If you want to protect your basement from water exposure as much as possible, you need to facilitate interior basement waterproofing. This is a form of waterproofing that defends against water that’s able to make its way into a basement. In doing away with this water, interior waterproofing systems prevent the spread of mold and mildew, not to mention musty odors.
While it’s best to prevent the inward flow of water entirely, this isn’t always achievable. Or, it might be too expensive for some homeowners. Ergo, interior waterproofing exists as a solution.
Are you interested in interior waterproofing your basement? Wondering about how to prepare for interior basement waterproofing?
Then read on. Here’s everything you need to know about preparing for the implementation of interior waterproofing solutions.
The Many Benefits of Interior Basement Waterproofing
While exterior waterproofing is another method for waterproofing a basement, interior waterproofing bests it in a number of ways. We’ll discuss the many benefits of interior basement waterproofing below.
It’s Highly Affordable
While both exterior and interior basement waterproofing are affordable, interior waterproofing is easily more affordable. In fact, generally speaking, interior waterproofing is several thousands of dollars less expensive than exterior waterproofing.
This is because the interior of the basement is easier to access. You don’t need to dig down deep into the soil. You can simply dig down at the base of the basement.
It Offers a Longer Warranty
Want a waterproofing system with its functionality covered for life? If so, you need to go with the interior waterproofing option. Whereas interior basement waterproofing is covered by a lifetime warranty, exterior basement waterproofing generally comes with a warranty of 5 to 10 years.
So, in the event that the exterior waterproofing system stops working or incurs damage of some kind, you’ll need to pay big bucks to repair or replace it. If an interior waterproofing system incurs damage, you won’t need to pay for its repair or replacement at all.
It’s Easier to Implement
When you exterior waterproof a basement, you need to excavate large portions of your yard. When you interior waterproof your basement, however, you only need to dig up a small portion of the cement in your basement. As such, interior basement waterproofing is much less disruptive than exterior waterproofing.
More specifically, interior basement waterproofing is much easier to implement. Not only does it require fewer tools and machinery but it also takes less time. This benefits you, the homeowner, as you won’t have to deal with machinery on your property over long stretches of time.
Interior basement waterproofing can generally be carried out in a day or two. Exterior basement waterproofing, conversely, can sometimes take up to a week.
Preparing for Interior Basement Waterproofing
You’ve decided to go through with interior basement waterproofing. Now, how do you go about preparing for the project? There are a number of things you should do in preparation for an interior basement waterproofing project and we’re going to discuss them in detail now.
Clear a Path
First and foremost, you need to clear a path to the area that’s being worked on. So, at the very least, you need to move items away from the edges of the basement. Your waterproofing team will need a good 10 feet of clearance in order to facilitate the project.
Note, though, that it’s better for everyone involved if you’re able to clear your basement entirely. This way, dust and debris from the project won’t end up covering your possessions.
Plus, your basement waterproofing technicians will be able to move without impairment. They won’t have to worry about running into or damaging items in close proximity to them.
Know What the Project Entails
While you won’t have to do any work on the project, you should still know what the project entails. This way, you can make plans for what to do while the work is going on.
You’re more than welcome to stay in your home during the project. You can also pop in and out as needed. Note, however, that, at times, it’s going to get a little loud.
See, in order to install an interior waterproofing system, we’ll need to break apart the cement that sits up against your basement walls. To do this, we use a jackhammer, a power tool that produces a loud and frankly jarring sound.
In short, you might want to be out of your house while the jackhammer is in use. A strategic trip to the park would enable you to avoid the unpleasant sonic experience of metal rattling through concrete.
Speak With Your Waterproofer
In addition to knowing what the project entails, you should also speak with your waterproofer. This way, you can get a detailed rundown of what’s about to happen in your home.
While most interior basement waterproofing projects are similar, there are differences that crop up from time to time. Your waterproofer will assess your particular situation and ensure that you have a full understanding of what you’re paying for.
You’ll be able to ask questions that you might have and will be able to ensure that you’re getting exactly what you’re hoping for. If you don’t speak with your waterproofer prior to the project, you’ll essentially be going into the process blind.
Sure, you’ll have a cursory idea about what to expect. But if you’re not ready for a specific procedure, you could become alarmed after the project has been completed.
Inquire About Costs
You’ll also want to inquire about the costs associated with your interior waterproofing project. These vary based on the property that’s being waterproofed. You’ll want to have a full understanding of what you owe before signing any contracts.
