U.S. Waterproofing

Tips for winter basement projects

This year has brought with it a record-number of new home sales, and owners of these homes often begin to finish their basements immediately, especially during the winter months. However, according to local basement waterproofing experts, homeowners of new houses should wait at least a period of two years to ensure there are no water seepage problems prior to starting a basement remodeling project.

As the holidays give way to the long months of the Midwestern winter, there is a dramatic jump in remodeling projects, particularly in basements. Research indicates that more than 20,000 basements are remodeled in the Midwest each year, with the majority of projects taking place in the winter months. For newer homes, that number further increases as homeowners are eager to advance their investment in a house by finishing their own basement.

“Basement remodeling have become a winter-time project because many contractors look to keep their crews working during the cold winter season and more ambitious homeowners that would otherwise focus on the outside of their home take on the basement project until the weather warms up again,” said Barry Schilling, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for U.S. Waterproofing, the Midwest’s largest basement waterproofing company. “Yet many owners don’t protect their investment by investigating past, present or potential seepage problems before they begin the work.”

Schilling recommends that owners of new homes delay their basement remodeling for at least two years to make sure there are no water problems to deal with before finishing the basement. “Once the basement is finished it is much harder to diagnose, locate and fix a seepage problem. In some cases it required taking apart that new drywall or paneling - ruining all the completed work in the basement - to locate the exact problem.”

Water problems are commonly found in the basement because gravity draws the water there. However, if water is found in the basement, it does not mean it is related to the foundation walls or floor; it can be from the roof, siding, brick, windows or doors. Finding and fixing the leak at its source is the best way of reducing the chance of later dealing with a mold problem.

For those homeowners ready to remodel their basements, U.S. Waterproofing offers the following tips:

1. Check for water or signs of past seepage coming from the basement walls or floor. Water on the floor or walls is the obvious clue, but seepage may not show itself that clearly. Owners may find evidence of mold in the basement, or flooring may begin to buckle. Rotting wood trim or effloresce (white powdery deposits) on the foundation walls are other signs of seepage. Also check gutters, drainage pipes and window wells to ensure they are clear of fall leaves.
2. Get a free consultation - or two - to validate findings or evaluate visible problems. Most reputable basement waterproofing companies will provide a free consultation and written estimate. They may find seepage or evidence of it in places the average homeowner is not trained to look.
3. Take advantage of winter discounts. Because winter can be a slower time in the basement waterproofing industry, some waterproofing companies provide more competitive pricing during the winter months to maintain revenues and keep employees busy until spring.

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