Looking for a basement waterproofing company in Halifax? Waterproofing your basement can be a costly, but worthwhile investment. Make sure you ask the right questions to hire the best basement waterproofing company for the job.
A waterproofing system is all about how much capacity the system can move.
The wet season has arrived yet again, and your ready to finally deal with that nagging wet basement issue. The system you choose will determine how much peace of mind you will actually get, in my opinion the deep trench system, along with a good sump pump station, will give you the best bang for your buck and many, many years of not having to worry every time it rains or thaws.
You’ve done your homework, and have done all the things that a homeowner should do; extended your down spouts, raised the grade, cleaned your gutters, but you still feel nervous every time it starts to rain. It’s time to call in a waterproofing company, so you can have some piece of mind, knowing that your basement will be dry and will stay dry for many years to come.
So when looking for a basement waterproofing company in Halifax to do the work for you, you will need to and want to ask questions. Below are some questions you may want to ask.
1. Have you ever had a failure?
An honest basement waterproofing company in Halifax who has been in the business for a significant period of time, has had a failure at some point. This isn’t bad. What you want to look for in the interview is the contractor saying “Yes, I did have a failure. Let me explain what caused it, and what the company did to address it, so that it wouldn’t happen again.” Just remember nothing is 100% in this life.
Get quotes from up to 3 professional basement waterproofing companies in Halifax, not some backyard wannabes!
2. What size sump pump is installed in the system?
Nothing less then a 1/2 hp sump pump should be installed, in some cases, and very few, a bigger hp pump may be required.
3. What is the discharge capacity of the pump?
The contractor should know his system and should be able to immediately tell you. A waterproofing system is all about how much capacity the system can move.
4. What is the best back-up system available?
Every basement waterproofing company will have their own opinion on this, as some sell their own systems and will push you towards them, others will give you different options. I personally don’t sway toward one or the other as they are all very similar and offer pretty much the same thing. there are some systems out there that are very good if you are willing to spend the money (i.e. 2000-4000 dollars).
5. Do they install a level-footer system, or is it a deep-trench pitched system?
This is vital. I only recommend installing a deep-trench pitched system. PERIOD. It’s just common sense: water flows downhill. A real waterproofing system will have a high point located at the farthest point away from the sump pump, and it will pitch all the way to the pump. It will not sit level on the footer.
These footer/trough systems fail regularly, so buyer beware! Most of the time a consumer can save 20-30 percent if you go with one of these systems. However, just remember they are not designed to handle large amounts of rainfall rapidly.
6. I have an issue in one location so Why is the company recommending an entire system?
In some cases, a full house system may not be required; this happens very rarely though. The best option when doing a waterproofing system is to do the full basement. Remember your basement is the foot of your house if it weakens so does the rest. Unless you have a simple repair such as a crack in the wall or maybe a window well that is leaking, it is worth doing the whole house.
7. Do you do outside waterproofing?
Every excellent and professional basement waterproofing company in Halifax will offer this service. You should ask if they do, and have the contractor explain why or why they’re not, taking this approach with your proposal. In most cases, an outside system will be more expensive, and many obstacles can obstruct this type of install. However, it is the best approach, if possible.
8. How far away do you bury a discharge line?
It should be at least 10-20 ft. away from the basement. You don’t to recycle the water that is being pumped out back into the basement.
9. Can they provide you with three references to call?
Call them. You need to hear from people the basement waterproofing company has done work for.
10. What does the warranty cover?
Most companies will offer 10 years to a lifetime warranty. However, most systems that are installed only have a longevity of approximately 20-30 years if installed properly. So, when choosing the warranty a basement waterproofing company offers keep this in mind: the warranty should cover all workmanship and installation. Most will not cover the sump pump itself as the companies do not make the pumps that are being installed.
If you’re having wet basement issues, leaky basements, or any questions or concerns regarding basement waterproofing, give us a call, we are happy to answer any questions you may have or we can come to your home and provide you with a free estimate! Dr. Dry is a leading basement waterproofing company in Halifax servicing the HRM and beyond, including Annapolis Valley.
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