Should You Waterproof Your Basement from the Inside or Outside?
Whether you use your basement for storage, extra living space, or nothing in particular, it can be alarming to find leaking or flooding water in this area of your home. That’s why it is important to repair and protect your home with basement waterproofing solutions.
But with everything on the market for waterproofing basements, how do you know what is the best fit? In this article, we’ll discuss a great debate in home repair: interior vs exterior basement waterproofing, and which is better. We’ll also cover quick fixes to avoid and how our professional team at Indiana Foundation Service can help.
Exterior Waterproofing Is Not Always Effective
When homes with basements are constructed, builders typically add exterior waterproofing measures to help prevent water from the surrounding soil from seeping inside.
This common building practice usually involves applying a tar coating to the walls’ exterior and placing a drainage pipe surrounded by rock and gravel next to the footer. As long as these systems are not damaged, they go a long way in helping keep your basement dry.
However, these systems can fail over time:
- The tar coating can wear away.
- The drainage pipe can clog with roots or debris
- The pipe can also be crushed by the surrounding soil.
While repairing these systems is possible, it can be expensive, invasive, and time-consuming. They also may fall victim to the same fate again in the future. Telltale signs that these exterior measures no longer work include leaking walls and water seeping through the cove joint where the wall and floor meet.
Other Exterior Considerations
While exterior solutions may not always work, there are other exterior systems you need to consider.
Your home’s gutters and downspouts are the first lines of defense in keeping excess water, like rainfall and snowmelt, away from your basement. It can be a daunting task, but it’s a good idea to inspect and clean your gutters at least twice a year, in the spring and fall.
Keeping your gutters and downspouts free of clogs, debris, and damage like holes is crucial in water management. Downspouts, as well as the landscape around your home, should be angled down and away from your home for effective drainage.
Interior Basement Waterproofing Is the Answer
While some exterior systems have their place, ultimately, it is better to install waterproofing inside a basement. Interior moisture management systems don’t have to contend with the elements, so they have a longer lifespan in protecting your home. However, there are certain systems designed for long-term waterproofing, and other temporary fixes that we do not recommend.
Interior Repairs to Avoid
You have probably seen the ads and videos for materials available online and in big box stores that are marketed as waterproof. But items like “waterproof” paints, sealants, epoxy injections, and the like, that are intended for DIY use, are not long-lasting. They are temporary bandages that cover up the cosmetic damage, do not address the root of the problem, and will eventually fail and allow the water intrusion to continue. That means you would have to keep purchasing these items and apply them over and over with no guarantee that your basement will stay dry.
Plus, basement waterproofing is not something you can DIY in a weekend. The best thing you can do for your wet basement is to invest in interior waterproofing solutions installed by an experienced professional. That’s where our team at Indiana Foundation Service comes in.
Professional Interior Basement Waterproofing Solutions
Your home is unique, and so are your basement waterproofing needs. Our team understands that, as well as the challenges Central and Southern Indiana homeowners face. We care about you and your home’s safety, which is why we offer free inspections so we can get to the bottom of your basement problems and suggest the best repair plan.
Here are some of the interior basement waterproofing solutions our team might recommend:
Wall Vapor Barrier
Attached to your basement walls, a vapor barrier helps prevent moisture and water intrusion. Should any water leak through the walls, it runs behind the water and mold-resistant vapor barrier and down to the interior drainage system in the floor.
Interior Drainage System
Especially if exterior footing drains have failed, water commonly leaks inside the cove joint. Our interior drainage system attacks this water from all sides. Placed just underneath the basement floor and atop the footing, our specially designed, non-clogging perforated pipe collects seeping water and drains it into a sump pump system.
💡 Other Drains:
Floor drains are another drainage type typically installed during construction in utility areas, with floors sloped slightly toward the drain to direct water away. In cases of flooding from a burst pipe or heater, the drain channels water to the sump pit. However, retrofitting a floor drain in an existing home is difficult since the floors won’t slope correctly, leaving standing water. Plus, these drains don’t address moisture seeping through the basement walls.
Sump Pump System
Placed inside a covered basin in the floor, a sump pump collects water from the interior perimeter drain. This water is then pumped out of the basement and away from the home through discharge pipes. We also offer a battery backup system that protects your home during power outages.
Energy-Efficient Dehumidifier
To prevent excessive moisture and humidity that can lead to mold growth and other problems, we recommend installing a dehumidifier. Our powerful, energy-efficient units are self-draining, so you don’t have to worry about emptying any buckets.
The best thing about our interior basement waterproofing solutions is that everything we install is fully customizable to meet your basement’s repair needs. Each system performs a specific function, and they are designed to work together to create a comprehensive protective solution your basement deserves.
Protect Your Home with Help from Indiana Foundation Service
If you still feel torn about the best way to waterproof your basement, don’t worry. Our professionals take the guesswork out of the process with their thorough inspections, diagnoses, and recommendations.
Get started with permanently waterproofing, repairing, and protecting your basement today. Simply contact us to schedule a free inspection. We look forward to helping you create a safe, dry, and healthy living environment!
Interior Basement Waterproofing FAQs
While a damp and musty basement is common, it is not normal or healthy for your home and family. The presence of water and humidity causes other issues like mold growth, damaged belongings, structural instability, and more. That’s why waterproofing your basement is essential. The most effective methods include an interior drainage system, sump pump, wall vapor barrier, and dehumidifier. Working in tandem, these solutions keep water from infiltrating your home and prevent humidity from wreaking havoc.
The cost of basement waterproofing depends on the size of your basement and the materials required. We offer free inspections, no-obligation estimates, upfront pricing, and financing options so you clearly understand the exact cost in advance.
Regular maintenance includes checking and cleaning your gutters, inspecting your sump pump to ensure it’s functioning properly, and monitoring any cracks in the walls for changes. You can take advantage of Indiana Foundation Service’s annual maintenance programs to ensure your basement waterproofing systems are in top shape.
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