Cost to Waterproof Basement
Waterproofing your basement prevents further damage and keeps moisture out of the home, with costs depending on which method you choose and the scope of repairs required. What do you consider about basement waterproofing.
Essential interior waterproofing utilizes paint or sealant to stop moisture from seeping through walls, as well as repair any cracks or other problems in their path.
Cost of Installation
Costs associated with basement waterproofing depend on which sealing method is chosen, from interior waterproofing paint (which costs approximately $30-40 per gallon and can be applied by homeowners themselves as a DIY project) to hydraulic cement used to patch leaks and cracks in walls and floors for around $10 for 10 lb bucket, to silicate concrete sealers that cost between $0.15 to $0.25 per square foot sealant sealers.
Exterior waterproofing methods can be far more costly, particularly if they must be performed on an underground foundation or basement with a crawl space. A French drain system, weeping tiles, or drain tile system typically costs $10 to $100 per linear foot installed and collects water around a foundation and diverts it away to another part of your yard or a sump pump, which discharges it elsewhere in an outlying location.
Consult a professional contractor when trying to estimate the costs associated with basement waterproofing projects. A contractor can inspect your wet basement, identify its source (it could be foundation issues, yard grading issues, or something else entirely), and offer solutions tailored specifically for it.
Cost of Materials
Costs associated with basement waterproofing depend heavily on the method chosen, from DIY-friendly approaches like hydroseeding to more elaborate processes that professionals must conduct.
Simple interior waterproofing (also called damp proofing) costs as little as $30 per gallon of sealant paint and provides temporary relief from minor moisture and humidity issues. However, it doesn’t address leaky walls or structural damage.
Another solution is a concrete sealer that forms an interior moisture barrier and can be applied to walls, floors, and slabs – such as DRYLOK Masonry Waterproofer, which repairs small holes and cracks as it waterproofs them.
Foundation drains can help remove water and prevent leaky basements by channeling it directly into a sump pump or drainage track. They can be installed anywhere along a floor or wall and run into either.
If your basement has become leaky, you must act swiftly to stop further damage and reduce its value. Wet basements not only present an inconvenience; they can lead to mold growth, structural issues, and costly repairs as a result of water intrusion. To find solutions, contact a waterproofing contractor immediately who can conduct an initial free inspection before providing a quote for repairs; usually, this quote will factor in existing water damage as well as other factors when providing an estimate of the costs associated with this job.
Cost of Labor
The cost of labor depends heavily on the method you select for waterproofing interior concrete surfaces. Painting-based waterproofing methods that address small cracks in walls typically start around $30 per gallon, while more effective silicate concrete sealers might cost more per square foot.
Labor costs vary significantly depending on what work needs to be completed in your basement before waterproofing can commence. Repairing water damage and installing new drywall are costly processes; any such work should be completed prior to waterproofing as this will make the task go much more smoothly and quickly.
If your leaky basement stems from where the floor and walls meet, it can be costly to address due to hydrostatic pressure building up against your foundation and forcing water in through open joints in this space. Common waterproofing solutions for such an issue include crack sealing and installing an exterior membrane barrier or vapor barrier to block water intrusion into your home.
The cost of Labor for Watertight basement installation should also include excavation services to install drainage systems inside or outside your home. This may involve digging into the ground to put in French drains, weeping tiles, or foundation membranes. Hiring a company that specializes in excavation can reduce this cost significantly while protecting both the foundation and the landscape.
Cost of Removal and Prep
Do-it-yourself homeowners often attempt to waterproof their basements themselves using waterproofing paints and hydraulic cement. However, these quick fixes often create larger problems as they fail to address the source of water leakage or prevent future leaks from resurfacing. For best results in basement waterproofing, homeowners should consider consulting a professional waterproofer instead.
If a basement was finished by previous owners, a homeowner will likely have to rip out and replace all flooring, drywall, and paint before beginning waterproofing work—something that may cost quite a lot of money.
Some interior waterproofing methods can be done yourself, such as covering walls with a concrete sealant that hardens into a rubber-like film and costs about $30 per gallon – this method may even work over painted drywall if necessary; remember that stripping first may be required!
Exterior basement waterproofing is more complex, as it involves excavating and installing a membrane around the foundation. However, it may be the better choice in cases with significant foundation damage, poor drainage systems, or increased hydrostatic pressure against its walls.
Implementing a drainage strategy is vital to an effective waterproofing solution. By fixing gutters, regrading your yard so it slopes away from your house, and planting “water-loving” plants near your foundation, you can help limit exterior work that would otherwise need to be completed.
