When you’re thinking about waterproofing your basement, you may find yourself wondering whether or not it’s better to choose the waterproofing solution that works from the inside of your basement or the one that works from the outside. So what does it mean to waterproof your basement from the inside?
It’s quite straightforward! This article will explain how to waterproof your basement from the inside and why this method will be best in most situations. All information is provided by our experts in basement waterproofing Winston-Salem.
Why Is It Necessary To Waterproof From Within?
The most common reason to waterproof your basement is to prevent it from flooding in heavy rains and snowstorms. If water can’t get in, then your basement shouldn’t flood.
The other main benefit of waterproofing from within is that you won’t have to rebuild outside walls that support your home. By waterproofing with a sump pump system, you may avoid expensive renovations and repairs down the road. Home Advisor estimates the average cost to repair flooding ranges from $1,210 to $5,158.
To waterproof your basement from within, you must install a sump pump. A sump pump pulls groundwater away from your home and towards a gravel drainage system.
When the pump works properly, there should be no standing water in your basement. Once you have installed a sump pump, you will want to find ways of preventing further water damage; here are three methods that work especially well for basement waterproofing.
What Happens If You Do Not Do It?
If you do not waterproof your basement, moisture will be able to get in easily through cracks in your foundation. Once there, it can seep into walls and wooden beams, corroding them and causing structural damage. This can lead to more expensive home repairs that are not only time-consuming but costly as well. Moisture is especially problematic for people with allergies or asthma since mold can grow wherever there is dampness and trigger symptoms like itching, sneezing, coughing, or wheezing.
Water seeping into your basement can also cause mold to grow, which can result in damage to your home’s walls and floors, as well as affect your health. Keeping moisture out of your basement is an important part of keeping it dry. Not only does water damage reduce the resale value, but it can pose a safety hazard if mold starts to develop. It isn’t just about looks—mold is toxic, so you will want to avoid breathing it or having contact with it.
If you’re worried about taking on waterproofing your basement yourself, you can always hire a professional company to take care of it for you. One way that companies can help homeowners save money is by offering free inspection services so that homeowners know what repairs need to be made before they agree to do any work.
Reviews are also an excellent source of information because they give consumers detailed feedback on how much they should expect to pay and how many hours should be expected for various jobs.
What Are The Different Methods of Interiors Basement Waterproofing?
There are three different methods for waterproofing your basement from the inside.
The three methods are (1) installing a sump pump, (2) drainage piping, and (3) special paints.
Sump pumps work by pumping out groundwater through a pipe that leads to an exterior drain or dries well. While sump pumps do cost money and can be tricky to install yourself, they’re easily among the best and most reliable basement waterproofing solutions available today.
Drainage Piping
Drainage piping, on the other hand, is considerably cheaper than sump pumps and can be installed by homeowners on their own. There are three main types of drainage piping; however, all pipes for basement waterproofing work in essentially one way. They direct water away from your foundation towards an exterior drain or dry well where groundwater can escape.
Pipes for basement waterproofing can be installed by either you or 58 Foundations. To install your own pipes, ensure your basement is completely dry and free of any standing water. Next, drill holes in your foundation where you’d like to place each pipe.
When installing your pipes, it’s important to follow local building codes. You may be required to install backflow preventers, so talk with your local water department about how best to proceed.
Polyurethane Foam
Foam polyurethane is a waterproof membrane that covers your basement walls, floor, and ceiling. It forms a watertight seal that prevents moisture from getting inside your home. Foam polyurethane also expands to fill any voids in your basement’s structure, which can cause cracks in concrete. For a stronger, more long-lasting application, choose spray foam over regular foam for waterproofing.
If you’re looking for an even stronger waterproofing solution, you can consider pouring concrete directly on your foam polyurethane. This method is called insulated concrete forms, or ICF. Using these forms is more expensive than traditional construction techniques—but they can last for many years, making them a good option if you stay in your home for decades.
Sump Pumps
All in all, sump pumps are one of your best options for basement waterproofing. While drainage piping is also effective, sump pumps are usually more efficient and less likely to malfunction. Special paints can be great for some things, but they aren’t completely reliable in basement waterproofing.
The sump pump should sit directly below your basement floor in a pit no more than one foot deep. The power supply for your sump pump must be hardwired to prevent power outages caused by bad weather. Ideally, your sump pump should be switched on for at least 30 minutes every hour during heavy rains or when there is a significant amount of water inside your basement.
You can also install an additional backup sump pump to take over if your main pump ever fails. It’s also recommended that you keep a few backup batteries on hand for your sump pump to ensure that your pumping systems don’t fail during a power outage.
Remember that water pumps require routine maintenance and can be expensive to replace or repair, so look into protecting them against potential flood damage.
