Are you having issues with a leaky basement? Is it better to fix it from outside or inside the basement? Do you know how to fix a leaking basement from the inside?
Are these the questions you have been wondering about lately? Have you been putting off basement repairs for some time now?
Following is some expert advice on the difference between fixing a leaking basement from the interior vs the exterior. This will help you make an informed decision about the best way to waterproof your basement.
How to Fix a Leaking Basement from the Inside: Pros and Cons
One of the first things you will need to do is to determine the source of the leak. Is the water in the basement leaking where wall meets floor? Is it coming from the pipes? Once you have determined the source of the leak, you can decide what type of waterproofing must be done to fix the leak. Both internal and external basement waterproofing has its advantages as well as some disadvantages and some varying expenses. It is always best to seek the advice of a professional plumber when it comes to serious issues with leaky basements.
Unresolved basement leaks can lead to serious issues, such as weakening the foundation, damaging your furniture, walls, carpet, and belongings, bug and rodent infestation, and mold and mildew issues. Waterproofing your basement can help prevent these issues and save you a lot of money on costly repairs.
Interior Waterproofing
You might be confused as to what it means to waterproof your basement from the inside. Interior basement waterproofing involves hiring a professional to dig a trench and install a footer drain. This will help to redirect the water away from your home to a safe drainage point. In addition, a sump pump might be needed.
In order to access the foundation, it is necessary to remove the drywall. It is much easier to pinpoint the exact source of the leak from inside as opposed to outside. Overall, this process is less expensive than external waterproofing, which involves excavation. As opposed to external waterproofing, which only patches a portion of the home, internal waterproofing will completely fill the source of the leak from inside to outside. Another advantage of this method is that the workers will not be affected by weather conditions, which should make the process go quicker and smoother.
Exterior Waterproofing
With exterior waterproofing, excavating the foundation of the basement will be needed to pinpoint the source of the leak. Moreover, the footer drain will need to be removed and then replaced, and the foundation will need to be covered by a dimpled membrane. You may incur additional costs due to landscaping to repair any issues from the process. Also, it may take longer, as the process is dependent on outside weather conditions. On average, exterior basement waterproofing costs are three times higher than the cost of interior waterproofing.
There are some other issues that may arise with this method. There is a greater risk of such issues as gas lines being cut or the roof caving in during the excavation process.
If you have any concerns about how to fix a leaking basement from the inside, contact the expert staff at DrainCom. We can help you determine which form of basement waterproofing is best for you. Give us a call today to schedule an in-home consultation.
