Why Basement Waterproofing Isn’t a DIY Job Trust the Experts at Perma Jack of St. Louis
DIY projects can be a rewarding way to save money and take pride in your home. But when it comes to your foundation, the very thing holding your house together, it’s not the time to grab a shovel and a waterproofing kit. Foundation waterproofing is complex, labor-intensive, and high-stakes. If done incorrectly, it can lead to serious structural damage and costly repairs.
At Perma Jack of St. Louis, we’ve seen countless DIY waterproofing jobs go sideways, often resulting in more damage than protection. Here’s why waterproofing your foundation is not something you should tackle alone and why hiring seasoned pros is the best investment for your home.
Foundations Are Not the Place to Cut Corners
Your foundation is your home’s most critical structural component. When water begins seeping in through cracks or seeping around the base of the foundation, it compromises your home’s structural integrity, air quality, and value.
DIY attempts like slapping on waterproof paint or filling cracks with store-bought sealant—may offer a short-term cosmetic fix, but they don’t solve the root cause. Often, they can make the problem worse by trapping moisture or by ignoring underlying issues such as poor drainage, soil expansion, or hydrostatic pressure.
It’s More Than Just Sealant. It’s a Whole System
A professional waterproofing system doesn’t start with paint, it starts with diagnostics. Our team at Perma Jack identifies the source of the problem, not just the symptoms.
Waterproofing often involves:
- Excavating down to the footing of your home (as deep as 8 feet)
- Repairing foundation cracks and walls from the outside
- Installing new perimeter drainage systems or sump pumps
- Applying industrial-grade waterproof membranes and coatings
- Backfilling with proper slope to prevent future water intrusion
This isn’t a one-person weekend project. It’s a precision-engineered process that requires training, equipment, and expertise.
DIY Risks: Injury, Collapse, and Code Violations
Excavating around your foundation is risky. Trench collapses are a serious danger to untrained homeowners. Without proper shoring, equipment, and safety protocols, a DIY job can quickly turn into a disaster.
Professional contractors like Perma Jack have the proper licensing, insurance, and OSHA-compliant practices to ensure the work is safe, legal, and done right the first time.
You Don’t Have the Tools (And That’s Okay)
Effective foundation waterproofing often requires:
- Trenching equipment
- Concrete saws and drills
- Hydraulic hammers
- Waterproof membranes rated for underground soil contact
- Drain tile systems and sump pumps
These tools aren’t sold at your local home improvement store, and even if they were, using them without experience could cause damage to your foundation or landscape.
Foundation Problems Require Accurate Diagnosis
Water entering your basement may be a symptom of a much deeper issue, such as foundation settlement, hydrostatic pressure buildup, or poor drainage grading. Only a trained eye can determine what’s actually going on beneath your home.
At Perma Jack of St. Louis, we start every project with a comprehensive foundation inspection. Our technicians are trained to spot red flags and to build custom solutions tailored to your home’s unique soil conditions and structure.
The “Cheap” Fix Often Costs More
It’s understandable to want to save money, but DIY waterproofing often leads to band-aid fixes that fail within a season. Many of our customers call us only after spending thousands on failed attempts that didn’t stop the water or made things worse.
Hiring a professional team ensures:
- Long-term protection
- Code-compliant installation
- Full warranty coverage
- Access to commercial-grade materials
- Peace of mind that the job is done right
Why Homeowners in St. Louis Trust Perma Jack
With decades of experience serving the St. Louis metro area, Perma Jack has built a reputation for honest advice, engineer-designed solutions, and proven results. We know the local soil conditions from clay-heavy soil to sloped yards, and we’ve perfected waterproofing systems that work in this region.
We’re proud to back our work with transferable warranties, meaning your investment lasts even if you decide to sell your home.
Don’t Wait for the Next Storm
Water damage can sneak up on you, and every freeze-thaw cycle or heavy rain can make it worse. If you’ve seen water in your basement, musty odors, or cracks near your foundation, it’s time to act.
Contact Perma Jack of St. Louis today for a free waterproofing assessment. We’ll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and build a plan that keeps your foundation and your family safe and dry.