Interior Vs Exterior Basement Waterproofing Solutions

Any homeowner that owns a property in Toronto with a leaky basement or minor moisture related problems in the basement of their home has a lot to consider, as if not rectified, these problems can sometimes have a serious impact upon not just the condition and consequently the value of the property, but also on the health of anyone living in the property. Depending on the scope of the problem, there are typically several different solutions that a plumbing expert will be able to offer you, some of which concern the interior of the basement, while others focus on the exterior of the basement. Which is the best choice? While it’s definitely unwise to make a decision based on price alone, since cheaper solutions are rarely the best solutions, sometimes circumstances will largely dictate which option is the most appropriate.  The severity of the moisture problem your basement is affected by may mean that there is only one waterproofing option available to you, or other factors such as your budget and obstacles around the perimeter of your home may narrow your list of options.  Having said that, during this article we are going to take a look at how interior and exterior basement waterproofing solutions compare.

We Take a Look at How Different Basement Waterproofing Options Compare

In the past, when either a residential or commercial client called a plumbing service in need of professional waterproofing for their basement, the vast majority of the time it was done from the outside. That has changed nowadays, and the opposite is now probably true, but there are occasions where it is still the approach that is taken. We are going to start by explaining the methods that are used inside and outside the basement, and then explain when these solutions might be most applicable.

Interior Basement Waterproofing Solutions

• Interior Drain Tile – When moisture is seeping through into your basement, rather than gushing through, an interior drain tile system is often a good choice. The area next to the wall will be dug up, fitted with a plastic pipe that is perforated, membrane will be installed against the wall and connected to a sump pump. The pipe will typically be covered over with some porous gravel. The aim of this system is to reduce the hydrostatic pressure underneath your property, which forces water in an upward direction through cracks in the floor. If any water does find its way into your basement, the sump pump will ensure that it is safely removed.

Exterior Basement Waterproofing Solutions

Just like with interior basement waterproofing, when discussing waterproofing methods with a plumbing professional that involve the exterior of your property, there are two methods they will generally talk you through; adding/replacing a waterproof membrane and installing an exterior drain tile. Occasionally they may also suggest repairing minor cracks from the outside, but this is generally a waterproofing technique that takes place in the interior of the basement.

• Waterproof Membrane – In theory this method is relatively simple and makes sense; rather than leaving the material your property’s foundations are made from to fight off the water itself, a waterproof membrane, typically produced from an asphalt-modified polyurethane material, is applied directly over the exterior of the foundation walls. In practice though, this is one of the more demanding waterproofing techniques and consequently is often reserved for particularly severe wet basement problems, although it is considered to be the most effective technique. To do this, your home’s foundations must be completely dug out so the material can be applied.
• Exterior Drain Tile – This is exactly the same as the interior drain tile except, you guessed it, it’s installed on the exterior of the basement wall rather than on the interior side. The pipe may also be made out of a more heavy duty material and an exterior drain tile system will often be recommended when having an exterior waterproof membrane applied, since much of the hard work (i.e. the digging) has already been done. The exterior drain tile helps to reduce hydrostatic pressure, but primarily it removes ground water that moves towards your home’s foundations.

While this guide may have made it much clearer with regards to whether interior or exterior basement waterproofing methods are more applicable in your situation, a waterproofing expert will be able to provide you with the best advice after seeing the condition of your basement for themselves. New Canadian Drain & Plumbing is renowned for helping people in the Toronto area resolve they leaky basement problems, and if you would like our assistance, pick up the phone and dial (416) 651-2990. Visit us on Google+

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