- Last updated: November 21, 2023
Eugene Kushmarak
Please meet Eugene, one of our basement flood experts. He started his career from the bottom, digging trenches, working his way up to contractor and supervisor. Learn More About Eugene Kushmarak
What is Basement Waterproofing?
As a homeowner, the last thing you want to worry about is a pooled puddle of water in your basement after a heavy downpour. Waterproofing your basement is a key home improvement addition that may seriously shield your home from potential water damages ensuring it is dry, safe, and structurally sound.
In this post, we’ll explore 4 Types of Basement Waterproofing. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but understanding each type can guide you to make an informed decision for your basement makeover.
1. Interior Waterproofing
Interior Water Drainage
As the most popular solution for basements that let in water, interior water drainage systems aren’t technically considered waterproofing, but rather water management. These systems are designed to manage and discharge water that gets through your foundation wall.
High-tech plastic drain lines are installed in your basement floor close to the foundation wall, leading the water through a drainage system that sends the water out of the house. Despite basement systems cautioning that such systems may clog, both sources agree that they are easy to install and effectively manage water intrusion, making them an ideal remedial waterproofing solution.
How It Works: This method involves installing a drainage system around the interior perimeter of the basement. Place high-tech plastic drain lines near the foundation wall to capture seeping water.
What It Solves: The drainage system collects water that seeps through the foundation and directs it to a sump pump, which pumps the water out of the basement.
French Drain
A French drain is a trench filled with gravel or rock that is designed to redirect water away from the foundation. This method involves installing a perforated pipe in the trench, which collects water and directs it away from the foundation. French drains are effective in controlling water that enters the basement from the surrounding area.
How It Works: Install a trench filled with gravel or rock around the foundation. Insert a perforated pipe in the trench to successfully guide water away from the foundation.
What It Solves: Effectively redirects the water that seeps into the basement from the surrounding area, thereby controlling water inflow.
Sump Pump
A sump pump is a device used to remove water that has accumulated in the basement. This method involves installing a sump pump in a pit in the basement floor. The sump pump collects water that seeps through the foundation and pumps it out of the basement. Sump pumps are effective in controlling water that enters the basement from below the foundation.
How It Works: A sump pump is installed within a pit in the basement floor. Essential to the process is the collection and subsequent pumping of water that seeps through the foundation.
What It Solves: Efficiently deals with water intrusion from beneath the foundation, purging the accumulated water from the basement.
Waterproofing Membranes
Waterproofing membranes are materials that are applied to the interior or exterior of the foundation walls to prevent water from seeping through. These membranes can be made of various materials, such as asphalt, plastic, or rubber. Waterproofing membranes are effective in controlling water that enters the basement from outside or below the foundation.
How It Works: Membranes made of varying materials, such as asphalt, plastic, or rubber, are applied to the interior or exterior of the foundation walls.
What It Solves: Capably controls water seeping into the basement either from the exterior or beneath the foundation, ensuring a dry and safe basement.
2. Exterior Excavation Waterproofing
Excluded from conversion plans due to the significant costs involved, exterior excavation waterproofing is about prevention, inhibiting water from invading your house in the first place. The process involves excavating the soil around your home to reveal the foundation wall, and then applying a waterproof coating or membrane. This method also involves installing a French drain system at the bottom of the excavation for effective water displacement.
How It Works: Excavate soil around your home, apply waterproof coating, and install a French drain system for effective drainage. This method involves excavating the ground around the perimeter of the foundation and applying a waterproofing membrane to the exterior walls. This creates a barrier that prevents water from entering the basement through the walls.
What It Solves: A prevention solution that safeguards the basement from water infiltration, thus preserving the structural integrity of your home.
3. Basement Waterproofing with Sealants
An economical option for homes occasionally dealing with dampness rather than water intrusion is waterproofing by using sealants. Water-based acrylic formulas or cement-like mixtures are used to paint the interior foundation walls and floors, forming a watertight seal against minor leaks and seepage.
How It Works: Using water-based acrylic formulas or cement-like mixtures, paint the interior foundation walls and floors for a watertight seal.
What It Solves: It’s an affordable quick fix for minor leaks and dampness, and when used with other methods, it can enhance the overall waterproofing system.
4. Paint and Drylock
Paint and Drylock serve as a potential solution for basements intermittently wrestling with minor dampness or low-level water seepage. In this method, special waterproofing paint or a concrete sealer known as Drylock is applied to the interior walls and floor of the basement, establishing a water-resistant barrier.
How It Works: Apply waterproof paint or Drylock to interior foundations for a water-resistant barrier.
What It Solves: Offers a cost-effective quick fix for minor dampness and leaks. When combined with other methods, it can boost the overall effectiveness of your basement’s waterproofing.
How Aquatech Waterproofing Can Help
If you are experiencing water damage in your basement or are interested in waterproofing your basement to prevent future damage, Aquatech Waterproofing is here to help. With over 25 years of experience, their team of experts can provide a variety of solutions tailored to your specific needs and budget.
Maintaining the health of your home includes waterproofing your basement. By understanding the three major types of basement waterproofing, you can assess which approach is most compatible with your home’s specific situation: interior water drainage for waterproof management, exterior excavation waterproofing for prevention, and sealants for economical dampness sealing.
Although there’s no ‘one size fits all’ solution, the need for a tailored, functional, and durable waterproofing system is undeniable. Regardless of the selected method, the ultimate goal is sustainability, ensuring that your basement remains dry, safe, and structurally sound. A perfectly waterproofed basement will augment the valuation of your house over a lucrative long run.
