Interior Vs. Exterior Waterproofing

Water is inevitably going to find it's way near your home, so protecting it from water damage is one of the best investments homeowners can make. When deciding to move forward with waterproofing the basement, homeowners often face a big question: Should I choose interior or exterior waterproofing? While the end result aims to keep your basement dry, interior waterproofing is the more cost-effective, long-lasting solution. 

 

What's the Difference? 

 

Exterior Waterproofing: 

This method involves excavating around your home, similar to a castle moat. A trench is dug around the whole home and down to the foundation 8-10 feet. A drainage system or sealant is installed to try to stop water before it gets into your basement. 

 

Interior Waterproofing: 

This method involves waterproofing from the inside, redirecting the water before it even touches your floor. Perimeter drainage channels and sump pumps are installed to eject water away from the home. 

 

Why Interior is the Better Way 

 

Less Invasive, Less Expensive

Exterior waterproofing disturbs landscape, driveways and walkways due to the excavation process. Usually the install takes longer and involves more, meaning you're also paying more for the work to be finished. 

 

Interior waterproofing is only partially invasive to some of the original concrete, but installers re-concrete once done to make it look as it was before. Interior waterproofing typically only takes 1-3 days, and with minimal disturbance, will cost a fraction of exterior work. 

 

Year-Round Installation

With exterior waterproofing, you have to wait for ideal weather and thawed, dry ground. Interior waterproofing can be done regardless of season or weather, so you don't have to wait to fix your wet basement. 

 

Easier to Service and Upgrade

If the drainage channel or sump pump needs serviced, an interior system can easily be accessed. Exterior waterproofing would require the lawn be dug up again to access the products. Maintenance is therefore much easier and affordable. 

 

 

While exterior waterproofing may be considered for new construction or commercial projects, interior waterproofing proves to be the better way to protect your home. 

 

Cleveland Basement Systems offers patented, innovative interior waterproofing solutions that out-last traditional or exterior waterproofing products. We offer FREE in-home estimates with one of our expert inspectors. Schedule yours today!