Some homeowners may consider a DIY approach when sealing a foundation and protecting your basement from water damage. While this can seem like a cost-saving solution, there are several reasons why hiring a professional is a smarter investment for the long term. Here are key factors to consider when weighing professional services against doing it yourself:
Let’s get straight to the point.
Hiring professionals for foundation sealing is a smarter long-term investment than attempting a DIY approach. While DIY might seem cost-effective, professionals bring expertise, specialised materials, and equipment.
They can handle complex tasks like deep excavation, installing proper drainage systems, and ensuring compliance with local building codes. DIY methods often use inferior materials and require more precision, leading to risks of future water damage.
Additionally, professionals offer warranties, saving time, reducing safety risks, and potentially increasing property value by providing lasting, reliable waterproofing solutions.
Expert Foundation Sealing Vs. DIY Approaches
1. Excavation Work
Waterproofing a foundation isn’t just a surface-level task—it requires deep excavation, often down to the full depth of the foundation, which can be up to eight feet or more. The process involves:
- Digging a trench along the house’s perimeter is physically demanding and requires precision to avoid damaging underground utilities or nearby structures.
- Removing obstacles, such as patios, decks, and landscaping, that may be in the way adds additional work and can be difficult to restore after waterproofing.
This can be an overwhelming task for a homeowner, especially if done manually, which is often necessary to avoid damaging the home or surrounding structures. Hiring professionals means the job will be done more efficiently, often with machinery, while ensuring that your property isn’t unintentionally damaged.
2. Specialised Materials
Waterproofing professionals can access high-quality materials designed for soil contact and long-term durability. Some key materials include:
- Polyurethane membranes are specially formulated to withstand constant moisture and the chemical composition of soil.
- Heavy-duty drainage boards that offer additional protection and longevity. These materials are designed to protect the foundation from both water infiltration and physical damage during backfilling.
DIY approaches often rely on products available at local hardware stores, such as roofing tar or plastic sheets, which are not designed for long-term underground use. These materials may degrade over time, leading to the water damage you are trying to prevent.
By hiring professionals, you ensure your home is protected with industry-grade materials that will last decades.
3. Drain Tile Installation
Drain tile systems (French drains) are sometimes essential to control groundwater around the foundation. Installing this system involves:
- Assess the water table properly and determine the ideal placement for the drainage pipes. This ensures that water is effectively diverted away from the foundation.
- To prevent clogs, slope the pipes correctly, place them in a gravel bed, and cover them with filter fabric.
Improper installation can result in water pooling near the foundation, causing even more problems. Professionals are trained to assess these conditions and implement the correct system based on your property’s needs.
A DIY installer may need to gain the experience or tools to set up this system effectively.
4. Time Commitment
Excavating around the foundation, applying waterproofing materials, installing drainage systems, and refilling the trench is time-consuming. Even with help, it could take several weeks to complete the job. The steps involved include:
- Excavation can take days or weeks, depending on the house’s size and the foundation’s depth.
- Membrane application requires careful preparation, ensuring no gaps or weak spots that could lead to leaks later.
- Drainage systems, such as drain tiles or French drains, must be installed correctly to work effectively.
- Refilling and restoration, including removing any landscaping, patios, or other structures that were removed for access.
Most homeowners need help finding the time and energy to take on a project of this size. On the other hand, professionals have the workforce, experience, and tools to complete the job much faster—often within a week—while ensuring it’s done to the highest standard.
Additional Considerations
1. Safety Risks
Excavating around your home comes with various safety hazards. Trenches that are improperly supported can collapse, causing injury or even fatal accidents. Working close to your home’s foundation also risks destabilising the structure if not done properly.
Moreover, you may encounter buried utilities such as gas lines, water pipes, or electrical cables. You can only sever these lines with the right equipment or knowledge, leading to costly repairs or dangerous situations.
Professionals are trained to navigate these risks safely, using the right techniques and tools to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of workers and your property.
2. Compliance With Local Building Codes
Many areas have strict regulations for foundation work, especially when it involves waterproofing and drainage systems.
If the work is completed according to local building codes, you may avoid penalties or be required to redo the work, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Professionals are familiar with local codes and ensure that all work is compliant, saving you the hassle of navigating complex legal requirements.
3. Warranty And Peace Of Mind
A significant advantage of hiring a professional is the warranty that typically comes with the service. Waterproofing companies often guarantee their work, ensuring that if water issues arise in the future, they will return to address the problem at no extra cost.
