Working with an experienced waterproofing service provider allows you to address home issues like cracked foundations or bowing basement walls. These professionals also offer weatherproofing services like gutter cleaning, downspout extension, and yard grading. Local waterproofing contractors understand environmental risks that impact a foundation’s integrity, such as freeze-thaw patterns and soil type. Here are some tips to help you vet a waterproofing contractor before hiring them:
Review Their Service Scope
Before you start vetting contractors, determine which waterproofing service your home needs. You may need to hire a waterproofing contractor to restore a settled foundation or install a sump pump. Some contractors offer comprehensive installations, repairs, and maintenance services, while others specialize in specific areas, such as mold removal and prevention. Some common services include basement and foundation repairs, which cover cracked or settling foundations, bowing basement walls, and encapsulations. Other service offerings include:
- Crawl space waterproofing
- Flooded basement repair
- Sagging floor repair
- Concrete leveling
- Egress window installation
Full-service contractors often provide comprehensive inspections, which involve looking for signs of dampness, leaks, moisture intrusion, and mold growth. They offer annual maintenance services to clean drains and trenches and fix minor cracks before they cause major structural issues. Drain cleaning services remove debris buildup to prevent water from pooling near your home’s foundation. If you experience water pooling, contractors may extend your downspouts or grade the lot to direct water away from the foundation. They also install gravel trenches to prevent water from seeping into your home’s foundation.
Assess Their Experience
When vetting waterproofing contractors, choose local companies that understand the local infrastructure, climate conditions, soil structure, and city regulations. If the soil around your home has high clay content, it may absorb moisture and expand during rainy seasons and freeze-thaw cycles. This expansion exerts hydrostatic pressure on basement walls and can lead to bowing or cracking. Local contractors are familiar with such challenges and have experience handling waterproofing projects that protect your home’s stability.
Contractors may waterproof new homes using foundation membranes that can withstand extreme snow-thaw cycles. They also address flooding, leaks, and other moisture issues in older buildings. Some contractors have experience in specific niches, such as residential or commercial waterproofing, while full-service companies offer comprehensive maintenance for residential and commercial properties. You can ask these waterproofing contractors if they have experience handling projects like yours to determine if they’re a good fit.
Evaluate Their Service Process
Waterproofing contractors may have unique approaches to home-repair services, and understanding their processes may help you make an informed decision for your project. Ask potential contractors whether they offer detailed, on-site inspections or site assessments. Inspections enable the team to identify the cause of water intrusion, and assessments provide insight into the scope of your home’s waterproofing project. Contractors’ inspection and assessment processes should enable them to quickly understand the problem and recommend effective solutions.
If you plan to install a sump pump, contractors may help you compare different models before beginning the project. They may also schedule routine maintenance appointments to keep your sump pump working efficiently. Foundation repairs and drainage trench installations often involve inspecting underground utilities or obtaining a permit from the city or homeowners’ association. Mold removal may require you to arrange temporary residence on the day of the service to protect your safety during the removal process. Find out if the contractor can work around your schedule or waterproof your home while youβre away.
Schedule a Waterproofing Service Today
Selecting a waterproofing contractor involves finding a service provider that matches your project’s needs. Some contractors specialize in surface-level installations for gutters, drains, and downspouts. Others offer foundation repairs, basement services, and sump pump installations. Contact a Belleville foundation and basement repair company today to schedule a waterproofing service.
