Of all homes with basements, over 98% will experience some type of water damage. Many homeowners have invested in a crawl space drain system or another type of basement or crawl space waterproofing method in order to ensure stability with their home’s foundation. Of course, if you’re considering a DIY job, it’s imperative to be aware of and avoid some common mistakes that can lead to your project’s downfall. Here’s part one of our homeowner’s guide to avoiding some common basement waterproofing mistakes.
Not Ensuring The Space Is Moisture-Free Before Starting
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that many homeowners take on the challenge of waterproofing or installing a basement or crawl space insulation system only after their home has sustained some type of water damage. That being said, it’s absolutely essential to make sure the space is completely dry before starting your project to avoid trapping water in between layers of your waterproofing system. Furthermore, even small amounts of water and moisture can cause health issues when left unresolved: according to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), 100% of all types of mold have the potential to cause some health effects. This can be minor to severe and even death in some rare cases. This is also why experts say it’s best to clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly (within 24 to 48 hours) after flooding to prevent mold growth.
Using Caulk For The Long-Term
Even though caulk may seem waterproof and durable, it’s only a temporary solution. Eventually, water and moisture will penetrate through any layers of caulk and start to cause damage to your basement or crawl space. That’s why you should never use caulk for cracks as more than just a temporary solution. Get the job done right the first time and invest in professional basement and crawl space moisture removal services.
Ultimately, understanding how to avoid these mistakes is the key to keeping your basement as dry and livable as possible. Keep an eye out for the next post, where we’ll discuss some more mistakes to avoid when installing a basement or crawl space drain system or waterproof insulation.
