Internal Waterproofing
Internal foundation waterproofing is installed inside your home’s crawl space or basement. This can be installed while your home is being built but is typically installed after your home starts having waterproofing problems.
External Waterproofing
Waterproofing your foundation exterior is involves installing a barrier on the outside of your foundation. External waterproofing is typically installed when your home is being built and falls into two categories: damp proofing and water proofing.
- Damp proofing is a spray that’s applied to the foundation. It does not waterproof the foundation but can help limit the water that soaks through the foundation into the basement or crawl space. Damp proofing has become a best practice when building new homes however it will not eliminate waterproofing problems.
- Waterproofing involves installing a layer or membrane over the outside of the foundation that keeps water from entering your basement or crawl space. This is typically followed with the installation of exterior drain tile to help move water away from the foundation.
Challenges to External Waterproofing
Installing an external waterproofing system in an already existing home can damage your foundation and can cost up to 50% more than an interior system. Before waterproofing can be installed, the soil surrounding your foundation must be excavated, typically with a backhoe.
By excavating you run the risk of damaging your foundation and removing necessary structural support. Cracks, bowed walls and other foundation problems could form. And this means you'll end up with more expensive repairs.
You Best Option for Foundation Waterproofing
If you’re experiencing water problems, the safest option is to install an interior waterproofing system. By installing an interior waterproofing system you'll avoid the risk of damaging your foundation by excavating, and end up saving money on the system, installation and future repairs.
Resources on crawl space waterproofing:
- Crawl space problems
- Products and solutions
- Crawl Space Waterproofing article
- Crawl Space Drainage 101
Basement waterproofing resources:
