Common DIY Mistakes
A lot of homeowners like to save money by DIY maintenance and repairs. However, when it comes to waterproofing your home, it is a big job and a small mistake can cost you a lot of money. Though it is tempting with the variety of products available to homeowners to tackle this job themselves, it really is better to call an expert.
The Sealant Solution
Sealants are a very necessary part of basement waterproofing. Sealants help create a barrier against moisture moving through porous surfaces like concrete. However, there are a variety of sealants on the market and without expert knowledge, a homeowner may choose the wrong sealant for their needs. Using the wrong sealant can be a bad as not protecting your home at all. Also many homeowners think that painting a sealant barrier is enough to protect their home from mold and mildew. Unfortunately though, sealants only address one of the many problems that create basement moisture and is not enough to fully protect your home.
The Patch Job
When homeowners find a leak, they may be tempted to just patch the leak and think the problem is solved. However, simply patching a leak is not always the best solution. A leak is a symptom of a larger issue and if you do not treat the cause of the leak, you can create bigger problems in your home. Without the pressure release, a patched leak can help the build at the source and cause the water to spread, ultimately creating serious foundation problems. Also, the patch itself may not hold and may lead to more leaks further endangering your home.
Underestimating The Problem
When faced with basement moisture, mold, or foundation cracks, a homeowner may not realize these are symptoms of a much larger issue. Many people think basement moisture is normal and will simply install a humidifier, instead of remedying the cause of the mold. They may find mold and just clean the mold with a bleach solution, temporarily dealing with the mold but not fixing the root cause of the mold. Most dangerous of all, many people think foundation cracks are a natural part of the settling of a home and may think that they are unsightly and patch them. Without the knowledge and experience of a professional waterproofer, a homeowner can easily underestimate the risk to their home.
If you have a problem with basement moisture, it really is best to call an expert like our licensed professionals at AA Action Waterproofing. DIY solutions may be tempting because they seem like a cheaper solution than calling an expert, but since they often do not address the real solution they can actually end up costing you more.