This long-term coverage gives you peace of mind, as you know the job has been done right. In contrast, DIY solutions don’t offer this level of security. Any mistakes made during installation or failure to resolve the issue fully could result in additional costs to fix it later.
4. Professional Equipment And Expertise
Professionals have access to advanced equipment unavailable to the average homeowner. This includes specialised machinery for excavation, professional-grade waterproofing materials, and sophisticated tools for assessing drainage issues.
Their expertise allows them to detect problems that a DIYer might overlook, such as hidden cracks in the foundation or subtle drainage problems. Hiring experts ensures that every aspect of the waterproofing process is handled thoroughly and efficiently, reducing the risk of future issues.
5. Long-Term Savings
While hiring a professional for foundation waterproofing may seem costly upfront, it often results in significant savings over time. A professionally completed job is more durable and effective, reducing the likelihood of recurring issues such as:
- Mould growth: Mould can cause health problems and often requires costly remediation. Effective waterproofing prevents moisture build-up that leads to mould.
- Foundation shifting: Poor drainage can cause the foundation to shift or settle, compromising the structural integrity of your home and leading to expensive foundation repairs.
- Structural damage: Water infiltration weakens concrete and other building materials, leading to structural issues over time.
DIY waterproofing may offer short-term savings, but you could face costly repairs later if the job is not done correctly. These include fixing persistent leaks, repairing cracks, or even replacing damaged materials, which can far exceed the cost of hiring a professional in the first place.
6. Increased Property Value
A well-maintained, waterproofed foundation adds value to your home. Potential buyers are more likely to invest in a home with a dry, secure basement, as it reduces the likelihood of future water-related issues.
Professional waterproofing provides a documented assurance that your home’s foundation is sound, which can be a key selling point if you ever decide to put your property on the market. On the other hand, DIY work may carry a different weight than potential buyers or inspectors, and any visible signs of water damage could lower the home’s value.
Considering these factors, it’s clear that professional foundation waterproofing is an investment that pays off in safety, compliance, durability, and long-term savings.
When To Call A Professional
If you’re still experiencing leaks in your basement after attempting DIY waterproofing, it’s time to call a professional. Persistent water issues often indicate more complex problems, such as cracks in the foundation, poor drainage, or improper installation of waterproofing materials. Professionals have the expertise to assess the situation, identify the root cause, and implement a lasting solution.
Additionally, they offer warranties on their work, ensuring your basement remains dry and protected for years, giving you peace of mind. Don’t wait until the problem worsens—seek expert help early for the best results.
Conclusion
While DIY foundation sealing may appear to be an attractive option for cost-conscious homeowners, the complexity and risks often make it a poor choice in the long run. Professional waterproofing services offer expertise, access to specialised materials, and the ability to install complex drainage systems like French drains.
They also provide a time-saving solution, allowing homeowners to avoid the labour-intensive excavation and installation. Moreover, with a professional warranty, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your foundation is fully protected against water damage for years.
FAQs About Sealing Foundation
Do You Need To Seal The Concrete Foundation?
A concrete foundation is generally not sealed. Although a concrete wall gets wet, water doesn’t pool on it as on flat work, so it doesn’t need sealing as much. After the concrete has been poured and cured, adding a sealer helps protect it from future damage, corrosion, and stains.
What Happens If The Concrete Is Not Sealed?
What happens if I don’t seal my concrete? Concrete is a porous material that readily absorbs liquids. In freeze-thaw climates, the expansion of frozen liquids can destroy the surface of unsealed concrete. Oil, salt, fertiliser, and other household chemicals can discolour and damage unsealed concrete.
How Do You Fill Gaps Around The Foundation?
You can use caulk and backer rods to fill the gaps between the foundation and a sidewalk. They are used similarly to fill the gaps between the foundation and the home. And in some cases, if the gap is relatively small, you can use the caulk alone.
Why Should You Not Seal Concrete?
While sealing a concrete driveway can extend the life of the concrete by preventing cracks and fading, it also can be a pain to install. The sealer wears away and needs to be applied every few years. Once the sealer begins to wear, it can crack and peel, making your driveway unsightly.
How Important Is Foundation Waterproofing?
Foundation waterproofing is crucial for preventing water damage, which can lead to cracks, erosion, and structural weakening. It also improves energy efficiency by reducing heat loss through the foundation. Regular waterproofing helps maintain the building’s structural integrity and property value over time.
