Life around the Great Lakes means embracing four seasons of weather—wet falls, snowy winters, and spring thaws. Unfortunately, those same conditions put enormous stress on basements. Too often, homeowners delay or skip waterproofing basements, only to face costly repairs later. Here are three mistakes to avoid if you want to protect your home this fall.
Mistake 1: Ignoring the Early Warning Signs
Many homeowners assume that a faint musty odor or a small water stain is nothing to worry about. In reality, these are the first signs that moisture is making its way inside. Left untreated, small cracks can expand through freeze-thaw cycles, while mold spores spread through the home’s air. Addressing these signals promptly by waterproofing basements can stop the problem before it grows into structural damage.
Mistake 2: Relying on Quick DIY Fixes
It’s tempting to reach for a sealant or patch kit from the local hardware store, especially when fall weather is already here. But these products rarely stand up to the combination of rain, snow, and ice that define the Great Lakes region. Homeowners who rely on temporary fixes often find themselves reapplying every season while the underlying problem worsens. Professional basement waterproofing provides lasting protection that DIY shortcuts can’t match.
Mistake 3: Settling for 1-Day Coating Systems
Even when homeowners choose to coat their basements, many fall for 1-day systems that promise convenience but skip critical steps. Without a moisture-mitigating primer, these poorly-penetrating coatings can eventually peel. At Garage Floor Coating of Michigan (Great Lakes), we avoid this mistake by using our proven 2-day system:
- Day 1: Deep-Bonding Epoxy Base Coat – A 100%-solids epoxy primer penetrates deep into the concrete, creating permanent adhesion while delivering vital moisture mitigation.
- Day 1 (Cont’d): Broadcasting of the customer-selected flake blend.
- Day 2: Clear Coat Protection – A durable, low-VOC, low-odor clear coat adds anti-slip texture, a smooth finish, and decades of durability. The result is a floor that resists spills, stains, and moisture while looking polished with optional full flake designs.
Protect Your Basement Before the Season Changes
By avoiding these mistakes, Great Lakes homeowners can keep their basements dry, healthy, and valuable through the wettest months of the year. Don’t let rain, snow, or spring thaw compromise your home’s foundation.
Contact Garage Floor Coating of Michigan today to schedule your consultation and secure your basement with professional waterproofing and coatings that last.