The Danger of Quick Fixes
It can be overwhelming to realize there’s a major problem with your basement, foundation, or crawl space. There’s the fact that you aren’t a contractor and probably don’t fully understand the problem, only the effects of water ruining your possessions. There’s the hassle of researching contractors and dealing with scheduling and attending an appointment. There’s the cost and hassle of a large project - the negatives just keep piling up. It probably seems so much easier to just watch a few YouTube videos and DIY it.
We’re here to ask you not to do that.
It isn’t just that we want you to work with us; it’s that we want the problem to be fixed correctly, and permanently. If your choices are getting a problem fixed properly, not getting it fixed at all, and doing a quick fix yourself or with an unseasoned contractor, the last option is the worst of all. It makes you think the problem is solved, when in reality it’s getting worse. Here are two quick fixes to avoid this fall.
Waterproof/Rubber Paint
You see this stuff everywhere and under multiple brand names. There’s even an infomercial for it, which should really scare you away. But if it doesn’t and you’re still considering using rubberized or “waterproofing” paint in the hopes of sealing a wall crack and eliminating a water leak, don’t.
First off, water moved through your concrete wall; do you think that $25 gallon of paint is going to stop it? Well, it’ll stop it for a while - just long enough for you to be lulled into a false sense of security.
Second, when the water comes through, it’ll be more, and the crack will be worse. That’s because the rubber paint holds water back at the surface but does nothing for the rest of the wall. So water builds up and spreads out to other weak points, and then eventually pushes back through not only the original crack, but also all of the new cracks it’s made in the meantime. And what was a half inch of water is now half a foot.
Floor Supports
This one isn’t so much product based as very heavily DIY and very dangerous. If your floors are sinking or you have a known weak floor joist in the basement, please do not think you can DIY a structural support.
Things we’ve seen used as makeshift support columns include: stacks of scrap concrete, stacks of bricks, patio pavers, 2x4s, and old pipes. What do they all have in common? They’re dangerous! A Jenga game of old building materials should not be responsible for holding up your house. Much like the rubber paint, it works great until it doesn’t - but this time it involves the structural integrity and safety of your entire home.
DIY solutions and quick fixes are why it’s so important to work with a licensed, experienced company - a company that’s seen it all and can build out a custom solution that will guarantee the safety and comfort of your home for years to come. Call us to schedule your free inspection.
