By Kendry Lee
If you’re wondering whether you should waterproof a basement from the inside or outside, you should know you’re not alone. Almost every homeowner thinks about this when it comes to basement waterproofing. And since we’ve noticed a growing interest in the topic, we asked our experts to share their opinion. Next, you can read the answer to whether you should waterproof a basement from the inside or outside.
Interior basement waterproofing
The first step of basement waterproofing is sealing the interior. This will prevent future water damage caused by leaks or flooding. It is a thorough process that must be performed by a basement waterproofing expert. There are numerous approaches to this, including using internal sealants, sealing cracks, or installing a sump pump.
Exterior basement waterproofing
The second step of basement waterproofing is exterior waterproofing. Even though you might think that only the interior needs it, you should know this isn’t the case. For the best basement waterproofing results, you should insulate both the interior and the exterior. Exterior waterproofing involves setting up a drainage system to keep water away from the basement and foundation walls.
Combining interior and exterior waterproofing
As you can see, it is always best to opt for waterproofing both the interior and exterior of your basement. Floods or leaks can happen at any time, but this doesn’t necessarily imply it will happen exclusively from the interior or exterior of your home.
Exterior basement waterproofing is the best way to reinforce your basement and prevent rain and other water debris from infiltrating inside. On the other hand, interior waterproofing prevents water damage from getting worse. Overall, both types of basement waterproofing prevent water damage and its side effects.
Remember that installing a membrane inside the basement doesn’t do much without repairing exterior gaps and cracks. A round stone barrier and the weeping system will move water away from the sides of the foundation. As a result, water won’t pass through, remaining at the interior part of the wall.
But, of course, interior basement waterproofing can do a particular thing exterior waterproofing can’t. It shields the basement from internal leaks. A pipe or hose can break unexpectedly. But a well-designed system can prevent the problem from damaging your property.
The bottom line
As you can see, basement waterproofing is a complex process. For the best results, we recommend you waterproof both the interior and exterior of your basement. Making both a priority protects your entire home from major damage in the future. Still, you should know that you can achieve such benefits with basement waterproofing only if an experienced contractor performs it. DIY waterproofing approaches might interfere with the end result. Hence, if you want to waterproof your basement and avoid unnecessary expenses, you should consider professional services.
