If you’re a homeowner dealing with a damp or leaky basement, you’ve probably heard about the debate between exterior waterproofing vs interior waterproofing. Both methods aim to keep your basement dry and prevent water damage, but they tackle the problem from different angles.
Bemoaning the importance of basement waterproofing options, consumers frequently fail to recognize that every method carries inherent drawbacks. Exterior and interior waterproofing might differ significantly, yet their shortcomings are just as real. To unlock the full potential of each approach, be sure to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both scenarios. Proper understanding can result in superior overall protection for your domestic domicile.
What Is Exterior Waterproofing?
Exterior waterproofing is all about keeping water out before it even has a chance to enter your home. It’s like putting a giant raincoat on your foundation walls.
The process usually involves excavating the soil around the foundation, all the way down to the footing. Then, a waterproof coating or membrane (like a tar coating) is applied to the exterior of the walls. Finally, a drainage system, like a French drain or weeping tile, is installed to direct water away from the foundation.
Pros of Exterior Waterproofing
Don’t let water creep in on little feet. Exterior waterproofing lets you take control, fortifying your home’s protection against invisible watery fingers seeping through the walls and stopping damage where it starts.
- Tackles Underlying Problems: Unlike interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing directly addresses the source of water leaks and moisture issues by sealing the home from the outside to prevent water from getting to the interior walls.
- Offers Structural Protection: Exterior waterproofing offers greater protection to homes with severe foundation damage or structural issues. It also serves as a lasting solution for homes with a history of frequent water leaks.
- Long-lasting: This solution offers a permanent solution to moisture problems without the burden of regular maintenance.
Cons of Exterior Waterproofing
- Disruption: A major con of exterior waterproofing is the excavation process. Excavating around your foundation is a major undertaking that disrupts your outdoor living space and affects your day-to-day life while the process is ongoing.
- Not Suitable for All: To get exterior waterproofing, there needs to be ample space between your building and neighboring buildings to allow for excavation. Also, if you have hard landscaping, exterior waterproofing might not be an available option. Consult a reliable contractor to find out if you home is qualified for exterior waterproofing.
- Dependent on Weather Conditions: During adverse weather conditions like snow or rain storms, excavation can’t be done. This delays the installation process of exterior waterproofing.
What is Interior Waterproofing?
Interior waterproofing, on the other hand, is all about managing water that has already entered your basement or crawl space. Rather than stopping water at the source, it’s designed to capture and remove water before it can cause damage.
The key to a comfortable and mold-free basement lies in managing water and humidity levels. By investing in an interior waterproofing solution like a sump pump or dehumidifier, you can create a dry and pleasant environment for your basement.
Other popular interior waterproofing solutions:
- Vapor Barriers
- Drylock Paints
- Crystalline Solutions
Pros of Interior Waterproofing
Embracing interior waterproofing allows you to sidestep the exhaustive process of exterior methods. Without the need to exhume your foundation, you’ll not only reduce expenses but also minimize potential disruptions to your daily life.
- Accessible to All: Where exterior waterproofing is only suitable for homes that meet certain standards, interior waterproofing can be done in most buildings.
- Not Affected by Weather: Because the installation process is done indoors, interior waterproofing is not dependent on weather conditions and can be installed year-round.
- Budget-Friendly: Interior waterproofing does not require excavation or any other exhaustive process. This makes it a more cost-effective option compared to exterior waterproofing.
Cons of Interior Waterproofing
- Doesn’t Address Underlying Causes: The main drawback of interior waterproofing is that it doesn’t address the underlying cause of water intrusion. If you have cracks in your foundation or poor drainage around your home, interior systems won’t fix those issues.
- Requires Regular Maintenance: Interior waterproofing also requires regular maintenance to keep the system running smoothly. You’ll need to periodically check your sump pump and clear any debris from the drainage channels.
- Minimal Structural Protection: Compared to exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing solutions offer little to no long-term protection for your basement walls and foundation. This means you could end up dealing with structural damages later on.
4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Exterior and Interior Waterproofing
If you’re torn between exterior and interior waterproofing, don’t rush into a decision just yet. Take a closer look at the specific demands of your project. Factors such as moisture exposure and the level of protection you need will ultimately guide your choice.
1. Cost
In terms of basement waterproofing costs, exterior waterproofing tends to be more expensive than interior methods. The average cost of exterior waterproofing ranges from $5,000 to $30,000, while interior waterproofing typically costs between $2,000 and $10,000.
The initial investment in exterior waterproofing may seem daunting, but the payoff in terms of long-term protection and increased home value makes it a savvy decision.
2. Home History and Foundation Condition
Since every home is different, it’s crucial to assess your specific situation before making a decision. This could involve inspecting your home’s foundation, examining its history of water damage, and determining its susceptibility to future issues.
In some cases, a combination of both exterior and interior waterproofing methods may be necessary to fully protect your home from water damage. A professional contractor can assess your home’s specific repair needs and recommend the best waterproofing solutions for your situation.
3. Environmental Factors
In areas where heavy rainfall and high water tables are common, exterior waterproofing can significantly mitigate damage. For areas with lower water tables and less water damage risks, interior waterproofing is a good choice.
4. Age
For new builds, exterior waterproofing is effective for providing added structural support and is also easily incorporated into the construction process. For existing structures, interior waterproofing is an easier option.
FAQs
Let Crossroads Keep Your Home Dry and Safe
When it comes to protecting your home from water damage, the choice between exterior waterproofing vs interior waterproofing is an important one. Both methods have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice for your home will depend on a variety of factors, including your budget, the severity of your water problem, and the age and condition of your foundation.
Ultimately, the key to a dry and healthy basement is to work with a trusted basement waterproofing professional who can assess your unique situation and recommend the best course of action. With the right approach and a little bit of maintenance, you can enjoy a dry, comfortable basement for years to come, no matter which method you choose in the battle of exterior waterproofing vs interior waterproofing.
At Crossroads Foundation Repair, we have teams of dedicated experts with years of extensive experience fixing homes with long-lasting solutions. No matter what option you choose for your waterproofing, we help you get your home safe and dry– without breaking the bank.
Call us today for a FREE inspection.
