Professional Basement Waterproofing, Concrete Repair, & More in Greater Detroit & Nearby

The best way to waterproof any basement will depend on the problem, cause, and needs of the homeowner. Solutions for water leaks where the floor and wall meet may be different from those of staircase shaped cracks along the wall. No basement waterproofing solution or home improvement project should be valued as a one size fits all solution. Rather, each situation should be given a customized approach to provide the ideal solution for a homeowner's unique needs.

One example would be if you have wet basement walls or if water is leaking into your basement through the walls. This is commonly a sign of seal failure from the time of construction. While DIY kits do exist with solutions such as waterproof paint, they tend to be temporary and fail over time. For a situation like this, a vapor barrier would make a lot of sense to capture and help divert water to a drainage system. However, if your walls are dry but there are signs of pooling water or water damage on the floor, that could be indicative of drain failure. In this case, replacing or upgrading your drainage system may be your best solution. It's important to develop an understanding of the best solutions for certain problems. If you are seeing signs of basement water damage, or wet and leaky basement problems, it would be best for you to contact a contractor like HomeSpec for a free estimate at your earliest convenience.

The cheapest basement waterproofing method tends to be applying waterproof paint to basement walls. However, this is highly ineffective. A proper basement drainage system or French drain is ideal, rather than simple waterproof paint, and a vapor barrier should be considered for better and longer-lasting results.

Remember, waterproof paint doesn't drain water away, redirect it, or address the main causes for waterproofing. A proper vapor barrier can catch water and - depending on the quality of the material - can even resist or deter mold proliferation. In situations with basement flooding or mold growth, it's best to be proactive about making sure these problems never happen in the first place via proper waterproofing rather than being caught in the aftermath. A well-designed French drain system can sit along the foundation footer of a basement, surrounding the inside perimeter. These drainage systems help catch and drain water to a designated basin or sump pump to be properly and safely expelled away from the foundation. These installations are possible but are best handled by a professional.

The short answer is "yes", the long answer is "no". Homeowners can attempt to seal cracks and apply waterproof paint. However, most standard seals applied by homeowners tend to not be specialized for long-term solutions, and waterproof paint doesn't address the main causes of water damage and doesn't help protect against future wet basement issues either.

Basically, while many DIY kits can prove to be very cost effective in the short run, their long-term consequences can lead to greater stress and financial burden for a homeowner. When signs of wet basement problems present themselves, it's best to get in touch with a contractor and discuss how best to prevent it from ever happening again or happening at all in the first place. A long-term solution is always better than a quick fix that may fall apart.

Absolutely! Waterproofing a basement helps retain and increase property value, protects your belongings from damage, and helps ensure the space is secure for future projects, furnishings, and finishing. You can never predict what the future may hold, between intense storms, the damages that come with an aging foundation, and many other occurrences that can pose a threat to your basement. If your basement isn't furnished yet, it's best to get it fully waterproofed ahead of time to ensure a smooth transition to a furnished living, entertainment, or storage space without worrying about future potential water damage or cracks leaking into your basement.

Signs of water damage can greatly affect the resale property value of a home, making negotiations much harder for a homeowner, and may even cause them to have to sell at a concession after a potential buyer's inspection. Waterproofing a basement properly adds to both the property of the home itself and the buyer's peace of mind.

Yes, basement walls can be waterproofed from the inside. Vapor barriers and French drain systems are great examples of how this is accomplished. One captures water leaking through with a special material, and the other drains the water away discreetly to a proper drainage basin or sump pump.

A vapor barrier is often installed along the walls to catch water and control moisture. The material of a proper vapor barrier is important to ensure quality, durability, and flexibility, some even offer microbial agents that prevent the possibility of mold growth as a benefit.

French drain systems along the perimeter of a basement - when professionally installed - can be hidden beneath fresh cement as they sit along foundations to collect water and seamlessly divert it to where it can be safely expelled.

We personally find internal basement waterproofing to be the more ideal solution. Internal waterproofing has consistently proven to be safer for both the homeowner and work crew, is easier to service as needed, typically is more affordable, and provides excellent long-lasting results.