Interior and Exterior Waterproofing to Fit Your Home

Exterior Waterproofing

Exterior waterproofing involves excavating beside the foundation of the home,  installing a tile drainage system beside the footer, installing a multilayer waterproofing system on the foundation wall and filling the area back with proper drainage rock and soil. This is a commonly used method when the home is on a grade and there are not major obstructions around the problem area. It is also popular for homes with finished basements that would like to avoid repairing interior walls or flooring. Exterior solutions have long been preferred as they prevent the water from ever passing through the foundation and are better at reducing hydrostatic pressure on the wall. One of the few drawbacks is the life span of exterior waterproofing. Over time, the tile drain system can become clogged and lose efficiency. Additionally, settling over time can open new gaps or cracks for water to pass through, issues that have far less impact on interior waterproofing. Sometimes there are costly features around the home that would make exterior solutions less ideal as well.

Interior Waterproofing

Interior waterproofing involves cutting out a channel of concrete on the floor of the basement along the problem walls. Weep holes and a patented track drain are installed to direct any intruding water to a sump pump which collects and removes water from the basement. Any large cracks or gaps are sealed and a liner installed over the foundation wall to direct any seepage down to the channel drain. Concrete is installed back over the drainage system and around the sump pump. Once cured, wall and flooring can be installed back over the concrete, making the waterproofing system completely undetectable. Sump pumps are often installed in utility closets or under cabinets for aesthetic purposes if the basement is being finished. Interior waterproofing is becoming more popular in the industry as it eliminates the need for new landscaping, can be installed regardless of concrete driveways, or patios around the home, can be guaranteed for longer periods and is often less expensive per linear foot than exterior waterproofing.