questions about basement waterproofing
FAQS
Your little leak could eventually turn into a basement full of water. Do you have anything stored in your basement? What about a furnace or electrical outlets? If your basement floods, you will need to repair or even replace many of these items.
If you have a finished basement, the cost of interior flooding damage can be astronomical. Cleaning soaked carpet is bad enough; replacing floor panels or wallpaper is even worse. On top of all that, you will have to pay to get your basement waterproofed, which will be far more costly after a flood than before.
A leak in your basement means that water from the outside is getting in. This means that water is seeping through your foundation. Foundation repairs can be costly, but they are not as bad if you address them early on.
A crack in your outside foundation, if left unaddressed, can create more damage. Imagine a crack in your windshield: it will widen with time, branch off, and eventually make the windshield unsafe to use. The same thing can happen to your foundation.
Leaks can occur anywhere in your basement, but the most common places are natural weak spots. These include corners and openings for pipes.
Even if a leak doesn’t seem like a big deal, you should fix it immediately. A visible water problem in your basement is an indication that your basement’s foundation has been compromised. If you don’t address the problem, it will only get worse and could result in a completely flooded basement with thousands of dollars in damage. And even a small leak can provide the moisture needed for dangerous molds to thrive.
It's very important that you address water in your basement as soon as you see it before it threatens the integrity of your foundation and causes serious damage to your home.
The spectrum of waterproofing service costs is similar to the spectrum of car repair costs. They depend on the severity of the issue, as well as the size and state of your basement. Small services can cost just a few hundred dollars, while comprehensive basement waterproofing can cost a few thousand. Keep in mind, though, that any basement waterproofing services you purchase are an investment in your property and will likely more than pay for themselves in the long run.
It's very important that you address water in your basement as soon as you see it before it threatens the integrity of your foundation and causes serious damage to your home.
This depends largely on how you fixed the leak in the first place. If you repaired it yourself and it came back, it may be a good time to call in professional help. If you hired a company to fix the leak, check with them. Many waterproofing contractors plays host to provide limited warranties.
If you hired us for your waterproofing needs, you are well protected against future leaks. We backup our services with a rock-solid lifetime guarantee. If you ever experience water problems in your basement after we have worked on it, inform us immediately so we can restore your basement to a dry state.
Our company guarantees our work fully and has never had any problems in the past. However, should anything happen to our work, we will come back and do everything possible to fix the problem and make sure it doesn't happen again -- all at no cost to the customer.
Most problems are usually noticeable by a seepage of water through the wall and floor. Also, discoloration or spots of mold growth appear on surfaces. Strong, musty odors and peeling or chipping of paint are also a very good indication that you have a problem.
Every job is different, and the time varies. Typically, we allow 2-5 days to complete preparations, the actual work, and cleanup; which is prompt and thorough.
All customers need to do is move the light stuff 5-8 feet away from the exterior walls. Neverwet will take care of the heavy stuff and cover everything with plastic. After that, just sit back and relax while the crew takes care of everything the most efficient way.
Delaying the problem has long term effects. For example water pressure builds up behind the walls, under the concrete, etc. If not released, structural damage, mold, and odors will occur. Also, the cause of sickness and allergies can absolutely be linked to mold toxins in the air.
Finished basements, as well as sheetrock, studs (2x4's), and paneling offer no problem. We work with every type of structure and building material.
Sometimes, the answer is obvious. Your basement may flood every time it rains, or simply have a constant leak. Maybe your foundation has a large concrete crack in it. However, there are several signs that we like to have our customers look for. The earlier you catch a foundation problem, the easier and more inexpensive it is to fix.
Musty Odor
Everyone at one point or another has entered a musty basement. Musty odors are merely the result of the decay process associated with mold, mildew and dry rot. It is the odor given off by the decaying or molding material. Once you smell it, look for the source. Try cleaning any item that has the smell (if the smell returns, you’ll have to replace it). Mold in a basement is a sign of moisture – mold can only live in areas that have more than 50% humidity, which likely means that you have a leak.
Damp Spots on Walls
An unpainted block wall will turn dark gray when it is wet. A painted wall will show discoloration or a darkening of the paint. A poured wall may show discoloration. In any case, there might be white or dark outlines surrounding the area, which means that it has either leaked before, or substantial moisture has come in through that area.
Mold or Mildew
Mold and mildew are living, breathing organisms which grow and multiply anywhere there is excessive moisture. For those of us exploring our basement, mold and mildew can grow in the walls, carpeting, furniture, or anywhere else it can find a food source.
Dry Rot
This can appear as a brownish-black fungus growth on walls, clothing and other surfaces; it typically grows on wood surfaces. Keep in mind that dry rot is a byproduct of the decay process. You’ll need to not only replace whatever is damaged, but also find and cure the cause of the dry rot.
Cracked Walls and Floors
Cracks can come in a variety of shapes, sizes and directions. For example, you may see step-cracks on the wall. You might find vertical cracks or horizontal cracks. In any of these cases, something is causing this to happen. Neverwet Basement Waterproofing offers many foundation repair techniques to cure all of these problems, whether they are caused by settling, pressure on the walls or under the floor, or something else.
Warped Paneling
Wood is porous. It absorbs moisture. Warped paneling is a sign that excessive moisture exists, and you need to find out why. The good news: if you find the source, you can make sure that your new paneling won’t warp. The bad news: you can’t repair warped wood paneling. You have to replace it.
White Chalky Substance on Walls
Concrete is made up of limestone, clay, mortar and aggregate (stone). The white outline or spot you see is the calcium in the block leeching out. It is an indication of water, excessive moisture, and is something you should pay attention to. It is called efflorescence.
If you have any questions or think you may be discovering warning signs in your home, contact Neverwet Basement Waterproofing today. We can help you with basement waterproofing, foundation repair, mold removal and more.