Waterproofing is a process by which a place is made waterproof or water resistant, meaning water isn’t able to pass though. The location this most often occurs is on basements because they are underground and are prone to flooding. Waterproofing is done in a multitude of ways and can involve the use of more complex equipment. Everything is dependent on the severity of the situation and how much water is in the basement. Some cases may require installation and use of sump pumps, battery backup systems and dehumidifiers.

What are some signs I need waterproofing done?

The first sign is visible water coming into the space. Some other signs you are in need of waterproofing services are wet floors and walls, condensation, wet drywall, soaked carpet and leaking windows. One of the other signs is efflorescence or the appearance of white, chalk-like stains on walls from the minerals in concrete and water. Water damage can be debilitating and cause issues within the home such as the potential for growth of mold and mildew, and cracking and shifting of the foundation. Some advantages of waterproofing is it will save you a lot of money in damages if flooding occurs and it increases your property value.

Properties with waterproofing are likely to sell quicker than properties in the same area without it completed. Beside weather-related events, some alternative reasons the basement could be flooding is from holes or cracks in the foundation, window leaks, flooding from plumbing or water heater issues. Water can cause issues with the structural integrity of the home and cause all kinds of other issues by ruining electronic appliances, flooring or carpets and furniture. Basements and water don’t ever mix and water should be kept out of basements at all costs. If or when you have noticed you have an issue with water in your basement, the first step is to contact someone who can take a look and determine what the issue is and where the water is coming from. During the inspection, the technician will determine the best plan for the basement moving forward. One thing they will have to determine is the type of waterproofing service that is needed moving forward.

What are the different types of waterproofing?

There are several different types of waterproofing available in the field, but the two most popular are the cementitious and crystalline varieties. The others are the bituminous, and polyurethane treatments. Waterproofing while mostly occurs in basements, some other areas in the home that need waterproofing services are the bathroom, kitchen, swimming pool, roof and terrace or balcony and water tank. Here at Summit, we specialize in drainage systems, sump pump installations and battery back-ups and dehumidifier installations.

When is the best time to get waterproofing done for my home?

The best time to get waterproofing services done for your home is before you experience an event of a flood. At certain times during the year there is an increase in the amount of rainfall and with that comes the increased likelihood of flooding. The best time to schedule services is during a dry season. In Virginia, weather can often be unpredictable and take a drastic turn quickly. A relatively dry time is toward the end of August through May. Although hurricane season is from June through November,  the best time is probably in the winter months when flooding is highly unlikely. Waterproofing should be done when there are no water issues in the home, as a preventative measure. Because most people don’t know they need waterproofing services until there are already water issues in the home, waterproofing can still be completed.

What is the waterproofing process like?

The waterproofing process will start with a free inspection to determine a price estimate. During this time the space is evaluated and measured and the technician will come up with a price. Pricing varies from job to job depending on what is needed and how much labor will be used. There is no one range of prices, but the customer should know it tends to be an expensive job but it will make a significant difference in the end. Some common solutions used in the waterproofing process are the installation of vapor barriers and drainage systems. Occasionally there is a need for a wall crack injection repair or the placement of a low profile or a self-drainage dehumidifier.

Why should you hire a professional?

This task is best completed by a trained and knowledgeable technician in the waterproofing field. Some extra alternatives that can be done are installation of gutters and other resources such as downspouts that direct the water away from the home. Another is to build up topsoil near the foundation of the home to help with irrigation and proper flow of the water away from the property. Another way is to apply sealants which is applied in a way similar to paint with rollers. While there are some waterproofing methods you can do on your own, the best and most effective way to waterproof your space is to hire a professional company that can waterproof. A professional team can ensure that everything is done to a professional standard and meets regulations and standards for waterproofing.

Why choose Summit for waterproofing?

At Summit, we hire the best technicians who have gone through extensive training to ensure they complete their jobs to comply with our standards and the states. We are also committed to finishing the job from start to finish in a timely manner. Our prices are always competitive, our estimates are always free and our work is always guaranteed. We pride ourselves in successful completion of work and making our clients happy and satisfied with the work we do. Our products are safe and the best quality in the waterproofing field. We stay up to date on the newest methods of treatment for waterproofing and work to ensure the best possible end result. For more information about waterproofing or to schedule a free estimate, contact us today.