What Is The Best Approach To Waterproofing Your Basement?

Water damage in basements is one of the most detrimental things that can happen to a homeowner. The combination of restoration costs, internal repairs, and replacing personal belongings can be catastrophic. That is why reviewing your options for basement waterproofing is vital to the integrity of your property.

What Are The Benefits Of Waterproofing Your Property?

There are many long and short-term benefits to basement waterproofing. When determining whether waterproofing your basement is the right solution for you, consider some of the following benefits.

Peace of Mind: Worrying about whether poor weather conditions, smells, or structural integrity of your property, amidst many other considerations, shouldn't be factors that interrupt your ability to live in and enjoy your property.
Maintaining The Structural Integrity of Your Home: When you waterproof your basement, you benefit from knowing there is a lower risk of uncontrollable factors to your property, and by extension, your personal belongings. To learn more about the overall integrity of your home's foundation, visit the FAQ section on our website.
Increased Value to your property: Whether you plan to live at your home for an indefinite or brief time, modifications to your property are an investment. Regardless of the method you choose, basement waterproofing will add additional value to your property.

What Are My Options For Waterproofing My Property?

There are three primary options for basement waterproofing. Finding the solution that best works for you can be difficult, so it's important to weigh the pros and cons.

Here are the pros and cons of the different types of basement waterproofing.

Exterior Basement Waterproofing:

The process for exterior basement waterproofing requires excavation around the perimeter of your home to grant access to the problem area in your foundation. If you would like an in-depth breakdown of the process, read our blog exploring it here. Now that you have a basic knowledge of the process let's explore the pros and cons.

Pros

Excavation allows for a thorough inspection of any potential problems in your foundation
Ensures windows are properly sealed to prevent water from seeping in
Prevents mould growth
Protects your expensive furniture, carpeting, drywall, and other personal belongings
Act as a preventative measure to protect your home
Long-lasting results
Adds value to your property

Cons

Requires property excavation

Interior Waterproofing:

Technically, interior waterproofing is a temporary method that diverts water via a drainage tile installed under the floor. Like exterior basement waterproofing, there are pros and cons to this method.

Pros

Allows water diversion to decrease the chances of water damage
Cost-effective
Less Invasive

Cons

Technically not waterproofing, simply water diversion
The solution is less effective than exterior waterproofing as water is still making its way into your basement and into a sump pit
Increased stress during severe weather
Less value added to your property

Crack Injections:

While there are two types of injectable materials, crack injects act as a band-aid solution to potentially serious leaks or damage to your home's foundation. Here are the pros and cons of basement crack injection repair.

Pros

Can help establish a seal for existing foundation cracks
Provides a fix for potential leak and structural integrity issues

Cons

Doesn't add additional value to your property
Does not provide a proper drainage system to protect your basement

What is the best approach for basement waterproofing?

At the end of the day, you want the most effective, long-lasting, and value-adding solution for your home. While all options are viable solutions depending on your budget and needs, exterior basement waterproofing is the most beneficial for your property. The combination of long-lasting value, security in knowing your foundation is being thoroughly investigated, and peace of mind for your property makes exterior basement waterproofing the best investment.