The methods used to protect homes from flooding and water damage have changed significantly in the last century, as have the materials used in residential construction. With the advent of equipment like plastic piping and modern excavating tools, basement waterproofing has become easier to do adequately. But because of the amount of technical detail involved in the process, it has also become easier to make costly mistakes that could have serious ramifications in for the future of your home. Although there is a definite science to basement waterproofing, it is also partially an art form that relies upon a contractor's ingenuity and experience to perform correctly every time.

No two residential structures are the same, even if they are constructed from the same blueprints and plans. Different construction sites, weather, soil and material types mean that each home is built differently each time, and can have stresses and problems not present in other locations. Additionally, the quality of work and methods used by the construction companies themselves can have a lot to do with whether or not your basement waterproofing is passable or sub-par. While any contractor can master the science of basement waterproofing, the art is much more difficult to perfect.

But just what is the exact difference between the art and the science of basement waterproofing? The science of protecting your home against flooding and water damage is available for anyone to find on the Internet, in the library or in college classrooms. It involves exact measurements and values that can be applied to every construction situation, such as required load bearing capabilities or materials for a given foundation. The science of basement waterproofing lets contractors follow a broad initial plan that is applicable to every new project and allows them a starting reference point.

But when the project goes beyond the initial reference point, you have entered the realm of "art" in basement waterproofing. Since no construction site is exactly the same as any other, there are always special considerations for each new project. Additionally, there may be more than one way of approaching any basement waterproofing project, and several different methods (with different price tags) that might work. Taking a customer's budget for repairs into account before settling on a method is one example of the art of basement waterproofing that takes a qualified, experienced professional to achieve.

Before undertaking a basement waterproofing project of your own, make sure that you go beyond the exact science of the project and also consider the art, as well. Whether you are planning to tackle a basement waterproofing project on your own or hire an experienced professional, it will always help to remember that each home presents unique challenges and opportunities that might require thinking outside of the box.