Quick Tips Why should I waterproof my basement? Your home is the largest financial investment you will likely make in your lifetime. As a homeowner, it is important to protect your investment by performing basic and preventive maintenance. While the problem of wet basements is common, many homeowners are unaware of the damage being created in their homes. Besides the nuisances and odors of a damp or wet basement, that may be tolerable to some, many homeowners are unaware of the damage that is being done to the structure and integrity of the home. Should I be worried about a little dampness or wetness in my basement? Not necessarily, but it may cause serious problems over time. Occasional leakage may be caused by a combination of weather conditions and poor drainage around your house. Take some time to implement some of the simple solutions outlined throughout this site to see if you can correct the problem. If you still have water in your basement after applying these solutions, then it's probably time to consult Top of the Line Waterproofing. A wet basement left unattended may cause considerable structural damage over a period of time if left unattended. What about re-sealing the outside of my foundation walls? This work should have been done when your house was originally built. Additionally, the sealing of basement walls may not be a permanent solution in wet areas and disturbing the settled land around your foundation can cause more problems than it solves. Your professional waterproofer has a variety of solutions that work regardless of water tables, slope of terrain, or soil conditions. Speak to Top of the Line Waterproofing before you do anything. Can I just repair cracks myself and apply a liquid wall sealer to solve a basement wetness problem? You can certainly try, but it often doesn't work! These home "solutions" may work if you have minor humidity and dampness, but not if your basement is experiencing much more than a little dampness. These types of treatments attack the symptoms rather than the causes. You lose nothing by trying, just don't be optimistic about the results. Should I worry about waterproofing while my house is being built? Absolutely. You should insist on it. You should speak with your contractor and with other homeowners in the area and find out if basement wetness or dampness is a problem in the area. If it isn't, then you probably do not need to worry about it. However, if others in the area are experiencing any form of basement humidity problems, it is best that you solve them before the home is built. It is better to be safe than sorry – a wet basement in a new home is one of the most serious disappointments you can face. Why can't I just waterproof my own basement? On minor waterproofing jobs, you probably can. But generally speaking, the answer is probably no because most homeowners cannot effectively deal with an undertaking the scope of basement waterproofing. What starts out as an attempt to save money can turn into a costly, and often painful, experience. According to statistics, less than 20% of these do-it-yourself jobs work out. If you want to be assured your project will turn out the way you want it, call Top of the Line Waterproofing for a free estimate. Are my problems over if I repair a foundation crack myself? They may be. If you have the proper tools, products, instructions and skill, you can certainly repair a crack. However, depending on why the foundation cracked, you may be simply masking a problem that will come back to haunt you at a later date. We would suggest that you give us a call to evaluate the problem before you attempt a home repair to insure that there are no underlying problems. If you rely on Top of the Line Waterproofing, you can be assured of an honest and reputable evaluation. What should I look for to determine if I have a foundation problem? Foundation cracks are clearly the first and easiest signs to notice. At the first sight of cracks, you are advised to call a foundation expert to inspect the situation. Foundation problems rarely stabilize and correct themselves – they usually become worse over time thus increasing the severity of the damage and the loss of investment. How important are gutters and downspouts? Gutters and downspouts carry a tremendous amount of water away from your foundation and home and need to function properly at all times. Check and inspect them regularly. TOP OF THE LINE BASEMENT WATERPROOFING * P.O. BOX 35 * BERWICK, MAINE 03901-0035 phone: 207.698.1138 * toll free: 800.577.4030 email us at topofthelinebw@msn.com