Avoiding Basement Water Proofing Scams

Chances are that you have heard from a telemarketer, often calling at an inconvenient time, that someone has reported problems with water in his basement. I used to work for such a company. The person on the other end of the phone is merely going through a script and is usually not an expert when it comes to many aspects of construction. The reports themselves are false. Often the telemarketers are just handed copied pages from a phonebook to call on their shift.

The shtick is that the company will offer you a free inspection and tell you whether or not your basement needs a waterproofing system. While I do not begrudge these companies the right to make money, more often than not their services are not needed. In most cases you can ease the situation yourself for far less money than the $5,000 or more these contractors would charge you.

Most basement waterproofing problems are caused by clogged gutters or spouts that cause the cinder blocks to soak up excess moisture. The cinder blocks used to build the basements of most houses act like a sponge, and when excess water accumulates in the blocks, it seeps into your house. Rerouting rain spouts, gutters and possibly sprinkler systems in use in your yard can help cut down on moisture. If the problem is really bad, you can try piling up fresh soil 6 inches high near your home and slope it gradually down within 3 feet.

High humidity can also cause damp walls in your basement. Any homeowner can run a simple test by placing a piece of aluminum foil on the wall. Should moisture collect on it in a day or two, you are best off buying a dehumidifier to fix the problem. Hydraulic cements and latex-based waterproofing paints may be called for in more severe cases of dampness in your basement. If your basement floods every time after a heavy rain, then you should consider calling in a professional, but you might want to look into replacing eroded soil around your home before you do. Sump pumps can remove water from the basement without the need for extensive modification to your basement.

The companies selling basement waterproofing systems often rely on scare tactics to get people to agree to using their services. If all other options are exhausted or you decided to use such a contractor, you can check with the Better Contractors Bureau to see if you are dealing with a reputable business, or you can always do what I do and simply hang up on telemarketers.

http://www.the-bcb.net/advice2.shtml

"5 Big Scams to Avoid." Reader's Digest. March 2007. New York, New York