Questions and answers
The questions that come up most, answered briefly. Each answer points to the page with the detail.
About calling
Who am I speaking to when I call?
After a short question or two to place you, an independent local waterproofing company. It is not an employee of this site. How it works has each step.
Is there any obligation?
None. You can listen, ask for a visit, get a written proposal and still say no.
Can I call about a burst pipe, a roof leak or a flooded room?
Those need other trades. A plumber for pipes, a roofer for the roof, a water damage company for a room that is under water today. Call here about keeping a crawl space or basement dry over the long run.
I am a landlord or builder. Is this for me?
The companies reached through this number work for homeowners on their own houses. For rental blocks, new builds or commercial premises, contact a commercial waterproofing contractor directly.
About crawl spaces
Should crawl space vents be open or closed?
In a vented crawl space they stay open. In an encapsulated one they are sealed, because the point is to keep humid air out. Closing vents without a liner and dry air can trap moisture, so it is all or nothing. In a flood zone, check the local rules before closing any.
How long does encapsulation take?
It varies with the size of the space and how much has to be cleared, drained or repaired first. Ask the company for a start date and a finish date and have both written into the contract.
Is the white plastic I see in adverts the whole job?
No. The liner is the visible part. Drainage, sealing and drying do the work. See encapsulation, start to finish.
There is mould on the joists. Who deals with that?
Ask the waterproofing company whether it cleans surface growth itself or brings in a remediation firm, and have it written into the scope. Either way the moisture has to be fixed or it comes back.
About basements and yards
Do basements here need waterproofing as often as crawl spaces?
Any wall with soil against it can take on water. If yours has a basement or a walk-out lower level, the basement page and the leak page apply.
Can gutters really cause a wet crawl space?
Very often. Yard drainage explains what to look for in the rain.
Do I need a sump pump?
Only if liquid water collects. The sump pump page covers when and why.
About money and paperwork
What will it cost?
That cannot be said without seeing the house. What affects the price lists what moves it.
How do I know the company is properly licensed?
You check. Choosing a company links to the state licence search and says what to ask for.
Does homeowners insurance pay for this?
Policies differ and this site cannot advise on yours. Read the policy or ask your agent before assuming anything is covered.
Tell someone what you are seeing
Call and describe what is going on under the house or in the basement. You will be put through to an independent local waterproofing company that works in your part of Tuscaloosa County.
Calls may be recorded. The company pays this site for the introduction. See the referral disclosure.