The Difference Between Interior And Exterior Basement Waterproofing

Which is more important: interior basement waterproofing or exterior basement waterproofing?  Experts take sides on this issue and argue continually about which is better.  Internal basement waterproofing efficiently protects your home from the elements and allows water to drain out of the house.  On the other hand, external waterproofing keeps pressure from the groundwater from damaging the walls.

The truth is that both interior basement waterproofing and external basement waterproofing have their uses.  Both achieve what they need to.  The difference is that they tackle different problems.  A skilled waterproofer can take a look at your home and use their expertise to help you make your decision.  Here are some factors to consider.

Part of what makes interior or exterior better is your landscaping.  In order to install an exterior drain pipe, for example, you have to clear the perimeter of your house.  You have to dig a trench around the foundation and install a drainage pipe.  This means that absolutely everything, including plants, shrubs, sidewalks, and porches, must be removed before work can start.

Laying down pipe internally doesn’t require the removal of anything outside.  The waterproofing contractors will simply jackhammer your basement floor until they’ve got a trench, lay the drain pipe and close it up.  The ease of this might make it ideal for you.

It’s also going to be difficult to install an external drain pipe if you’ve got a garage or crawl space.  Since you can’t install it between the house and garage, this would mean laying it all way around, and this is going to make it a pretty expensive installation.  You can do this, of course, and it will work just as well, but it just costs more.

Your external drain pipe also needs somewhere to run the water to.  These are best if you’ve got a yard that slopes away downward from the house.  If you’re going to have your water drain into a storm sewer or well, you should check with the city to see how much they’ll let you discharge.  This could be a factor in whether you choose exterior or interior piping.

When builders are constructing a house, they’ll usually install exterior basement waterproofing AND interior basement waterproofing.  It’s just as easy, fast and cost-effective to build both, and it’s a great way to make sure the water will end up outside the house.  If you’re trying to decide which is better for you, you should seek the advice of a professional waterproofer.  They’ll know which is easiest, cheapest and most effective.