Is Interior Waterproofing Different from Exterior Waterproofing?
As a homeowner, the state of your home is important to you. Not only because it’s a big financial investment, but also because it is your home. Remember how excited you were the day you signed on the dotted line and received your keys? Why wouldn’t you put in the time and effort to make sure your home is in nearly perfect condition?
If you live in an area prone to heavy rainfall, snowstorms and heavy snow melts, then you are aware of the damage this kind of weather can bring to your home and your basement. Being the responsible homeowner that you are, you have decided to invest in basement waterproofing for your home. But there are so many options to choose from and there are various methods of basement waterproofing to think about. You also have to think about hiring a professional to do the job for you. And honestly, is interior waterproofing different from exterior waterproofing? Well, let’s find out shall we?
The Difference Between Interior and Exterior Waterproofing
Exterior Waterproofing
Exterior waterproofing is the first defense against water and consists of gutters and downspouts that collect water and lead it away from your home. This is why it is so important to always keep your gutters clean. Another important part of exterior waterproofing includes a waterproof membrane, which is installed around the foundation of your home to seal out moisture so that the concrete doesn’t absorb it, crack and allow leaks. Next is an exterior drainage system, like a French drain. This system can require some work because it requires excavation along the foundation of the home.
Drain tiles are fitted into the trench around the home, surrounded by gravel and then the entire system is covered with soil. The drain tiles will carry water away from the foundation before it has a chance to enter the basement. Although this method does involve some excavation, it can be well worth it.
Exterior waterproofing is also more expensive than interior waterproofing, because it requires more work and more material, but it efficiently stops water from getting close to the foundation of your home. When your foundation stays dry, it doesn’t get weak and damaged and it won’t crack to allow water leaks inside your basement or your home. So in turn, a pricy exterior waterproofing system ends up being reasonable, because it saves you money in the long run.
Interior Waterproofing
Interior waterproofing makes sure that water that leaks into the basement is re-routed out and away from the home. These interior drainage systems are made up of pipes and drains that catch leaks or are installed under the foundation to collect excess groundwater. This excess water is directed to a sump pit, which is basically a large basin that stores water in your basement. Then comes a sump pump, which is a water pump that sits inside the sump pit and pumps water out of the basement and away from your home. Sump pumps usually begin automatically pumping water when it reaches a certain level in the sump pit. Most sump pumps come with a back-up battery so they can continue working in case of a power outage or during a severe storm.
Another method of interior waterproofing is made up of vapor barriers. These are made up of plastic or foil sheets and are installed along the walls of your basement to seal out moisture. Apart from an interior drainage system, interior waterproofing also works to seal any cracks and leaks that are letting water into the basement. These can easily be sealed so that they don’t allow any moisture or humidity to accumulate in your home. Investing in a good interior waterproofing system can greatly reduce the risk of a flood in your basement. These drainage systems are easy to install and generally cost less than exterior waterproofing systems.
Interior and exterior waterproofing both have their pros and cons. Interior waterproofing can only be used to remove water that has already accumulated in your basement, so they are not effective at preventing water from coming getting into the basement in the first place. Exterior waterproofing can be expensive, but it keeps water away from your foundation and from getting inside your home or into your basement. Regardless of the method you decide on, what’s important is that you are making the effort to keep your home warm and dry. If you have any questions about waterproofing methods, or if you are interested in interior and exterior waterproofing for your home, contact the experts at Triad Basement Waterproofing for more information.