Thinking of doing some DIY basement waterproofing? When it comes to DIY, some things are just more satisfying to do for yourself. Installing shelving, painting your interior or exterior walls, and even upcycling your old furniture are all great things to give a try. However, there are some things that it’s never a good idea to DIY unless you have professional expertise.

One of those things is basement waterproofing. It might be tempting to try and implement a basement waterproofing solution yourself – unfortunately, not only is it likely to be ineffective, but it could also be costly and even dangerous to attempt it yourself.

What does basement waterproofing involve?

There’s no one-size-fits-all method of waterproofing a basement. A combination of drainage and sealing techniques on your home’s interior and/or exterior is generally considered the best way to waterproof a basement. Drainage directs the water out and away from your property, while waterproof coatings provide an effective barrier that prevents even tiny amounts of moisture from collecting. However, understanding the exact waterproofing methods and products that are best for your property takes an expert assessment.

What can go wrong with DIY basement waterproofing?

There are many things that can go wrong when you attempt to DIY your basement waterproofing:

  • Choosing the wrong products or methods. If you don’t fully understand how water could seep into your property, you could choose the wrong kind of waterproofing methods. Best case scenario, you’ll do more than you need to – but there’s a significant risk that you’ll end up with ineffective waterproofing and find yourself still dealing with water in your basement.
  • Incorrect implementation. Depending on how wet your basement is, you may need a sump pump. A sump pump is a hole in your basement floor with a special pump installed. In order to work properly, it will need drainage channels and plumbing to enable it to pump out incoming water to an external drain. When the water level in the sump gets to a certain level, the pump will automatically switch on and pump the water out. Installing a sump pump can be quite complicated, and if you install a sump pump incorrectly, not only will it not work, but it could even cause basement flooding.
  • Choosing cheap products. If you’re opting for DIY to save money, it can be tempting to buy low-cost products to keep it as cheap as possible. While expensive doesn’t always mean better quality, opting for low-quality materials can mean that your waterproofing either won’t work or won’t last.

Call in the experts

As you can see, DIY basement waterproofing can be a costly mistake. In the long run, it’s much cheaper to call in the experts from the start. Many waterproofing companies will provide a free inspection and estimate so that you know exactly what work needs doing and how much it will cost.

For the best basement waterproofing results, you should work with an expert like Affordable Waterproofing. With over 30 years’ experience and a Lifetime Warranty, you won’t find a better waterproofing company in New Jersey. Why not contact us today for a free inspection?