Do-It-Yourself Basement Waterproofing: Is It Enough?

Buying supplies for DIY interior projects can help keep things dry inside, too, but to a much lesser extent. There are great internal concrete waterproofing products, materials and acid etching supplies that can help repair a arid or wet basement–such as sealers, coatings, paints, paper roll and elastic membranes that are specially designed to stop leaks, kill black mold and prevent mildew and crystallized salt deposits on walls and flooring. And remember: the materials that were used to construct your basement have a lot to do with what methods you use to waterproof it (concrete basement waterproofing, for example, calls for different products and techniques than other newer structures).

But even if your do-it-yourself waterproofing and remodeling project gets rid of wall cracks and moisture–and gets your basement looking brand-new again–you’re still only covering up the symptoms and allowing the underlying problem to get worse. If your basement walls are showing signs of dampness, damage and seepage, then that means there is a problem with your external foundation . . . and the only solution is to excavate and repair your drainage system (or, in extreme situations, to install a battery-backup sump pump crock pit, a leach field, tile field or a french drain).

For more information, read Everdry Michigan Basement Waterproofing Blogs and/or visit their website at EverdryMichigan.com.