Basements have their own aesthetic appeal and functionality. But along with it come their unique problems like water and moisture damage. If you are staying in Harrisburg and tired of your basement problems and looking for DIY tips for basement waterproofing then look no further. This blog will take you through the problems, solutions, the benefits of basement waterproofing and the eternal dilemma of choosing between professional services vs DIY basement waterproofing.
Why is basement waterproofing essential in Harrisburg?
Despite the urban advantages of Harrisburg, residents of Harrisburg face a natural inherent challenge, that of the weather and its concomitant problems – water overflow, flooding and seepage in homes. It leads to the masonry walls getting affected with the basement being the worst hit with foundation, wall or window leakages, cracks, humidity and an unhealthy indoor air quality.
So how do the basements get affected? Harrisburg is a riparian city, a low-lying area alongside the River Susquehanna. It receives an average annual rainfall of 42 inches and snowfall of 26 inches. Coupled with this is the problem of stormwater – water due to rain, snow or ice melting, that does not get absorbed in the ground immediately. This water runs till it finds a porous surface and gets absorbed. In this free run it gathers contaminants like chemicals, pesticides and oil.
To this add, there is the relative humidity. Humidity does not damage walls but dampens them and gives an unpleasant stale musty odor and is conducive for mold and mildew growth and is not good for health. Indoor Relative Humidity is advised to be below 60% and ideally between 30% to 50% to keep mold growth in check. Harrisburg ranges from 50% to 60% across the year save April when it is just a point below 50%. Still somewhat favorable for the growth.
All in all, whatever be the reason or season, Harrisburg is at a risk of flooding with its accompanying challenges and its denizens are no strangers to these challenges.
Basements are an equally important and more prone part of the house, whether used as a storage area, additional living area, bar-cum-drawing room or a gym. Basement waterproofing is the go-to-solution for these water challenges. Waterproofing is the process of using relevant techniques to treat different types of water problems to protect the masonry walls. There are various methods depending on the problem. Some are DIY while some require the help of professionals which are relatively expensive. This article delves into both options and shares an insight into DIY tips for basement waterproofing, professional services vs DIY basement waterproofing and the benefits of basement waterproofing.
Benefits of Basement Waterproofing
There are many benefits of Basement Waterproofing and the result is so captivating and fascinating that one would not be able to say no to it. Some benefits of basement waterproofing are:
- Prevents future water damage to the basement and surrounds
- Improves the air quality with the removal of mold and mildew
- Makes it a healthy living space by preventing further mold and mildew growth
- Transforms the basement into a beautiful lovable area for fun, recreation or office
- Keeps the items and belongings in the basement safe
- Maintains the structural integrity of the building
- Enhances curb appeal of the property
DIY Basement Waterproofing
DIY methods involve simple, easy-to-use technology and are effective. DIY options are interior waterproofing methods where they are used for cracks in the wall, leaky roofs, leaky windows and window wells, basement floor and any seepage in the masonry walls. These methods are as follows:
Sealants
These stop the leaks in the concrete and masonry. This needs to be mixed with warm or cold water, as per need – the former speeding up the process and the latter slowing it down – to make a thick consistency. Once applied the material hardens and stops the leakage. Time to set in is quick averaging about 3-5 minutes. In some cases, it can also be applied to drainage lines, sewer pipes or even the water supply line to plug the leakage. Examples of sealants are epoxy, silicon, hydraulic cement, polyurethane, tar seals and more.
Damp-proofing
A methodology treating walls with moisture, mold or mildew. There are no cracks, seepages or leakages in this case. Walls need to be cleaned, scraped, the dust or mold removed and then coated with what is called damp-proof course (DPC) using materials like bitumen, polyethylene, rubber and chemical. This method prevents damp from the ground rising in the walls.
Dehumidification
This method uses a dehumidifier to control the humidity, prevent condensation of walls, mold and mildew growth. This also eliminates the stale odor and maintains an optimal level of humidity and the optimal quality of indoor air in the basement.
Before treating anything, it is imperative to ensure that the basement is dry and any water in the basement is removed using a sump pump. A sump is a pit in the lowest part of the house where the water overflow is collected and drained out, away from the house, using a motor pump.
DIY tips for basement waterproofing
DIY treatments are simple and cost effective. Here are some DIY tips for basement waterproofing:
Identifying the problem
Like any management problem the first step is to identify the problem correctly.
Determine the treatment
Once the problem is identified correctly choose the relevant treatment required.
Choose the material
Choose a good quality material that may be relatively expensive but is long lasting, adheres to the optimal quality and is more effective. Never go in for penny-wise pound-foolish solutions where the treatment may be required again sooner than later.
