Contractors Build Thriving Business in Lagging Economy by Providing Waterproofing System

By: Wesley Minor

Expanding business in a slow economy may seem impossible to some contractors who rely on revenue from major renovations.  Yet, many other experienced professionals have found that even in uncertain times there is one sure way to attract new customers and subsequent profitable business – fulfill a need.

With the housing market in a slump, more and more homeowners are investing in their existing homes.  One of the best, long-term investments for a house is a waterproofed basement for added usable space and possible finishing.  But if a homeowner balks at an expensive basement upgrade, he may opt for something simpler that still creates more living space.   It would be wiser and healthier to first minimize humidity, prevent deadly gases like radon from entering the home, eradicate mold and, finally, stop damaging water leaks before they happen. 

Fortunately, these basics can be done on a smaller budget.  A contractor who treats a customer right the first time can likely expect a call later when money is available to fully refurbish the basement.  Why?  The contractor helped the homeowner to avert disaster, says Roy Spencer, owner of Perma-Seal Basement Systems in Downers Grove, Illinois.

“People have basement wall cracks that aren’t leaking now,” says Spencer. “But guess what, as soon as they put some drywall over it, there will be a problem.  Cracks are a time bomb.  They’re going to leak.  But you don’t know when.  It’s a lot easier and less expensive fixing them before than after.”

Serving the Chicago area and northwest Indiana for nearly 30 years has proved to Spencer that homeowners and some contractors are oblivious to the benefits of proper basement prep.  That’s unfortunate, he says, because the work is a win-win situation:  for contractors, the services are nearly recession-proof, because no sane person would willingly risk the gas and water leaks that can cause serious damage. “If you don’t pay attention to the waterproofing, the cosmetic work is ruined and everybody is unhappy,” says Spencer.

The Bare Essentials
For a safe, healthy, and dry basement, Spencer said proper preparation begins with a backup sump-pump system, because the number one reason for flooding is failure of the primary pump.  Although most new homes have sump pumps, guess how many are likely to fail?  “All of them, during storms and power outages.  If the pump fails, you can get many inches of water in your basement very quickly and ruin everything.”

The next step is sealing cracks in block or poured concrete walls and floors.  Although poured concrete is less porous than brick and block walls, Spencer says it comes with two guarantees:  it will harden and it will crack.  “It’s eight inches of solid concrete, but it will crack and water will find these areas and leak into the basement.”

Patching cracks is not a solution; it’s a temporary fix that will come back to haunt homeowners and contractors.  Instead, Spencer seals the cracks and pipe penetration with an epoxy paste.  He then injects a special liquid epoxy or urethane into the cracks and voids to create a permanent repair. 

A Healthy Home
Keeping water out is not the only reason for prepping a basement. Preventing deadly gases like radon from rising through concrete is a must as the quality of the air in the basement and the living area are subject to contamination from the earth below (whether the basement has an unsealed porous concrete floor or dirt in crawl spaces). Using a deep penetrating concrete sealer can prevent vapor molecules (humidity) and radon gas from passing through the porous concrete and into the home.

Another health hazard found in basements is mold.  Data provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency shows that mold will grow only where humidity and moisture are present – i.e., basements that have not been properly prepped. “The typical floor is sitting on cold, damp earth.  Concrete is not a good substrate on which to lay carpet. It is much better to use a waterproof insulation blanket as carpet backing.  Mold needs food and it loves carpet.  I call it mold candy,” says Spencer.   

Avoiding mold in walls is equally important and can be achieved by using the proper insulation.  For floors and walls, Spencer favors the use of a waterproof insulating blanket because it is the ultimate vapor barrier that outlasts and out performs traditional insulation.  It reflects radiant heat, prevents condensation, and stops pests – thanks to an aluminum backing – and doesn’t need to be replaced in the event of leaking or flooding. Installation is easy because it adheres directly to the concrete walls with no need for studs.

Sealing the Deal
Lou Cole, president of Emecole, Inc. of Romeoville, Illinois, says his firm also provides other products, such as a system for sealing and insulating crawl spaces, which can be used for storage.  He remains committed to helping contractors thrive in good and bad economies by doing the right thing when working with homeowners. “You don’t want to finish a basement without doing these things.  It’s uncanny that some people will spend a lot of money finishing a basement and yet are not aware of health dangers that result from poor preparation: floods, serious mold and air quality issues.  Do the right thing for your clients and they’ll thank you for it.”
 

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