FAQ
This page is designed to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the problems, applications and expectations regarding wet basements, waterproofing systems and foundation repair. Have a question? Ask our waterproofing experts!
Q. What do you charge to inspect the wet basement and foundation of my home?
A: Maryland Waterproofing provides free professional on-site wet basement and foundation repair inspections, consultations and estimates to residential and commercial property owners, prospective property owners, realtors, local, state and federal property managers, home inspectors and other professionals requesting our services.
Q. Do you offer payment plans?
A: MW knows that not all budgets and personal finances are equal. Due to our years in the industry, Maryland Waterproofing has vast financial experience with several notable financial lenders. As families and homeowners ourselves, we seek to do business only through lenders with integrity. TSW provides a variety of payment options to assist customers in obtaining repair solutions for their homes. We provide several in-home financing options such as 90 Days-Same as Cash, Equity Lines and Consolidations. We also accept cash, checks, MC, Visa, Discover and American Express.
Q. Will waterproofing my basement increase the value of my home?
A: Again, absolutely! Protecting the structural integrity of your homes’ foundation is of vital importance. A musty, mildewed and wet basement will actually decrease the value of a property. Installing a basement water management system ensures a drier and healthier usable living area. Additionally, if you should ever choose to sell your home, our transferable, lifetime warranty is recognized and accepted as proof of a dry basement by VA, FHA, conventional lenders and real estate professionals.
Q. Will painting my basement walls stop dampness and wetness?
A: Unfortunately, it simply isn’t effective. Don’t settle for hasty, inexpensive fixes which do not eliminate wet basement problems. Painting does not address water trapped in the hollows of the basement wall. Water seeks the least line of resistance to enter a home. Therefore, painting the basement walls with special paints will not prevent other areas of entry such as the cove area, where the wall joins the floor or below the foundation. If you are experiencing a wet, damp basement you should seek advice from a professional experienced in wet basements and foundation repair. Reputable waterproofing companies will respond promptly, and provide a no-cost inspection.
Q. Is it necessary to excavate the outside foundation of my home?
A: We strongly recommend against it. More than likely waterproofing measures were taken when the home was built, but have failed. Outside excavation repair does not address the hydrostatic water enveloping the foundation or water already trapped within the basement walls. It is extremely expensive, time consuming, and destructive to the landscaping and exterior structures such as the walkways, patio and driveway. Our interior waterproofing system can be installed in a few days with considerable savings as compared to exterior waterproofing. It is less disruptive to the home and household, and carries a transferable, life of the structure warranty.
Q. My basement doesn’t leak, but the walls are always damp, why?
A: Many times basement dampness is an indication of moisture trapped in the hollows of block walls. Eventually lime will leach from the concrete mixture within the foundation creating a white, chalky substance called efflorescence which can be seen on unfinished basement walls. If the area is finished with drywall, paint or wallpaper, in addition to damp spots, you may notice mold and mildew. Left unattended, the detioration will continue to progress eventually leading to structural damage necessitating foundation repair. Always call for your free basement inspection. Our waterproofing inspectors have years of experience in determining the sources of basement dampness. They take great pride in sharing their waterproofing and foundation repair knowledge with you, at no cost, and will inform you of additional precautions you may take to avoid a wet basement.
Q. Can you install a basement waterproofing system in a home during new construction?
A: Absolutely, and it’s highly recommended in our wet area! The Maryland Waterproofing staff consults regularly with builders to customize waterproofing systems unique to each property. New home owners with the foresight to include a professional basement waterproofing system during the construction of their home realize an even greater savings due to reduced costs of installation, plus the assurance of a dry basement with our transferable, lifetime warranty.
Q. My home is for sale, and the basement leaked for the first time. Will the warranty transfer to the new owner?
A: Yes. The Certificate of Dry Basement is warranted proof to prospective buyers, realtors and lending professionals that a water management system has been professionally installed by licensed and insured specialists. It is transferable to the new owner at no cost, providing you, the buyer, the realtors and the lender, with the peace of mind that the basement will remain dry and livable.