas can also cause faster rusting of your appliances and attacks the wooden surfaces of anything inside that room.
Services
A waterproof consultant’s typical service is a survey and inspection of your problematic area. These can include visual inspections, laboratory testing, investigation and discovery of leaks, measurements in moisture and extent of job requirements, and pricing.
They would also include mapping out your basement, provide drawings and specifications, and highlight the trouble areas. These professionals can easily formulate a repair plan-of-action specific to your needs.
Waterproofing consultants also offer quality control management for your project, if you need it. They can also ensure quality control should you hire an outside contractor for the work. They will see to it your specifications are met.
Also, after the job is done, the waterproof consultant offers follow-up inspections. This will go a long way in averting future damages and save costs.
Advantages
Professional consultants in waterproofing are very knowledgeable in locating leaks or other waterproofing problems. Finding them, they would immediately know the exact causes and best way to fix them.
Like any other professional job specialists, these experts had undergone intensive training or had long years of experience in the industry. These consultants can often do the job themselves or can refer you to a competent contractor.
Costs
Prices for hiring a waterproofing consultant vary from place to place. Since problems in waterproofing also vary from place to place (each place has unique specifications and related solutions) you can rest assured that the needs of your home are going to be met.
If your consultant is not from your local area, they would expect to be compensated for travel expenses as well. Depending on your needs and the extent of the job requirements, costs can exceed a thousand dollars.
Do-it-yourself
Sometimes, when home owners deem the expense of hiring a waterproofing consultant is too steep, they would venture to perform the entire project by themselves.
However, some people have found out that their own mistakes are more costly than hiring a consultant from the very beginning.
Others, having found no professional consultant are around their areas, usually hire a professional waterproofer. A professional waterproofer often had the experience and skills to diagnose and treat your home problems.
If you want to save some money, be sure you can follow waterproofing instructions to the letter to ensure success. If you are unsure of your skills, get a real professional.
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