Today’s homes often benefit from two services: interior and exterior waterproofing. Should you waterproof the basement from the inside or the outside?
The answer to that question depends on your unique situation. Basements tend to be the most vulnerable part of the home. Without waterproofing support, a lot of damage can occur.
Interior and exterior waterproofing cater to a specific aspect of flooding and moisture control for homes and businesses. Deciding on what option you need ensures that you receive an appropriate level of protection.
Is Interior Waterproofing Different Than Exterior Waterproofing?
Exterior waterproofing serves as the first defense a structure has against water and moisture. The goal is to lead these damaging elements away from the home.
Although weather conditions are relatively consistent for everyone, microclimates can create pockets where heavy rains and snow can increase the risk of water in the basement. The grading and draining slopes of a property contribute to this effect.
When you invest in exterior waterproofing services, you’ll have products installed that seal out the moisture so that the concrete won’t absorb it. That prevents it from cracking as time passes and allowing leaks to form.
That’s why exterior waterproofing tends to be more expensive than interior services. Excavation around the foundation is often necessary to apply the required products, install drain tiles, and take other essential steps.
Here are the pros and cons to consider when investing in exterior waterproofing.
| Pros of Exterior Waterproofing | Cons of Exterior Waterproofing |
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What Is Interior Waterproofing?
Interior waterproofing services in Toronto ensure that water leaking into a basement or interior space gets re-routed to a different location. Interior drainage systems can catch moisture or block it from coming through the concrete.
Interior waterproofing uses a series of drains and pipes installed along the walls to capture seepage. It can also be placed under the foundation to remove excess groundwater, depending on the structure.
These systems are typically surrounded by crushed rock to allow for better drainage to avoid pooling problems.
Water collected from the popes usually flows into the sump pit installed under the basement floor, while a drain gets installed above it to allow a flooding issue to funnel into that area.
The sump pump sends water out of the basement and away from the structure before it can cause damage. Most installations start working automatically once the water reaches a specific level. When equipped with a battery backup, the pump can continue working even if the power goes out during a power outage or a severe storm.
Here is a closer look at the pros and cons of interior waterproofing.
| Pros of Interior Waterproofing | Cons of Interior Waterproofing |
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Which Waterproofing Option Should I Choose?
If you’re unsure if interior vs exterior waterproofing is suitable for your home, it helps to have a professional inspection completed of your structure. When you reach out to our team, we’ll give you a thorough and honest evaluation of what your basement needs to stop water leaks and provide more moisture control.
Water is patient, but it can also cause swift damage to a home. If you see any signs or symptoms of basement leaks, you’ll want to take care of that situation right away.