Waterproofing your home is essential to protecting its structural integrity, especially if you live in a flood-prone area like the Ozarks. Therefore, it’s critical to understand the different waterproofing solutions available for basements or crawlspaces and your home’s exterior and interior regions. It helps protect your home from water damage and mold growth and can also help reduce energy costs.
With so many waterproofing options, choosing the best one for your situation can be challenging. This guide will help you explore the available waterproofing solutions and determine which works best for your crawl space or basement.
Types of Waterproofing Solutions
Several waterproofing solutions are available, each with advantages and disadvantages. Let’s go over each solution in more detail.
The most common styles include:
# – Exterior Waterproofing – You can apply a waterproof membrane to waterproof your home’s exterior walls. Although this option costs more than interior waterproofing, it provides superior protection.
# – Interior Waterproofing – One way to waterproof your home is by putting a sealant or other substance on the inside walls. This method is generally cheaper than external waterproofing but may not offer as much protection.
# – Water Drainage – Installing a drainage system to collect and redirect water from your home is a type of waterproofing that is usually more cost-effective but might need more upkeep than other alternatives.
How Do I Choose The Right Waterproofing Solution For My Home?
When choosing a waterproofing solution for your home, it’s essential to consider factors such as budget, soil type, existing conditions, climate, and local building codes. Let’s discuss some aspects that can help you make a more informed decision.
Understanding Your Basement or Crawlspace Needs
The first step in choosing the right waterproofing solution is assessing your basement or crawlspace’s current condition. Common waterproofing issues to look out for include water seepage through walls, cracks in foundation walls, and dampness due to high humidity levels.
When choosing a waterproofing solution for your home, there are several factors to consider:
# – The Condition of Your Foundation – If you have an older foundation that has cracks or other signs of wear and tear, exterior waterproofing may be necessary to prevent further damage from occurring. On the other hand, interior waterproofing may be sufficient if you have a newer foundation in good condition.
# – The Amount of Moisture Present – If there is a lot of moisture in your basement or crawl space, exterior waterproofing may be necessary to keep it out. On the other hand, interior waterproofing may be sufficient if little moisture is present.
# – The Cost – Different types of waterproofing solutions can vary significantly depending on the materials and labor required for installation. Be sure to compare prices before deciding so that you can get the best value for your money.
Exterior Waterproofing Solutions
Exterior waterproofing solutions aim to keep water out of your home by blocking external sources like groundwater or rainwater. Waterproofing membranes, excavation and sealing, and French drains are some of the most common solutions.
French Drains
A French drain is a trench filled with gravel that redirects surface water away from a building’s foundation walls. The rock helps absorb some water while allowing it to flow freely away from the house. This solution is often used with other exterior waterproofing methods, such as excavation and sealing or waterproof membranes.
Waterproof Membranes
Waterproof membranes are sheets of rubberized material that are installed along the exterior walls of a building’s foundation to create an impenetrable barrier against moisture infiltration. They can be applied directly onto existing surfaces or combined with other methods, such as French drains or excavation and sealing, to protect against water damage.
Interior Waterproofing Solutions
To clarify, interior waterproofing solutions aim to stop water from entering your house through internal sources, such as plumbing leaks or condensation forming on cold surfaces like windowsills and pipes.
Drainage Systems
Internal drainage systems are designed to collect excess moisture before it has a chance to enter your home’s living spaces through cracks in foundation walls or other openings in the structure’s envelope. These systems typically consist of perforated pipes along the perimeter of a building’s foundation walls that lead into a sump pit where they can be pumped out safely.
Using a Sump Pump
Sump pumps are electric pumps installed at the lowest point within a building’s foundation that collects excess moisture before it can enter living spaces through cracks in foundation walls or other openings in the structure’s envelope. The collected water is then pumped out safely away from the house using this system so it doesn’t cause any further damage.
Crawl Space Encapsulation
To encapsulate a crawl space, a vapor barrier or similar material is used to seal the entire area. This creates an airtight environment that prevents moisture from entering and is frequently combined with waterproofing methods to avoid water damage and mold growth.
Why Drainage Systems are the Way to Go
It’s hard to beat a drainage system when it comes to waterproofing. Unlike traditional waterproofing methods that rely on sealants and coatings, a drainage system collects and directs water away from your home’s foundation. This means that even if water seeps through, it won’t damage your home’s structure.
Use a Footer Drain Tile System
If you’re a homeowner, one of the worst scenarios is water damage in your basement; it’s costly to fix and can compromise your family’s health. This is why taking preemptive measures such as installing a footer drain tile system is necessary. So, what is it?
A footer drain tile system is a layer of perforated pipes placed along the perimeter of your drainage rock and your foundation that collects and diverts water from your home. It uses corrugated pipe tied at the ends to prevent clogging and facilitates less puddling of the water draining through.
Find a Local Residential Footer Drain Tile System Expert in Missouri
Choosing the right waterproof system for your home can be overwhelming due to the options available in today’s market. However, with this guide, you now understand what types of systems are available and how to choose one that works best for you. If you’re located in Missouri, Dog Gone Waterproofing can help.
We specialize in installing footer drain tile systems for residential properties to ensure lasting protection against water damage and structural weakening. Plus, we provide a warranty on our work, so your home is covered with the best waterproofing system available. So, if you notice any water leaking into your crawlspace, contact us to schedule your Footer Drain Tile System from Dog Gone Waterproofing today.
