Types Of Waterproofing Services That Can Keep Your Basement Dry

If you're tired of your basement being wet and smelling musty, talk to a waterproofing contractor about your options. Waterproofing isn't always disruptive and expensive. The contractor might have a solution that fits your budget and keeps your basement dry. Here's more information about the two main types of waterproofing services: interior and exterior waterproofing.

Interior Waterproofing Services

Interior waterproofing is done inside your basement. This is often preferred because it's less disruptive and more affordable than exterior waterproofing. Methods your contractor can choose from include putting a coating on the walls and installing an interior drain and sump pump. Also, if there are any cracks in the walls, those need to be filled in so water can't seep through.

Putting a waterproof coating on the walls keeps water from leaking through the porous concrete walls. Putting a drain in is more expensive, but it might be more effective depending on your situation.

The drain is buried under the basement floor so water falls in the drain before getting inside your basement. The success of a drain system depends on the sump pump being able to move the collected water outside. You'll probably want a battery backup for the pump so it continues to work when the power goes out.

Although the floor has to be busted up to install the drain, the floor is repaired afterward, so you can finish your basement and the drain will be out of sight.

Exterior Waterproofing Services

Exterior waterproofing is done outside your home on exterior walls or in your yard. Since your basement is under the ground, the dirt has to be dug away from your basement to do this type of waterproofing, and that's why it is more expensive.

Options your contractor may consider are putting a coating or membrane on the wall and installing a French drain. They may even do both. The drain is buried in a trench next to your house so when water rolls toward your house, it falls in the drain. The drain then moves the water to a safe place away from your house.

If the contractor also installs a wall membrane, water that reaches the wall rolls down the waterproof membrane and falls into the drain to be carried away.

The waterproofing contractor has to assess your situation to determine the appropriate ways to waterproof your basement. They'll also take your budget into account and the amount of room there is to work in your yard. If you have mature landscaping in the way, you may not want to dig it up. In that case, an interior method would be more appropriate. 

For more info about waterproofing services, contact a local company.