Waterproofing is crucial to the structure and integrity of any home or commercial building. Whether it’s preventing water damage to basements, preventing moisture issues that can lead to mold growth, or protecting foundations from erosion, a quality waterproofing system is necessary to maintain any property’s health, safety, and value.
When hiring a waterproofing company, it’s important to do your research and only trust the job to a reputable professional. With so many companies to choose from in the Philadelphia area, how do you determine which one is the best fit for your project?
Here are five essential questions to ask to help shortlist only the most trusted waterproofing companies.
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How long have they been in business?
Experience matters greatly when it comes to waterproofing. An experienced company will have dealt with various issues over many projects, giving them deeper knowledge and expertise to draw. They’ll also have a proven track record of successful jobs.
Ask potential contractors how long they’ve been offering waterproofing services. Look for companies that have been in business for at least 5-10 years and have a strong presence in the local market.
Established companies that have stood the test of time are more likely to have mastered their craft and gained a solid reputation within the industry. They’ve also likely worked out any kinks new businesses may still be dealing with.
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Are they properly licensed and insured?
Waterproofing projects require working with materials and around structures that carry safety risks. It’s important to ensure any company you hire has the proper licensing and permits from your state or city to conduct waterproofing work. They should also carry the necessary liability insurance in case of accidents on the job site.
Ask contractors for copies of their licenses, registration, and insurance documents to verify they’re duly authorized to perform waterproofing services legally and safely in your area. Reputable companies will gladly provide this documentation, so any hesitation could be a red flag.
Proper licensing and insurance protect you from liability and give you recourse should any issues arise down the line.
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What type of waterproofing services do they provide?
Waterproofing needs vary greatly depending on the structure, materials, and specific issues. Not all companies offer the same breadth of solutions. Therefore, find out exactly what types of waterproofing services a particular contractor specializes in.
Ask if they have experience with foundation waterproofing, basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, window well liners, roofing waterproofing, or other areas.
For larger commercial projects, inquire about parking garage waterproofing, plaza deck waterproofing, or pool waterproofing as needed. Going with a full-service pro who has worked on similar projects gives you peace of mind.
When it comes to basement waterproofing installation and repairs, scientists at a trusted waterproofing Philadelphia company are important in maintaining the value of your property. Since they use cutting-edge technology, they can detect and identify the source of basement leakages and fix them permanently. This translates to lower long-term costs for Philadelphia residents and building owners.
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Can they provide references from past clients?
The best way to evaluate a contractor’s quality, service, and professionalism is through feedback directly from their previous customers. Reputable waterproofing companies should have no problem furnishing reference contacts from recent, similar projects they’ve completed.
Ask to speak to at least three past clients the contractor has worked for within the last year or two. Ideally, look for references where the scope of work is comparable to your project. For example, if you need basement waterproofing done, ask for referrals from clients who also had their basement waterproofed. References for related foundations or crawlspace projects could also be applicable.
Take time to ask about their overall experience working with that company – was the job done correctly, on schedule, and to the client’s satisfaction? Any negative reviews could signal a need to look elsewhere. Positive testimonials help validate a contractor’s abilities.
Once you obtain the reference information, take the time to contact each one. Have a brief list of questions ready to evaluate their experience working with that contractor.
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What type of warranty do they provide?
Since waterproofing is an investment aimed at preventing costly issues in the long term, you’ll want assurance that the work is done right the first time. An extended warranty shows high confidence in their materials and installation methods. It also protects you financially if any covered repairs become necessary.
Find out what type of warranty, if any, the contractor provides. Quality outfits typically offer multi-year workmanship warranties of at least 3-5 years or longer. They may also guarantee the lifespan of the waterproofing system or offer product-specific warranties as needed.
No warranty or a short coverage period could mean the contractor isn’t standing firmly behind their work.
Conclusion
Taking the time to vet potential waterproofing contractors using these key questions thoroughly will lead you to identify the companies most qualified to tackle your specific project needs. Look for an established, licensed, full-service contractor with a proven track record of successful past work, positive client reviews, and a strong warranty.
Prioritizing these essential factors during your selection process helps ensure you choose a trusted Philadelphia-area pro that is well-equipped to deliver durable, reliable waterproofing for years to come. Protecting your home’s integrity while avoiding potential issues down the line is worth doing initial due diligence.
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