Checklist
Make a checklist of equipment, material and accessories required to do the job, process, time taken to do the job and time for the curing.
Process
Follow the process detailed in the Directions for Use leaflet. Watch it on YouTube too, to be sure of what you have to do.
DIY tips for basement waterproofing that people tend to overlook
Here are some more DIY tips for basement waterproofing to be doubly sure that you are doing the job correctly
One must be able to differentiate between the types of problems. For e.g. one must know if the moisture is due to seepage or condensation. The former is when water comes from outside into the basement while the latter is because of excess indoor moisture due to humidity.
Be careful to differentiate between a waterproof material and a water repellent. The former prevents the water from seeping or leaking while in the latter case water slides off the surface smoothly to fall on to a lower surface.
Make sure that the VOC content of the sealant is minimum. VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds that emit vapors that are irritants and cause headaches, eye, nose, throat irritation and are toxic for people with respiratory issues.
After knowing the method and the DIY tips, you can also look at the professional waterproofing services and then make a judgment of what suits you the best.
Professional Waterproofing Services
Other than the above DIY methods of Basement Waterproofing, there are methods that require professional help and normally begins with a visit of an engineer or trained personnel at the site to diagnose and assess the problem and then decide on the way forward.
These professional methods as:
Interior protection
Interior waterproofing also called ‘Negative Waterproofing’ is applying a waterproof coating or barrier to the ‘negative surface’ or the inside surface or the dry side as there is no or limited access to the exterior surface. In this case water has already seeped in and calls for a reactive approach to the problem. This is for existing structures. Materials used here are plenty like liquid based, cement based, polyurethane and more. This is one of the two types of Type A protection in the waterproofing industry. Its benefits are as follows:
- Doesn’t require extensive and technical knowledge or training
- Good for renovation and repair situations
- Only option when exterior surfaces are not accessible
- Partial application also possible
- Visibility, where it is being applied
- Cost effective
Exterior Protection
This method entails applying the waterproof barrier to the outer side or ‘Positive Surface’ of a structure. This method prevents water from seeping in and is a proactive approach. Water is deflected away from the structure in the first instance itself reducing the chances of damp, mold and seepage keeping the basement walls and floor dry. Materials used here are membranes, sealants, coatings and more. This is the second of the two types of Type A protection in the waterproofing industry. Its benefits are as follows:
- This barrier acts as the initial defense and prevents water intrusion keeping the basement safe.
- Very effective in areas that have a high-water table like Harrisburg
- Allows for easy inspection, repair and maintenance due to accessibility from the outer side
- Does not disturb or displace the occupants
- Possible in any structure where outer accessibility is available
Structural Protection
As the name suggests this methodology has to do with waterproofing of any structure, particularly of any below the ground level construction project. This system uses some of the earlier described methods like damp-proof course and prevents any kind of water ingress from the ground or walls. This is called Type B protection in the waterproofing industry. Its benefits are as follows:
- Prevents water ingress and thus maintains the structural integrity of the building
- Makes the basement area more usable
- This method is cost effective in the long run. After the initial investment, maintenance is minimal and saves on costs
- Increases the property value. Buyers are willing to pay more for houses that have reliable structural protection.
Drainage
As evident from the name, this method has to do with drainage systems and water management in and around the building. This ensures that water is channeled off away from the building to a disposal area and avoids the water intrusion in basements. This system also requires treatment prior to installation. French drains are a classic example of this. This is called Type C protection in the waterproofing industry and has following benefits:
- Steers the water away from the building avoiding any ingress or seepage
- Very suitable for places with high-water tables
- Reduces the probability of flooding inside homes
- Can be implemented in new constructions, repairs or renovations in existing structures
- In case of Type A or Type B problems this method serves as a very good complement
- Considered as the safest amongst all kinds of waterproofing
Having shared an insight into the various methods for waterproofing of masonry walls and basements and the benefits of basement waterproofing the question arises which method to choose. DIY or a professional? What are the advantages of using professional services vs DIY basement waterproofing. It is quite confusing for a layman to understand the technicalities of the process and one common expectation that anyone would have, is a good job at a reasonable cost. So how does one decide which course to take
Here is a little comparison between using professional services vs DIY basement waterproofing.
Professional Services vs DIY Basement Waterproofing
Knowledge
The professional services personnel have more knowledge about the problem assessment, treatment, materials and processes as compared to a DIY-er.
Expertise
A professional is definitely better when it comes to dexterity and finesse in the job.
