The Ins and Outs of Basement Waterproofing

Having a basement that is plagued with leaking, dampness, or major moisture issues can be one of the most stressful situations a homeowner can face. With so many unknowns about the process and expenses, the idea of waterproofing a basement can seem daunting, confusing, and financially unpredictable. While every waterproofing project is unique, learning some general information about the process and average cost of waterproofing a basement can help demystify the experience and can help a homeowner feel more confident in trusting a professional to keep their home watertight.

How Do I Know If My Basement Needs Waterproofing?

There are several telltale signs that a basement is having water issues. The most common signs of a wet basement are:

• a musty odor
• the presences of mold
• staining around flooring, carpet, or walls
• rust around nails or hinges in the room

If any of these sound familiar, you likely have moisture issues that need to be assessed and addressed.

Schedule a Waterproofing Evaluation

What is Causing Moisture in My Basement?

Water in a basement can come from several sources. The most common causes are:

• poor drainage around a home
• broken or leaky pipes
• cracked basement walls or floors
• water heater failure
• missing or defective gutters or downspouts

Depending on the issues your home is having, a waterproofing professional can determine what waterproofing method would most effectively dry out your basement or crawl space.

What are Some Ways a Basement can be Waterproofed?

There are two general ways to dry out your basement or crawlspace: exterior basement waterproofing and interior basement waterproofing.

Exterior Waterproofing involves digging a 3-10-foot ditch along a home’s exterior, cleaning the walls and waterproofing them, and then filling the ditch with stone and installing a drainpipe.

Interior Waterproofing can involve drainage systems, dehumidifiers, sump pumps, or a combination of all three, depending on the severity of the water issue.

While these are simplified explanations of what can sometimes be a complicated process, an on-site evaluation will indicate which of these services would be right for your home.

What is the Average Cost of Waterproofing a Basement?

Costs can vary greatly and are based on each specific case, service, and location, but the prices below show a general breakdown of what waterproofing services could cost a homeowner.

• Exterior waterproofing tends to be the most expensive service and can cost anywhere from $7,000 - $15,000.
• Interior and crawlspace waterproofing is generally a less expensive option and generally costs $4,000 - $6,000.

After an inspection, a professional will provide a quote catered to the specific waterproofing services your home needs.

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Why Does it Matter if My Basement is Damp?

While a musty smell or dampness after a rainstorm may seem harmless, there are potentially very serious issues that can arise from basement moisture. A wet basement can cause:

• damage to a home’s foundation
• mold and mildew growth
• issues with allergies or asthma as a reaction to biological growth
• warping of floorboards or other building materials

If you see any of these signs in your basement, you will need to fix the moisture problem and repair any damaged wood to avoid further issues.

Let a Professional Take Care of your Water Issues

Ensuring your basement is watertight is a solid investment in your home’s safety. Professionals at Thompson Brothers can create a waterproofing strategy for your specific needs with upfront pricing and an explanation of the process so you can rest assured that your home’s interior and exterior will stay dry for years to come.

Contact Thompson Brothers