How much should waterproofing a basement cost?
Waterproofing a basement costs between $500 and $3,500, on average. The cost depends on several factors, including the type and extent of waterproofing, as well as the amount of labor involved to complete the job. For example, the labor cost to apply concrete sealer is about $3-$12 per square foot. And adding an interior drainage system costs approximately $700-$2,600.
Who do I hire to get my basement waterproofed?
There are a number of different pros who perform basement waterproofing, including specialized contractors and companies. Your best bet to ensure your basement’s waterproofing gets done the right way is to search for local professionals who can perform the service. This is easy on Thumbtack, where you can enter your zip code and the desired service, and then make your selection after viewing customer ratings, reviews and project photos.
What do paving contractors do?
Paving contractors can be hired to install a concrete or asphalt driveway at your home, office or property. They can also repave an asphalt or concrete driveway that has been damaged by time, weather or heavy loads. When you are looking for a driveway contractor, request quotes from at least three professionals who are in good standing and have great customer reviews. They should do a site visit and write you a bid, detailing the work involved, materials needed, approximate length of the project and estimated cost.
The site for your new driveway will determine costs and the work required for your contractor. First, the ground must be excavated to lay a clear path. This means removing any trees, bushes and stumps. Next, the driveway contractor will grade the area, making a level surface for the concrete or asphalt. To ensure proper drainage, driveway contractors should install a sub-base of compacted gravel (or similar) 4 inches-8 inches deep, depending on your soil type. Then the concrete or asphalt may be poured and smoothed over the top. Your driveway contractor should recommend an appropriate sealant for your climate and advise you on curing time. When hiring a paving contractor, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.
What are the advantages of waterproofing your basement?
Waterproofing your basement can help you prevent major water damage caused by heavy rains — which means you won’t have to pay for expensive water damage restoration services. Waterproofing systems also prevent basement flooding and protect your possessions. And by keeping your basement dry, you can also prevent mold growth (and avoid having to pay for mold remediation services). Finally, your basement floor may last longer, your sump pump will work less and your home’s foundation will be more protected if you have a sound waterproofing system.
What is the best sealer to use on concrete?
Because unsealed concrete is porous, it readily absorbs liquids, leading to unsightly stains and freeze-and-thaw cycle damage. For this reason, it’s important to seal concrete that will see spills or outdoor weather.
The best option for garage floors and other high-traffic areas is epoxy, which forms a hard and extremely durable surface on top of concrete. Epoxy, acrylic, and polishes are often used on indoor floors, while acrylic-resin sealers and reactive penetrating sealers are used on outdoor surfaces to repel water and salt. Locate a concrete contractor in your area to help find the best solution.
How do you find the best concrete contractor?
To find the best concrete contractors in your area, start by comparing concrete contractor reviews and ratings, which can give you insight into the quality of work you can expect from potential concrete contractors. When reading reviews, pay attention to details about how long the project took and whether the customer had any disputes with the contractors. The reviews often contain photos of past work, but if you don’t see any reviews, ask the contractor to share photographs of concrete floors, driveways and other projects they’ve worked on. Look for details such as clean edges and a lack of cracking. And finally, if a concrete license is required in your state, ask to see the contractor’s credentials.
Is it better to stain or paint concrete?
A concrete paint cover is typically opaque and covers up the color of the concrete. This means it provides significant protection to the concrete below. However, if it is improperly applied or subjected to heavy traffic, a painted concrete floor is likely to chip and peel.
Epoxy and staining are two types of concrete floor sealer. Epoxy is a more durable but often more expensive option than a concrete stain. Epoxy forms a protective layer, while concrete stain is more decorative and requires more maintenance. Because epoxy can be more expensive than concrete stain, it is best used in high-traffic areas or in applications where low maintenance is desired.
A concrete stain, on the other hand, is quick to apply and can show off the textures of the concrete, but it does not provide a high degree of protection for the concrete against spills, salt, water and other contaminants. Staining concrete generally requires a dust mop, a pH-neutral cleaner and water to clean, while epoxy can cause resin buildup that necessitates the use of special detergents.
Find a concrete contractor near you for help selecting the right floor concrete sealer.
Is a concrete floor cheaper than wood?
Yes, concrete floors are generally more affordable than hardwood floors. Generally, a concrete floor costs between $2 and $15 per square foot, while hardwood floors cost between $12 and $20 per square foot, according to Floor Critics. While concrete requires preparation and pouring, its ease of finishing makes it a very affordable flooring option. Choose between finishes like acid stains, epoxy and more. While hardwood is not cheap flooring, it offers warmth and durability with infrequent maintenance.
If you're stuck between installing wood floors or concrete floors, reach out to a flooring installation professional near you.
What's the difference between masonry and concrete contractors?
Masonry contractors build structures with smaller units like bricks and stones, binding them together with mortar to form a larger structure. Concrete contractors, on the other hand, only use concrete to form structures. This mixture of cement, water and other materials is poured into a premade structure and left to cure, forming a single structure made on one part.
Call a concrete contractor near you to replace or repair concrete floors. You can also find concrete masonry contractors in your area to help you with other projects.
Is it better to waterproof a basement from the inside or outside?
It is far more effective to waterproof a basement from the outside through exterior waterproofing measures, such as installing drain tiles, excavating your soil and installing and cleaning gutters.
The term “interior waterproofing” is something of a misnomer because any steps taken in the basement’s interior are more to mitigate damage from water that has already made it through the foundation. Water is best stopped at the source — that is, it is best stopped from ever entering the concrete foundation by exterior waterproofing. However, interior waterproofing is still an important and effective step to take.