Basement Waterproofing Cost

Waterproofing does not mean that you simply apply the waterproofing material, like the waterproofing paint, once in a while. You need a mechanism that would help you to divert water away from the basement of the house and disperse it properly or help it percolate into the ground. The process of waterproofing, hence has to be conducted inside as well as outside the house. The cost of basement waterproofing, thus depends on two major factors, that is, internal and external waterproofing measures. One must also note that the average cost of basement waterproofing, would differ on the size of the house.

External Waterproofing

Outside the house, your task is to divert the water away from the foundations of the house. A French drain is the best solution to divert the water away from the house. The French drain that is used to waterproof the basement can be constructed with the help of a very simple logic. In order to install the French drain, all you need to do is dig a wide trench around the house (make it a point to leave a reasonable distance between the trench and the house). Then use a weeping tile to cover up the perforated pipe. The trench is then filled up with gravel and is leveled out. The outlet of this drain is used to carry the water away from the house. In urban and suburban areas the outlet is connected to drainage or sewer, but in rural areas these pipes are let out into woods, fields or orchards. Contractors levy charges according to the length of the total French drain. In order to reduce down the cost of basement waterproofing, you can lay down the French drain on your own, or you can do part of the work. The basement waterproofing cost can also be curbed, if you are able to divert the water from the French drain to a dry well in your garden.

Water clogging on your property is another matter that you should be taking care of. Water clogged yards and gardens often lead to immense water leakage problems in the basement, as it tends to flow towards lower parts of the plot/estate, which is obviously the basement.

Internal Waterproofing

Waterproofing the basement from inside is also very important. The best way to do this is a coat of waterproof paint. The waterproofing paint can also be accompanied by a coat of waterproof primer. However, one cannot just simply apply the waterproof paint on to the basement walls. It is absolutely necessary that you first heal the cracks and fissures that have appeared on the wall as a result of the seepage of water. Usually this can be done by enlarging the cracks and fissures, delicately with the help of a hammer and chisel and then refilling them with concrete. Then you can give the wall a coat of waterproofing concrete or you can also use the waterproofing sprays or waterproofing membranes, that are available in any hardware store. Let the waterproofing material dry out properly and then apply the primer and the paint.

There are several advantages of waterproofing your basement. The first advantage is that, if done properly, the book value of the house increases as a result of the waterproofing. The French drain and the interior waterproofing, prevents the water from seeping into the basement. The waterproofing also increases the life longevity of foundation of the house. It is also extremely important that you reinstall and repair the French drain once in every five years and reapply the waterproofing paint and primer. On an average, as of date, construction contractors estimate the cost of waterproofing the basement to be anywhere between USD 500 to USD 1500, depending upon the severity of the seepage of water, size of the house and materials that are to be used while waterproofing the basement.