The Ultimate Defense: Waterproofing Your Home Inside and Out
When we consider all of the frustrating challenges Mother Nature presents to homeowners, one of the most consistent problems is water. A substantial amount of time, money and ingenuity goes into keeping water away from everywhere we don’t want it. Waterproofing is a crucial aspect of home maintenance, especially in geographical areas prone to heavy rainfall or high groundwater levels. There are two primary methods used – interior and exterior. Each serves a unique purpose and has distinctive differences.
Interior Waterproofing:
Interior waterproofing involves addressing water infiltration issues from within your home. It is typically applied to the interior walls and basement areas and becomes necessary as a result of being unable to properly waterproof the home’s exterior due to grade, obstructions, etc.
Water Diversion: This method primarily focuses on managing and redirecting water that has already penetrated the foundation or walls. It uses systems – such as interior drainage channels, sump pumps, and vapor barriers – to channel water away from your basement and/or crawl space.
Moisture Management: This helps control humidity levels within your home, improving indoor air quality and reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth.
Pros: Interior waterproofing is relatively less invasive and can be done without extensive excavation work. This often makes it a preferred choice for existing homes with limited external access. It is generally less expensive and often comes with a lifetime warranty.
Cons: If water has already entered the foundation, the footer can still sit in wet earth. Of course, this is not a good thing.
Exterior Waterproofing:
This is always the preferred choice but is not always feasible on existing homes. Waterproofing is applied to the outside of the home’s foundation walls, typically during construction. Unfortunately, it’s virtually impossible to fully reach the exterior foundation of most existing homes due to porches, patios, driveways, etc.
Preventative Measure: This method is proactive and aims to prevent water from reaching the foundation walls. It is done during the construction phase or requires excavation to expose the existing foundation. Once the foundation is exposed, waterproof membranes (typically made of rubberized asphalt or bituminous materials) are applied along with drainage systems and appropriate sealants.
Pros: Exterior waterproofing provides a robust defense against various water sources, such as rain, groundwater, and melting snow. It offers long-term protection and can extend the lifespan of your foundation. By keeping water away from the foundation, exterior waterproofing helps prevent structural damage, including cracks and weakening of the foundation walls.
Cons: While exterior waterproofing offers superior protection, it tends to be considerably more expensive and disruptive than interior methods. It is typically only considered during major renovations or new construction projects.
Choosing the Right Method:
The choice between interior and exterior waterproofing depends on several factors, including your budget, the age of your home, and the severity of water infiltration. In some cases, a combination of both methods may be necessary for optimal protection. We recommend getting an honest evaluation from a contractor experienced in both methods. You’ll want to have an in-depth conversation about the pros and cons of each.
Buyer Beware:
If a contractor only offers one option, the homeowner may be misled just so the contractor can sell their solution – not necessarily the best solution. Some companies will sell whatever they can without considering the homeowner’s needs. Sorry to say we see this all the time. Make sure you are dealing with a licensed and reputable contractor with references.
Both interior and exterior waterproofing methods play vital roles in safeguarding your home against water damage. Understanding the differences between the two can help you make an informed decision to ensure your property's longevity and structural integrity. Consulting with a professional waterproofing contractor is your best bet to determine the most appropriate solution for your specific needs. Please let us know if we can help.