How much does it cost to waterproof a basement?  (Replied)

Owning a basement is a very practical aspect that gives your home an enormous added value. A mistake that many homeowners make is ignoring basement maintenance. If ignored, the problems will get worse and eventually require a large investment in repairs. Repairing structural damage in the basement can cost more than building the basement itself.

Therefore, it is best to maintain the basement in the long term and avoid damage such as leaks. Leaks are the most common problem in basements. A wet basement can quickly cause structural damage if ignored. You should therefore investigate how much it costs to waterproof a cellar and protect it.

Reading this article will definitely answer some of your questions. So read it through briefly and see what sealing a basement means. Keep in mind that a wet basement can be the result of a variety of factors and one problem can lead to another. For example, if you don’t repair cracks in the foundation and keep the gutters and drains inoperable, the waterproofing won’t prevent your basement from being damaged. A close eye on the conditions in your basement is the key to good maintenance.

How much does it cost to waterproof a basement? Let’s find out.

Straight to the cost …

As in most cases, it is not possible to determine the exact cost of waterproofing your basement. It all depends on the size of your basement, the materials you use, the work in your region and many other aspects that vary from case to case. Still, we can get pretty close to the final cost.

The first step to finding out how much it costs to waterproof your basement is to find out where the moisture is coming from. The average cost of waterproofing a normal basement is around $ 4,000with a number of $ 3 to $ 9 per square foot. Repair cracks Start at $ 1,500 and can reach up to $ 6,000 depending on how serious the problem is.

Repairing the cracks along with adding new drains and gutters is the most expensive situation and costs the average homeowner up to $ 10,000. Basement waterproofing contractors work on your budget, but the severity of the problem is often the one that determines the final cost of the project.

Should you choose sealing or moisture protection?

It is important to understand that basement waterproofing is not the same as waterproofing. Basements can easily be moisture-protected, including excavations, at a slightly lower cost per square foot. When it comes to waterproofing, the cost is slightly higher ($ 6 maximum versus $ 9 maximum per square meter).

The difference between moisture protection and waterproofness is that the first only protects the house from soil moisture, while the other protects the house from both soil moisture and liquid water. Moisture protection is usually provided as a coating spray or other products that are applied to the wall. Sealing requires more work, but is much more effective in the long run and has a better return on investment.

A list of waterproofing solutions for indoor basements

The solutions used for sealing differ depending on the place of use: inside or outside. When calculating the cost of basement waterproofing, you must also consider these products as they can affect the final cost. Here is a list of the most common waterproofing solutions for indoor basements:

Concrete mix

For an inexpensive yet effective method of waterproofing your basement, consider a concrete mix. It can be easily attached to the walls and the price ranges from $ 3 to $ 6 per square foot. This concrete mix is ​​a thick combination of substances that is supposed to keep water out of the basement, even though it is absorbed by the outer walls. This product has two drawbacks: when it dries out, it has a grainy aspect and can only be used on unpainted concrete.

Silicate concrete sealing

This solution requires professional application. Take this into account if you choose to do so. If you are looking for how to waterproof a basement yourself, this is not a suitable option. The price is $ 9 per square foot. A silicate concrete sealant is a liquid mixture that penetrates the wall to which it is applied. The result is a chemical reaction that keeps the walls dry without creating the grainy look that concrete does.

Waterproof paint

This is perhaps the easiest way to waterproof your basement. It is an acrylic paint that can be applied to the walls regularly. The color acts as a connection that keeps moisture away. It’s not the most efficient method, but it does it for a limited time in moderate conditions. Any option based on penetrating substances keeps moisture out as it is absorbed by the walls and can allow moisture to escape instead of trapping it.

Indoor water drainage

In addition to using the right products to seal interior walls, you should also pay attention to the water drainage system. All cellars must be properly emptied to avoid long-term damage. The best drainage system is to use perforated pipes. However, concrete is removed and replaced and the pipes are laid underneath. The pipes are finally connected to a sump like an external drainage system. The disadvantage is that if the system is damaged, the concrete must be removed and replaced again. The average cost is $ 2,000.

Another type of drainage system, the French, consists of pipes that are installed below the surface. They guide the water away from the structure and can be installed and repaired with less effort than with perforated drain pipes. The downside of French drains is that the cost can be up to $ 10,000 depending on the surface and materials used. The initial installation time for the installation of French drains is approximately 10 hours.

A list of waterproofing solutions for the outside basement

Basement waterproofing can also be done on the outside to prevent the water from entering the house instead of doing it from the inside. In terms of price, it’s pretty similar to the interior seal. The outer seal can cost between $ 9,000 and $ 15,000. Completely sealing your basement from the outside can cost a lot, but is the recommended method.

excavation

This is the most expensive method of waterproofing a basement. Excavations must be carried out when there is no way to access the basement’s outer walls, unless they dig into the ground. Excavations should be carried out in areas where panels are leaking. Sealing the entire walls of a basement requires extensive excavation and the cost can be up to $ 250 per linear foot, which is approximately $ 100. The project can take more than 24 hours depending on the size of the basement and the number of walls.

Sodium bentonite

When figuring out how much it costs to waterproof a basement, consider sodium bentonite on the exterior walls only if you want to save a lot of money. This solution helps fill cracks and absorb water. The cost of waterproofing a basement with sodium bentonite Start around $ 500, which is very practical for such a project. Nevertheless, contractors do not recommend using clay materials for this purpose.

Foundation waterproofing membrane

A waterproofing membrane is slightly more expensive than the cement mix, but has a similar use. The cost can be up to $ 15,000, but the results are long-term. The membrane keeps the walls dry very efficiently and is easy to apply due to the rubberized asphalt content. The waterproofing membrane acts like a film that keeps moisture away from the outside. This, combined with an interior solution for sealing, ensures the good maintenance of your basement.

Other costs & tips

You may also want to consider additional costs, e.g. B. Removing driveways, air conditioning, ventilation systems, decks, patios and their reconstruction / replacement, if this is the case. These aspects add money and time to the equation. The cost of small procedures like this varies between $ 200 and $ 2,500.

The calculation of how much it costs to waterproof a basement depends on the conditions of the floor, the area you live in, the features and size of the building, etc. A tip would be to carefully analyze all of these aspects and choose the sealing option that best suits your case. Regularly repairing cracks and adding drainage is still a part of basement maintenance that you can’t skip regardless of the upgrades made.

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