Generally speaking, basement waterproofing is going to cost you several thousands of dollars. It could be as low as $2,000, or high as $10,000. That’s a huge disparity that you’ll want to be prepared for.
Get Ready for Dust
Interior basement waterproofing involves digging up concrete with the help of a jackhammer. As such, the project tends to produce tremendous amounts of dust.
You should get ready for this dust by covering up the items in your home. Note that the dust might not stay in the basement alone. It might creep up into the surface-level portions of your home as well.
Understanding the Interior Basement Waterproofing Process
Now, let’s discuss the interior basement waterproofing process. What does it entail? Generally speaking, it looks something like the following:
The Area Is Cleared
While it’s best for the homeowner to clear the basement before the basement waterproofing company has arrived, this doesn’t always happen. If there are still items in the basement, the waterproofing company will move them to make room for the project.
It’s best for the homeowner to work together with the waterproofing company to ensure the best outcome for the items. Otherwise, the waterproofing company might leave your items in places where you didn’t actually want them.
In most cases, the waterproofing company needs about 10 feet of clearance to implement interior waterproofing solutions.
Materials and Equipment Are Brought In
Next, materials and equipment are brought in. These include things like wet concrete, a jackhammer, drills, shovels, and the like. They also include things such as sump pumps, drain tiles, wall liners, and a wall-cove plate.
Again, there needs to be sufficient space for these items. This again highlights the importance of clearing the basement prior to the project.
The Edges of the Floor Are Dug Up
Next, the edges of the floor are dug up. First, a jackhammer is used to dig up the concrete. Then, a shovel is used to dig up soil that sits underneath the concrete.
Note that, in most cases, this doesn’t involve any more than a foot-wide portion of concrete up against your basement walls. The area must only be big enough to contain a drainage pipe.
Drainage Pipe Is Laid
Once the floor has been brought up, a drainage pipe will need to be laid down. This will later be used to redirect water within the basement, ensuring that it ends up in the basement’s sump pit.
The pipe is buried several inches under the surface of the ground. It’s connected to the basement floor with the use of strategically drilled holes.
Sump Pumps Are Installed
In order to push water out of the basement, you’ll need to have a sump pump or two present. This is a pump that actively injects water out of the home. It sits within a hole known as a sump pit, which is typically dug in the corner of the basement.
The sump pit is where all of the collected basement water comes to rest. Once the water in the pit reaches a certain level, the sump pump kicks in and pushes it out of the basement with the help of another pipe.
Cement Is Laid
Once the drainage pipe and sump pump have been installed, cement will be laid over the drainage pipe. This is done as a means of fixing the torn-up floor. Our waterproofers will spread the cement smoothly to ensure that it’s as aesthetically pleasing as possible.
Note that it will take a day or so to dry. The waterproofing team will leave your home and then return the next day after drying has finished to complete the rest of the project.
Holes Are Drilled in the Cement
After the cement dries, the waterproofers drill holes into it. This is what enables the water in the basement to flow into the drainage pipe below. Don’t worry; those holes aren’t going to be visible in a second.
The Wall-Cove Plate Is Installed
Next, a wall-cove plate is installed. This not only covers the drilled holes but also redirects water running down the basement walls to ensure that it ends up in the drainage pipe below.
Note that the wall-cove plate is colored to blend in with the rest of the basement wall. It will not notably stand out amongst the other portions of the basement floor/wall.
The Wall Liner Is Installed
After the wall-cove plate is installed, the wall liner is installed. The wall liner not only enhances the aesthetics of the basement but also helps to keep moisture from damaging the basement wall. We use a Dura Skrim reinforced wall liner, in particular.
The Project Is Wrapped Up
After the wall liner is installed, the project is essentially over. The crew just needs to clean up the materials and equipment and get them out of your home. This generally takes no more than an hour.
By the time the crew has left, your basement will be ready for further use. It will be fully interior waterproofed and will do a superb job of keeping water out of your basement for the foreseeable future.
If any problems crop up, you can simply call your basement waterproofing company. Most interior waterproofing jobs come with a lifetime warranty. So, if anything goes awry, you’ll be able to have it fixed at no additional cost.
Looking for Interior Basement Waterproofing Services in Baltimore?
Are you looking to interior waterproof your basement? Do you need interior basement waterproofing in Baltimore? If so, we here at Armored Basement Waterproofing are the people to see.
We’ve interior waterproofed countless homes throughout the Baltimore area. Our experienced team will do everything necessary to ensure that your basement remains dry over time.
Contact us now to get the process started!
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