Both interior and exterior basement waterproofing solutions are designed to secure your basement from water intrusion and the damage it can cause. Although these solutions serve the same purpose, they work in distinct ways. Interior waterproofing focuses on diverting water that enters the basement away from the property, while exterior waterproofing works by preventing water from reaching the basement. In this blog, we will explore the differences between interior and exterior basement waterproofing.
What is Basement Waterproofing?
Basement waterproofing is an essential home improvement process that protects your home from water infiltration and the damage it causes. Basements are prone to water seepage and moisture damage, which threaten the structural integrity of your home and the indoor air quality. Therefore, it is important to implement basement waterproofing solutions in both residential and commercial buildings, especially in areas that experience heavy rainfall and flooding.
Basements can be waterproofed both internally and externally. These waterproofing approaches offer complete protection against water intrusion, keeping the basement dry and safe.
Interior vs. Exterior Basement Waterproofing
Basement waterproofing offers two major solutions to protect your home from water problems: interior and exterior waterproofing. Choosing between these methods can be tricky for most homeowners.
Interior Basement Waterproofing
Interior waterproofing involves waterproofing the basement from the inside to prevent and repair water damage, such as mold, musty odors, and foundation cracks. It often includes installing waterproofing systems like drain tile, sump pumps, and dehumidifiers to reduce the chances of flooding, mold growth, and structural damage.
Advantages
Interior basement waterproofing offers the following advantages:
- Cost efficiency: This method is usually less expensive than exterior waterproofing.
- Less disruptive: Installing this system causes minimal disruption to your home and landscaping.
- Easy maintenance and repair: Maintaining an interior waterproofing system is simple.
- Time-efficient: Interior basement waterproofing installation is quick and can usually be completed in about a week.
- Post-construction: Interior waterproofing can be installed after a home is already built without requiring significant renovation.
- Flood prevention: Interior waterproofing protects your basement from the risk of flooding and water damage.
Drawbacks
Some of the common drawbacks of interior basement waterproofing include:
- Disrupts your basement: Some excavation in your basement may be required to install basement waterproofing systems. During the installation process, you will not be able to use your basement, and you may have to move belongings or furniture that you have stored in the basement.
How Does It Work?
An interior basement waterproofing system works by capturing any water that seeps in before it can pool on the floor or damage your belongings. Then, it redirects water out of your basement and away from your home through a drainage system. The process usually involves the following steps:
- Sealing the basement walls and floors: This prevents water seepage into the basement.
- Installing a drainage system: Drain tile captures water that seeps in right at the cove joint and channels water into a sump pit.
- Installing a sump pump: A sump pump collects the water in the basement and pumps it out through the drainage system.
- Installing a dehumidifier: A dehumidifier helps to maintain the humidity levels in the basement and keeps it dry.
Exterior Basement Waterproofing
Exterior basement waterproofing is the process of waterproofing the basement from the outside. It usually involves applying a waterproof coating to the basement’s exterior walls and installing an external drainage system. This defense mechanism prevents water from seeping into the basement.
Advantages
Exterior basement waterproofing systems offer the following advantages:
- Durability: Exterior waterproofing is a long-lasting solution for protection against water infiltration.
- Protects foundation: This solution protects the foundation from water damage and maintains structural integrity.
- Minimizes risk of mold: This solution prevents water from seeping into the basement, protecting it against mold and mildew.
- Complete protection: It provides comprehensive protection against water damage when combined with an interior waterproofing system.
Drawbacks
Exterior basement waterproofing has the following drawbacks:
- Expensive: It is quite expensive in comparison with interior waterproofing.
- Disruptive: It is a disruptive process that includes excavating the soil around the foundation.
- Additional cost: This solution may include extra expenses, such as restoring the landscaping after the waterproofing solutions are complete.
How Does It Work?
The exterior basement waterproofing system works by creating a moisture-resistant barrier that prevents water from entering the basement. It may involve the following processes:
- Excavating: The soil around the basement is excavated to allow us to access the foundation walls.
- Coating the walls: The exterior basement walls are coated with a waterproof membrane.
- Installing exterior drainage system: This system, known as drain tile or a French drain, channels water away from the basement through perforated pipes placed in a gravel-filled trench to allow steady drainage.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Exterior and Interior Waterproofing
Choosing the right waterproofing system for your basement is a crucial step. Proper waterproofing can help you address water damage and its underlying cause, and prevent future damage. Here are some of the factors you should consider when choosing between these solutions:
Long-Term Effectiveness
External basement waterproofing is often considered a long-term solution since it is designed to prevent water from entering the basement. However, soil movement and heavy weather can damage external waterproofing solutions over time. Exterior waterproofing does not protect against water that seeps up through the foundation floor due to hydrostatic pressure.
On the other hand, interior waterproofing is an effective method to manage or control the water in the basement, but it may not completely address the underlying issue causing water infiltration.
Maintenance
Interior waterproofing systems require more regular maintenance. Sump pumps and drain tile should be inspected and maintained every six months to ensure effectiveness. However, interior waterproofing systems are easier to access, and maintenance is generally quick. Exterior systems are more difficult to access and may need to be replaced as they wear out over time.
Costs
In terms of installation costs, internal waterproofing is cheaper than external waterproofing. The cost variation between these two solutions is largely due to differences in installation methods and materials required. External waterproofing requires more labor, an extensive installation process, and expensive materials, making it relatively more costly.
Area Surrounding Your Basement
The method you choose also depends on how accessible your basement and foundation are. If your home does not have sufficient space around the basement for excavation, exterior waterproofing is not an option since it requires excavating the perimeter. In such a case, opting for interior waterproofing will be the best choice. Interior waterproofing is less disruptive and easier to install.
Which Option is Right for Your Basement?
Both internal and external basement waterproofing systems are designed to guard your home from water damage. Implementing both methods is the most efficient way to make your basement water-resistant. However, if you have to choose between these two options, evaluating the differences and the key considerations highlighted in this blog may help you make an informed decision. If you are seeking professional help, American Eagle Professional Services Inc. is here to help. Call us to talk to waterproofing experts and schedule a free inspection today.
