Waterproofing your basement is an excellent investment, helping to extend the life of your foundation, protect your assets, and keep your family healthy. It is also highly recommended that this be done before any remodeling occurs. But you likely have a lot of questions. Look no further; we have the perfect guide for you. We will review the basics – what basement waterproofing is, why it’s essential, and how it’s done – along with frequently asked questions.
What Is Basement Waterproofing?
Basement waterproofing is the process of preventing water from penetrating or seeping into the basement of a building. Waterproofing can be done both from the interior and exterior of the basement, often involving a bit of each. There is a wide variety of waterproofing techniques and products on the market, from simple crack patches to waterproof membranes and drainage systems, all to keep a basement dry and protect it from water damage. The tricky part, especially for homeowners, is determining the best waterproofing solution for your basement – one that is cost-effective and reliable.
Why Is Basement Waterproofing Important?
Basement waterproofing is essential for protecting your home, family, and belongings from water damage, mold growth, structural damage, and other issues associated with moisture infiltration. Let’s explore these and a few different reasons in more detail:
- Preventing Water Damage – The most apparent reason for basement waterproofing is to protect your home from water damage. Water infiltration into the basement can cause various problems, including mold growth, rotting wood, rusting metal, and deterioration of building materials. Prolonged exposure to water can even compromise the integrity of your home’s foundation, resulting in costly repairs or structural failure. Waterproofing helps prevent these issues and ensures the longevity of the building.
- Protecting Your Belongings – Basements are often used for storage or as living spaces, so keeping them dry is crucial for protecting your belongings.
- Preserving Indoor Air Quality – Moisture in the basement can lead to musty odors and poor indoor air quality throughout the entire building. If mold is in the basement, mold spores will circulate throughout the home, posing a health risk to you and your family by causing respiratory problems and allergies. Waterproofing helps maintain a healthy indoor environment by preventing the accumulation of moisture and pollutants in the basement.
- Increasing Property Value – Waterproofing can increase the resale value of your home by ensuring that the basement is dry, functional, and free from water damage.
- Reducing Energy Costs – Basement waterproofing can also help improve energy efficiency by preventing air leaks and reducing moisture infiltration into the building. A dry basement is easier to heat and cool, resulting in lower energy bills and increased comfort for occupants.
How Do You Waterproof A Basement?
Waterproofing a basement may seem daunting, especially if your basement is large or experiences frequent flooding. Plus, with all the available waterproofing options, knowing where to start or which to trust may be challenging. However, let us reassure you that the process does not need to be complicated. Based on our experience, basement waterproofing can be divided into three phases: seal, support, and drain. Here is how they work:
Seal
Begin by identifying all of the possible entry points for water. These typically include windows, cracks, honeycombing, cove joints, bowed walls, pipes, where the wall meets the ceiling, and backed-up drainage systems. Once those points are identified, a plan can be implemented to seal them up. Cracks will be filled, pipes and windows will be sealed, and drainage systems will be repaired or replaced.
It is also worth noting that even without visible cracks or honeycombing in your exterior concrete walls, water can penetrate through the concrete’s tiny capillaries if the soil surrounding your basement is frequently oversaturated. Hence, sealing your concrete foundation walls is also recommended. This is usually done using a vapor or moisture barrier and can be done from the inside or the outside of your basement. While many products exist, mainly paints, we recommend thick membrane sheets since they will last the lifetime of your home compared to even the best liquid membranes, which only last 15 to 20 years.
Support
If any structural issues, like bowed basement walls or differential foundation settlement, were spotted during the initial inspection, they must be addressed before any waterproofing is done. Foundation repair solutions may include wall supports and anchors to straighten your walls and foundation underpinning to level your foundation. Any waterproofing attempted before foundation repairs have been made will only be temporary, at best, since foundation issues will only worsen over time, continuing to warp your basement and create new points of water entry.
Drain
Drainage systems are crucial to removing excess water from the soil before it can seep into your basement or exert pressure on the walls, which is known to cause cracks and bowing. A drainage system, like a drain tile or French drain, can be installed along the inner or outer perimeter of your basement and usually channels water to a sump pump, which actively ejects the water a safe distance from your foundation. Drainage systems are especially important for homes in flooding zones or with high water tables.
Aside from installing a drain tile system and a sump pump, other cost-effective ways exist to keep water away from your foundation. They include:
- Regrading your yard. – Ensure the yard slopes away from your home so water does not pool around your foundation during rain or snowfall.
- Having an efficient gutter system. – Keeping your gutters clean and installing downspout extensions will ensure rainwater and snowmelt are channeled away from your home.
- Avoiding the planting of water-hungry plants near your foundation. – To keep them looking nice, you may risk overwatering them, thus oversaturing the soil. These plants can also dry out the soil, causing it to shift and make your basement settle unevenly.
- Ensuring your window wells drain properly. – Water will likely leak into your basement if you have a faulty window well.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You may still have some questions about cost, timelines, etc. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions:
How Much Does Basement Waterproofing Cost?
Quoting a price for basement waterproofing is complex because it depends on the size of the basement, its current condition, and the number of services rendered. Our average waterproofing job is usually around $5,000, but that figure can quickly go up or down depending on what you want to be done.
Can I Waterproof My Basement Myself?
Waterproofing a basement requires much expertise, expensive equipment, multiple hands, and time. DIY basement waterproofing is not recommended since it often results in costly and only temporary fixes. When you hire a professional, you also get a quality guarantee, which is even more critical if you plan to finish the basement and turn it into a living space. Imagine the frustration of water seeping back into your home after a failed DIY attempt. It is best to protect your investment by having the job done right the first time.
What Is the Best Way to Waterproof Your Basement?
The best waterproofing method is dependent on your basement’s specific needs. However, the typical job involves sealing any entry points for water and installing a vapor barrier and a drainage system. While most jobs can be completed from the interior of your basement, some may have superior results if completed from the exterior. An expert can help you determine the best method for your home.
How Long Does Professional Basement Waterproofing Take?
About 90% of our waterproofing jobs take less than a week, most averaging around three days. However, some smaller tasks, like epoxy crack injections, may only take a few hours, whereas waterproofing a large basement with foundation failure can take a few weeks.
Schedule your free basement inspection and waterproofing estimate today. With 30 years of experience, our experts throughout Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri will help you piece together the perfect waterproofing solution for your foundation.
