"Kent has done everything he has said he would do along with give us some improvement suggestions that would either make the project better or save us some money."
Basement Waterproofing questions, answered by experts
Yes, cleaning a crawl space is worth the cost. Although it's an out-of-sight area, neglecting it can lead to significant problems like pest infestations (including termites and carpenter ants), mold, and fungal growth, which can cause structural damage. Regular cleaning helps prevent these issues. While hiring a contractor has ongoing costs, the price for cleaning—typically between $0.50 and $4 per square foot—is much lower than the cost to remediate a pest or mold problem. Additionally, a clean crawl space can lead to improved indoor air quality and more comfortable temperatures in your home.
Whether your homeowners insurance covers slab leak repairs depends on your specific policy and the cause of the leak. Many policies cover slab leaks resulting from a covered peril, such as a natural disaster, a falling tree, or pipes freezing and bursting within the slab. However, damage caused by invading tree roots, corrosion, or leaks from appliances may not be covered by a standard policy. It's a good idea to also check your home warranty plan for potential coverage if an appliance is the source. Contact your insurance provider for a full explanation of what your policy covers.
If you set up a dehumidifier, it will usually dry out your wet crawl space within 12 to 24 hours. Once the space is dry, it’s a good idea to take preventative measures to keep it dry. These include installing a French drain or other exterior foundation drainage system, installing a sump pump in the crawl space, and installing a vapor barrier in addition to leaving the dehumidifier running.
Pooling or standing water in your basement should be cause for alarm and action. This indicates that there is a leak or a drainage issue, and until you repair the root of the problem, the situation will only happen again or grow in severity. It’s important to deal with water damage as soon as it occurs.
Typically, waterproofing a basement should last up to 10 years. However, it’s worth noting that with proper maintenance and depending on the waterproofing method and installation quality, you can probably squeeze another decade out of it.
The Unalaska, AK homeowners’ guide to basement waterproofing services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Need to fix basement water problems or safeguard your home from damage in the future? Use this basement waterproofing cost guide to budget appropriately.
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Dealing with a damp basement? Follow these steps for DIY basement waterproofing to keep water and moisture out and boost your home’s energy efficiency.
Can’t seem to get rid of the moisture and mold in your basement? Learn why basements tend to hold moisture and how to get rid of moisture in the basement.