The first thing to note is that when it comes to waterproofing a basement, the best method is exterior foundation waterproofing from the outside.

Click here to learn more about our basement waterproofing services.

When it comes to waterproofing a basement from the inside there are 2 important questions to answer:

  1. Will it address the root cause?

  2. Will it cause further problems? Is saving a few thousand now worth it knowing it will cost 10’s of thousands later down the road?

Let’s get into it…

CAN BASEMENT WATERPROOFING BE DONE FROM THE INSIDE?

In some situations, yes it can be done without causing structural damage.

“Waterproofing” basement walls from the inside consists of:

  1. Remove concrete12 inches from the wall in the area to be waterproofed

  2. Dig down 10 inches to install drainage system (weeping tile) that drains to a sump pump or a sewage system where it is expelled

  3. Dimple membrane (Platon) in installed on wall to guide water to weeping tile system below – water runs behind membrane to the weeping tile and stone bed – the water is directed to a sump pump or sewer to be expelled

  4. Cover tile with drainage stone and repair concrete

The good news is it’s cheaper and you don’t lose decks, gardens or landscaping.

The bad news is it causes mold, structural damage from frost, and broken footings making the cost 3 times more later on. 

Which brings us to the second and more important question about waterproofing a basement from the inside.

SHOULD YOU WATERPROOF A BASEMENT FROM THE INSIDE?

Only when there is no other option.  Interior basement waterproofing removes water but does not address structural pressure that is present when the exterior weeping tile has failed.

This method of attempting to waterproof a basement does not address the larger and more serious issues you may have.

Horizontal and vertical cracks may very likely be indictors of structural issues, that likely require the attention of a professional.

If you notice cracks in your foundation walls you should contact a foundation contractor immediately for a thorough inspection and quote.

Also, trying to waterproofing a basement from the inside does nothing to prevent water and moisture from collecting on the outside of your foundation and seeping into the porous and continuously wet deteriorating mortar and concrete.

Does waterproofing basement walls from the inside work? In some situations, you can waterproof from the interior but in most cases exterior waterproofing is your best option.

To set up a free home consultation and to get a quote please contact us any time to schedule an appointment.

Interior waterproofing is like installing tar on your ceiling instead of fixing your roof.  The water will stop leaking in that area, but the remainder of the roof will rot compromising the structure and eventually collapsing.  Save a little now and pay a lot more later.