Equipment
The professional carries the necessary tools and accessories whereas a DIY-er would have to buy them.
Assurance
The professional will give a guarantee for his services. A DIY-er may land up repeating the job as it may not be well done in the first instance.
Time
Depending upon the complexity of the problem the professional can do a job faster than a DIY-er.
Customized Solutions
A professional company can offer customized solutions which a DIY-er may not know that it exists.
Safety
A professional services company will know and take all precautions which a DIY-er may not know and can be hazardous.
Compliances
In many cases there are compliances to be met as per the building or plumbing standards and code. A professional services company helps meet all of them.
Cost
DIY methods are very economical vis-à-vis the professional services. However, it ought to be mentioned that DIY methods are for minor and quick fix issues and not for issues of a larger or more complex magnitude.
It is finally the customer’s choice depending upon the budget, time availability, material preference and other factors. Albeit expensive, and will burn extra dollars, the professional services treat the root cause of the problem so that it does not recur. A DIY is good for smaller issues and could be a stop gap arrangement but there is no surety if it would not recur and how soon may that happen considering external factors like rain, snow, ice melt and indoor damp and humidity. In the long run there are more advantages of using professional services vs DIY basement waterproofing.
The woes of a layman do not end here. The intricacies only begin here. Which company to choose? What is the reliability, track record, quality of services and most importantly how expensive or economical is it? This may be the most daunting task for the client.
One of the reputed companies in this business that meets all the doubts of the client is Basement Finishing. Started three decades ago in Lancaster, PA we now have two more offices in Pennsylvania – in York & Harrisburg.
Other than doing all kinds of basement waterproofing, structural integrity, safety and security Basement Finishing also offers the following services:
- Wiring
- Lighting
- HVAC considerations
- Acoustics
- Functional Design
Whenever Basement Finishing meets a prospective client for a project – Residential or Commercial – to understand the client’s requirement we explain to the client the differences and advantages of using professional services vs DIY basement waterproofing and the benefits of basement waterproofing.
The biggest advantage with us is the additional services offered by us which helps the customers in getting an integrated solution from one agency rather than approaching different agencies and trying to juggle and balance all of them, besides overshooting the budget too. Our experts keep up-to-date with the latest trends in the respective industries, the best practices and latest regulations to give the best to our customers.
Our processes are very structured. Once the prospective client has consented to use our services, we have a contract defining the nature and scope of work to avoid any ambiguity at a later stage. Basement Finishing is also flexible to accommodate reasonable changes in the plan prior to signing of the contract.
Basement Finishing believes in giving the best to the client. To do so we understand the client’s requirements precisely like the purpose, the basement space intended to serve, the storage space, accessibility and any special requirement. Accordingly, we transform basements into an extraordinary space with maximum space utilization through functional design.
Another advantage with Basement Finishing is the regular interaction with the customer from start to finish. A timeline is shared, thereafter we obtain the necessary permits and procure the necessary materials to commence the project. In-between we keep on updating the client as per the schedule and explaining the benefits of the basement waterproofing method that is being deployed. Last but not the least, in fact, more important is that we do the clean-up of all the disposable material.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the benefits of basement waterproofing?
The benefits of Basement waterproofing are so many that it would encourage any resident to go in for it. Basement waterproofing transforms the basement into a healthy living space. It removes all unwanted situations like a moist, damp, leaking basement with mold growth and an unhealthy stale odor. Once treated it becomes a beautiful space which can be a recreation room, a bar room, a gym or an office space. Do check the details under ‘benefits of basement waterproofing’ above to get an insight.
2. Why should I choose professional services instead of a DIY option?
Professional Services may be relatively expensive but they do a job which a DIY option would not be able to. A professional service will transform the basement into a livable and lovable area. In the long run, the benefits of basement waterproofing through professional services and the advantages of professional services vs DIY basement waterproofing are far too many to outweigh the DIY options.
3. What services does Basement Finishing offer?
Basement Finishing is a one stop shop for all your basement waterproofing needs. They offer Drywalling, painting and ductwork. In addition, they offer wiring, lighting, acoustics and functional design too.
4. Is Basement Finishing reliable and what will be the cost of Waterproofing my basement?
Basement Finishing has been in the business executing Residential and Commercial projects for thirty years and are experts in this field having three offices in PA. The cost of waterproofing depends upon the magnitude and complexity of work. Your basement may require more than Waterproofing like Wiring, Electricals, HVAC. Basement Finishing offers you these services too and as a one stop shop would save you a substantial amount of money vis-à-vis using multiple vendors.