Water is the driving force of life, and it’s necessary to human life. However, water can be damaging to both your home and your finances. It can be a problem for you now or in the future. A lot of people don’t pay attention to their basements, particularly if they are not waterproof. However, waterproofing issues can affect both homeowners and tenants. If waterproofing is not done correctly, it can cause a ripple effect that is difficult to repair. To avoid any crises, everyone should understand the fundamentals of waterproofing. It is critical to waterproof your home when the foundation is being constructed. This will result in long-lasting consequences and benefits. It is also the right time, as it will be much easier to dig into small gaps before they are sealed off during construction. In modern house construction, waterproofing systems must be installed before the completion of the dwelling.
It is important to regularly check for signs of basement waterproofing, even if it was waterproofed during construction.
An immediate solution to water protection system damage is necessary because wear and tear could occur, resulting in further damage to the basement and the entire structure.
There are two methods of waterproofing a basement. We will examine them.
External basement waterproofing
When a flood happens outside of your home, a small crack in your cellar’s defenses can devastate the foundation. Exterior basement waterproofing is a considerable undertaking. But, regardless of what techniques the waterproofers use, it will start with excavating the ground from around the basement. Exterior waterproofing can be carried at the surface or the footer level. Surface waterproofing is less expensive and can prevent the water from reaching the walls, but it will not handle the hydrostatic pressure if it is present. Waterproofing at the footer level requires the installation of footer drain tiles, usually connected through the wall to the sump pump inside the home.
Interior basement waterproofing
This entails waterproofing basement walls from the inside. Consequently, water that leaks into the basement will be rerouted before it can come into, out of, and away from your home. It is a much less offensive alternative to exterior waterproofing and is an effective waterproofing method. A basement waterproofing system manages the water by removing groundwater quickly before it reaches your floor. A drainage system and interior sealers are used as part of the process. Generally, interior drainage systems consist of pipes and drains that catch leaks or collect excess groundwater under the foundation.
The factors that affect waterproofing cost
Many homeowners neglect the importance of understanding waterproofing fundamentals and having work done on their foundations because they expect it to be expensive. By understanding the factors that affect basement waterproofing costs, you can make better decisions and keep them under control. Various factors control the cost of waterproofing.
The cause of the water leak; will usually determine the solutions to adopt. There are several reasons for a leak in your home. For example, you may believe that the damp walls in the basement result from cracks in the foundation. However, it may result from improper construction of a window well. The cost of waterproofing will be minimal if the problem is caused by a window well.
- The kind of foundation
Most modern homes’ foundations are built using concrete. These foundations are easy to repair. Cracks can often be repaired by injecting epoxy or polyurethane into them. In addition, the cost of a waterproofing project changes according to the material used for building a foundation. Therefore, repairing a concrete foundation is less costly than repairing a block or brick foundation.
- The waterproofing method selected
Usually, the exterior waterproofing method is more expensive as compared to the interior waterproofing method. During this process, the earth is excavated around your home, and waterproofing materials are installed effectively.
- Accessibility
To gain access, do you need to remove a walkway or driveway? Do you need to break through a wall and insulation to access the foundation? Do you need an excavator? The accessibility of your foundation has a huge role in determining the cost.
Conclusion
All in all, you should understand the waterproofing fundamentals and be able to determine the extent and severity of the water leakage to know what type of waterproofing you should use. If you need help with this, you can reach out to Meridian Environmental services, and we will be happy to help you.
An experienced waterproofing contractor can provide a detailed estimate after considering several factors. Remember, however, that unexpected circumstances may affect the final cost of the waterproofing project. So, you should be prepared for additional expenditure.