Ferndale home waterproofing does not always mean tearing off an entire exterior or starting a major remodeling project. On this recent project in Ferndale, Michigan, the homeowners had just moved in and noticed a small amount of water getting into the basement along the front of the house. They did not need all new siding right now, so our goal was to address the problem area, improve the water management, and help prepare the front of the home for a new awning.
Finding a Practical Fix for a Ferndale Home
Not every project needs to turn into a full replacement. These homeowners were not looking to replace all of their siding, and we were not going to tell them they needed to.
Instead, we focused on the area at the front of the house where water was getting in. We removed the siding and trim around the front entry and window area so we could get access to the wall behind it. That gave us the opportunity to address the water protection where it mattered.
Projects like this are a good example of why it helps to look at the actual cause of a problem before deciding on the solution. A little water in a basement does not automatically mean a homeowner needs a huge exterior renovation.
New Flashing and Wrapping for Better Water Protection
Once the area was opened up, we installed new flashing and wrapping to improve the water management at the front of the home. Flashing and properly installed water-resistant materials help direct water away from vulnerable areas instead of allowing it to work its way behind the exterior.
Water can find surprisingly small openings. That is why the details around windows, doors, trim, and transitions matter so much.
For homeowners interested in how exterior walls manage moisture, the U.S. Department of Energy has additional information about moisture control in homes. The City of Ferndale is also a useful resource for local property and permit information.
Preparing the Front Entry for a New Awning
The homeowners also wanted to take advantage of the project to add an awning over the front door.
We helped get the area prepared so the awning company can come in and complete its portion of the project. Coordinating the work this way lets the waterproofing and exterior preparation happen before the new awning is installed.
It also makes sense to address the water issue while the front of the house is already opened up rather than covering the area and coming back to it later.
Ferndale Home Waterproofing Without Replacing All the Siding
This is not the type of project we do every day, but it is a good example of how we approach exterior remodeling.
If the siding on the rest of the house still has useful life left, there is no reason to replace everything just for the sake of making the project bigger. In this case, the homeowners wanted to stop the water intrusion, protect the front wall, and prepare for their awning. That is where we focused our work.
At Level Up Improvement, we work on roofing, siding, windows, doors, and other exterior projects throughout Metro Detroit and Oakland County. Our job is to look at the house, explain what we see, and recommend a solution that makes sense for the homeowner.
Why Small Water Problems Are Worth Addressing
A small amount of water getting into a basement can be easy to ignore, especially if it only happens during certain storms. But water intrusion is worth investigating before it has a chance to create a larger problem.
That does not mean every leak requires an expensive project. Sometimes a targeted repair and better exterior water management are the right approach.
If you are seeing water around the front of your home, windows, doors, or basement, start by figuring out where it is coming from. The source may not always be directly above the spot where you see water inside.
Exterior Remodeling in Ferndale, Michigan
Level Up Improvement is a family-owned Metro Detroit exterior remodeling company serving Ferndale and communities throughout Southeast Michigan. We handle projects ranging from complete siding replacement and roofing to windows, doors, and exterior repairs like this one.
If you have an exterior problem and are not sure whether you need a repair or a full replacement, contact Level Up Improvement. We are happy to take a look and give you an honest opinion.
Do it right!