When Should You Choose Exterior Basement Waterproofing Methods For Your Property?

Posted on: 6 October 2022

Households can manage basement leaks by waterproofing the basement from the interior or exterior of the home. Interior waterproofing uses interior sealants and drains to control moisture. Exterior waterproofing prevents water from accessing your structure from the outside. Although interior methods keep water out of the basement, they don't solve moisture issues from the outside environment. Therefore, you should evaluate your needs and choose the best waterproofing technique. Therefore, check out these instances when you should waterproof your basement from the outside.

Your Property Has an Ineffective Grading  

Is your property graded in such a way that rainwater flows toward the building instead of away from it? If so, you need a waterproofing technique that directs water away from the property. Interior waterproofing uses sealants to seal interior walls and drains to redirect groundwater away from the basement. However, if your property is poorly graded, rainwater will infiltrate the external walls. The moisture can compromise internal sealants, causing them to fail.

Exterior waterproofing involves excavating around the external walls and installing a moisture barrier. A drainage system is also installed to redirect rainwater away from the building. This waterproofing technique deals with moisture at the entry point. Therefore, water won't infiltrate the external walls or compromise sealants applied to the interior walls. 

Your Foundation Is at Risk of Damage

Interior waterproofing is a cost-effective way of keeping moisture out of your basement. However, it does not protect the foundation from damage. Where moisture issues arise from poor grading or an inefficient roof drainage system, water will seep into the foundation. The moisture will gradually damage the foundation and cause it to crack or settle.

Exterior waterproofing uses drainage systems to redirect rainwater from the building. Therefore, even if your land is poorly sloped or your roof drainage isn't working correctly, your foundation won't suffer moisture damage. Although exterior waterproofing is costly, it can save you money on foundation underpinning and repair.

You Want a Finished Basement

Before converting your basement into a living space, you must manage internal and external moisture. Interior waterproofing alone doesn't protect the walls from moisture. If the sealant gets compromised, mold will grow on the surfaces. Combining exterior and interior waterproofing methods is the best way to protect your finished basement.

Exterior drainage systems and moisture barriers prevent moisture infiltration through the exterior walls, while sump pumps and floor drains keep groundwater out. These two techniques can tackle moisture issues and increase the usability of the basement.

Exterior waterproofing provides a permanent solution to moisture in the basement. You can even pair it with interior sealants and drains if you want to finish your basement. For professional waterproofing services, contact a contractor.

To find out more, contact a company like J.A. Kilby Enterprises Inc.

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