seemingly small moisture issues can cause big problems

Posted on: 22 October 2021

Water in your basement can be dangerous in so many different ways. Not only can it pose health hazards for your family, but it can also cause structural issues in your home. That is why it's important for you to address waterproofing needs as soon as you discover moisture in your basement. If you've decided that it's time to talk to a waterproofing contractor about your basement's water problem, there are some things that you should think about. Here's a look at some of the things that you should discuss with your waterproofing contractor before you have them start working.

Can You Get A Free Onsite Estimate?

The first thing that you should ask about is whether or not the contractors offer a free estimate. If you want a truly accurate estimate for your basement waterproofing project, you need to work with a contractor who will send someone out to visually assess the condition of the basement and the extent of the water. 

From there, they can provide you with a more comprehensive and accurate quote for addressing the moisture and waterproofing to prevent it from coming back. Working with a contractor that offers a free onsite estimate can help to eliminate any potential surprises that might arise if the estimate was done sight-unseen. 

What Is The Easiest Solution?

Before you decide how to deal with your leaky basement, it's important for you to understand what all of the possible solutions are. In many waterproofing situations, there's an easy solution that may not be quite as effective, and there's a more extensive solution that is often more effective than you'd think. 

That's why it's important that you clarify what your options are before you have the waterproofing done. The more you understand about the choices available to you, the easier it will be for you to balance your budget and the ultimate results to get what you're looking for.

Will Excavation Be Necessary?

Depending on the recommended approach for your waterproofing, the contractors may have to excavate around your foundation to apply a waterproofing treatment to the exterior walls. If you're concerned about excavation or if you need to make a plan for property restoration after the fact, make sure that you talk with your contractors about whether or not their waterproofing plan includes a need for excavation around the exterior of your foundation.

You'll also want to ask about the type of equipment that will be used for the excavation so that you can ensure access to the area. You may also need to have the property marked for safe digging just in case there are any plumbing or electrical lines underground that must be labeled.

Is The Work Covered By A Warranty?

The next thing that you'll want to clarify before any waterproofing happens is whether or not the work will be covered with any form of a warranty. In many cases, waterproofing contractors will stand behind their work and offer a warranty for some period thereafter to ensure that your basement stays dry. Make sure that you clarify any potential warranty period and that you know exactly how long that warranty extends for as well as what types of failures are covered versus those that are excluded.

Whether you're considering finishing your basement or you decide that you're just tired of dealing with the moisture problems that seem to be persisting, the best thing that you can do is to talk with a waterproofing contractor for more help and information. Consider these points and ask your waterproofing contractor about these questions before you commit so that you can be sure that you're getting the waterproofing treatment that you need. Contact a company like Central Penn Waterproofing to learn more.