Interior vs. Exterior: Unraveling the Best Basement Waterproofing Method for Your Home
If your home has a wet basement, we know it’s not a fun thing to deal with. In fact, let’s be honest, it’s pretty much a big pain in the butt!
In most cases, the repair can be somewhat conservative in nature. For example, a poured concrete foundation where the issue is likely a foundation crack or tie snap that’s seeping. Other times as with block foundations the problem requires a more evasive approach which is what this blog post is all about.
If you’ve been doing your homework online or even talked with a waterproofing contractor, you may have come to grips with the fact that you need some form of waterproofing to solve your leakage problem.
What Is Interior Basement Waterproofing?
An “Interior Waterproofing System” is really a Drain Tile / Weeping Tile System, or what we like to call a De-watering System that is installed at the lowest point of the structure, alongside the footing of your foundation inside your basement. It isn’t really water”proofing” it is more like managing the water that passes through or under your foundation.
What Is Exterior Basement Waterproofing?
Exterior Waterproofing is a system that provides your foundation with multiple benefits – it stops water from coming into contact with your bare foundation walls, it fast-tracks water to the weeping tile that is installed beside the footing – when installed properly it disallows hydrostatic pressure to build up against your foundation walls and most importantly it moves all this water away from the base of your foundation so your basement remains dry!
So which method best meets your needs? The following comparison describes the differences between Interior Basement Waterproofing and Exterior Basement Waterproofing Systems, based on functionality and installation factors. We hope this helps you to make the best decision for you and your home.
Interior Basement Waterproofing – De-watering System
Advantages:
- Avoids disruption on exterior: Exterior basement waterproofing requires removal of landscaping and paved surfaces & decks etc. that are within 3 feet of the foundation
- Captures floor and wall seepage without the need to completely remove finished walls to rid your basement of leakage
- More economical: This system is less labor intensive, resulting in lower costs
- Relieves hydrostatic pressure: Because a continuous piping system runs along the inside of your footing, water pressure from beneath the floor or outside of your foundation is relieved and water is routed to a discharge pump
- Not weather permitting: The installation can be performed all year round even when the ground outside is frozen
- Protected from outside issues: Interior systems are not subject to the elements, soil conditions or tree roots growing into the drainage system
Disadvantages:
- Bottom 2 feet of foundation at the floor must be exposed – requires removal of drywall, studs, insulation, flooring etc.
- Stored items, built-in shelving or cabinets may need to be moved away from the exterior walls
- Basement cannot be used at the time of system installation
- Brick or stone foundations: Without the installation of exterior sealant, water may continue to leach through some masonry foundations
Exterior Basement Waterproofing System
Advantages:
- Little disruption to basement interior: Most of the work is performed on the exterior so if you cannot give up your internal space this option is for you
- Little or no preparation required on your behalf: The exception being landscaping or anything else you want to be moved
- Helps drain soil: Our exterior waterproofing system includes new weeping tile with silt sock that will drain the saturated earth next to your house and relieve lateral water pressure against the foundation – excellent choice if you have a cinder block foundation
- Exterior sealant: Full excavation allows for the application of exterior rubber membrane & Delta MS foundation wrap (especially helpful for cinder block foundations)
Disadvantages:
- Exterior work is more labor intensive than interior installation, especially for full depth basements
- Any landscaping, pavement or large fixtures like decks or concrete steps close to the house generally need to be removed and replaced
- Exterior waterproofing cannot be installed where there are home additions, attached garages and other buildings that are too close
- An exterior basement waterproofing system does not drain water from beneath the basement floor unless there is an existing sump pit properly installed
- Exterior construction projects can last 2 to 3 times longer than an interior installation
Both Interior and Exterior Basement Waterproofing Systems have proven to provide lasting results for thousands of homeowners, just like you. This is why it is a good idea to consult with a reputable & ethical basement waterproofing contractor who will give you the advice and guidance you need to make the best decision possible.
Truth be told we install more Interior Basement Waterproofing Systems for two reasons:
First is the difference in costs, it requires a lot less labor to break through a couple inches of concrete inside your home than it does to excavate through 6 or 7 feet of soil on the outside.
Second is because of our climate, we cannot excavate soil very well in the winter and aside from that the products that we use to seal your foundation will not cure properly below zero and would leave you with a sub-standard repair.
Now, if you have a highly finished basement which requires a lot of job preparations, the economics at hand may change and it would make more sense to waterproof your foundation on the outside. In the end, we will provide you with enough information and advice so you can make a decision that is right for you.
Need more information to help you decide on which one would work best for you? Call 289-880-7988 now or click here for a free evaluation. Also feel free to post your question in the Comments section below. Our experience within this geographical area gives us plenty of perspectives and helps us guide you down the right path.