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Experts Explain: What are Basement Systems for Waterproofing?

January 26, 2022 by Carter Leave a Comment

If you are a homeowner facing the challenge of leaky basement walls or water welling through the basement floor, researching the best waterproofing method for you can be overwhelming. While this process can be time-consuming, you will be saving yourself money and time in the long run. See the before and after photos below.

You should know that there’s no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” method for basement waterproofing. Your best solution for your home will largely be determined by the cause of the problem, the location of your home, and your foundation type.

In this article, we discuss the most common basement waterproofing systems to help you decide which would be most appropriate for your home. Find out more on our company website about basement systems.

Interior Drainage

With the help of a drainage system, the buildup of water in your basement can be prevented. This system of interior water drainage redirects water from your foundation’s footers out below the floor of the basement. If water has penetrated the basement, a channel is created around the basement’s interior perimeter, after which a French drain and sump pump are installed to redirect the water through the new channel out of the basement.

Interior drainage is usually the best basement system option for most homes because it is less disruptive and more cost-effective than exterior excavation.

Exterior Waterproofing

External waterproofing involves the use of polymers and membranes to either coat the exterior of the basement walls or the installation of trench drain under the foundation, or the combining of the two methods.

The main purpose of this method is to ensure that water does not cause structural damage to the foundation of your home. Exterior waterproofing is believed to be the most effective method of waterproofing your basement system, especially when done properly.

The downsides of external waterproofing are:

  • A lot of time is required for excavation
  • It is a highly disruptive process
  • It costs a lot of money
  • It is a very dangerous procedure
  • It is prone to clogging which can lead to a flooded basement.

Sealants & Epoxy Injections

These systems of basement waterproofing are generally considered to be quick fixes. However, homeowners go for these options when their budget cannot accommodate a drainage system. As a preventive measure against moisture seeping through the basement walls, sealants or other masonry waterproofing products are applied.

In this method, epoxies, which are strong adhesives, are injected into the cracks and openings with high pressure, thereby sealing every path through which there is seepage.

One common downside to epoxy injections is that, with the expansion and contraction of the foundation walls, the materials crack over time. However, there are a few wall crack repair systems that involve the combination of porous foam, flexible sealant, and water-resistant membrane for the prevention of leaks with little or no possibility of cracking.

To protect the foundation walls against flooding, it is important that a drainage system be installed after repairing the leaky basement walls.

Choosing the Best Waterproofing System for Your Basement

Depending on how severe the problem is, many homeowners go for tentative solutions, especially when they have a tight budget. However, for the basement water problem to be effectively solved, a drainage system still has to be installed.

Generally, an exterior waterproofing project requires more labor, heavy tools, and a longer time to reach completion. These factors contribute to why exterior waterproofing costs more than interior waterproofing.

The best option of the basement system solution that will work for you will ultimately be determined by two factors: the cause of the problem and your budget.

There are quite a few different elements to consider when estimating the cost of waterproofing your basement system. This is because the ultimate cost will depend on the size of your basement, what the underlying issue is, and what it will take to fix it.

Finding the Cause of the Problem

Before opting for any basement waterproofing solution, it is important to find out where the problem is coming from. The following are some of the factors that can cause excess moisture in your basement.

  • Gutters and downpipes that are missing or not properly installed.
  • Window wells that were badly designed
  • Foundation cracks
  • Water pipes that are leaking
  • Slopes around your home that were not properly graded
  • Groundwater

It becomes easier to decide what basement waterproofing system to opt for and to estimate the cost of fixing the basement problem once you are able to trace the cause of the moisture.

You should note that problems with your basement system will get worse if left unaddressed. Therefore, it is important that you consult a professional basement repair company or contractor as soon as your basement shows any signs that it needs waterproofing.

Benefits of Basement Waterproofing

Basements are generally known to be susceptible to water damage for two major reasons: There can be condensation or moisture buildup due to poor heating and cooling. Also, water can seep in through foundation cracks. Considering those two reasons, it is important that a basement is waterproofed.

The following are the benefits that come with waterproofing with a basement system.

  • It reduces the cost of insurance claims
  • It creates a healthier environment in your home
  • It protects from basement flooding
  • It prevents structural damage
  • It protects your sump pump
  • It reduces the cost of energy

The Average Cost of Waterproofing a Basement

According to HomeAdvisor, waterproofing basements costs between $5 and $10 per square foot. Based on the combination of different factors, you can expect to spend between $1,920 and $6,493 on waterproofing your basement.

Where the damage requires minor fixes, you may not be spending more than $600. However, for severe damage that requires extensive waterproofing, you can expect to spend as much as $10,000.

Note that these are just estimations, and the cost may vary based on many factors such as your location, the severity of the damage, the cost of labor, etc. The best way to get exact figures is to get quotes from your professional basement repair contractor.

Conclusion

Choosing the best basement waterproofing system for you will depend on various factors such as the type and method of the basement construction, the cause and the severity of the damage, and your budget.

You should never delay your basement waterproofing because any damage to the basement tends to worsen over time, thereby costing you more money to repair down the line. So, as soon as any signs of damage show up, engage the service of a professional basement repair contractor to diagnose the problem and recommend the best method to go for.

 

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