Interior Basement Waterproofing: Cost and Signs You Need It

Waterproofing Basement Walls From Inside

Are you tired of that old, musty smell in the basement? Do you hate seeing water on the walls and moving furniture and other items around to avoid damage? You need interior basement waterproofing to solve the problem and make your basement a more pleasant place to be.

Waterproofing a basement from the inside can keep your budget intact and prevent the mess of digging a deep trench outside your home. A handy do-it-yourselfer can seal cracks and apply waterproof coatings, but for a solution guaranteed to last a long time, it’s a good idea to reach out to a pro.

How Does Interior Basement Waterproofing Work?

Interior basement waterproofing begins with identifying where the problem starts. You must figure out where the moisture enters the basement. Once you’ve done that, you can move forward with the waterproofing.

The waterproofing might take the form of drainage work or sealants. Here’s how the general process should go:

1. If you need a drainage system in your basement, your contractor will begin by removing a portion of the floor along the walls. This will expose the foundation wall base.
2. The contractor will install a drainage system, which usually includes perforated pipes. These pipes will direct water to a sump pump.
3. Once the sump pump is installed, the trench will be filled with gravel for more drainage and stability. The trench will then be covered by concrete and smoothed out to match the existing floor.
4. If you want your basement to be a livable space, you’ll need to make sure the water in the walls drains out appropriately. To do that, the contractor will install a waterproof membrane, sealant, wall panel, or vapor barrier. This means that instead of seeping through your walls, the water will trickle to the bottom of the wall instead, where it will enter the newly installed drainage system.
5. Any problems that might have led to the water issues in the first place will also need to be addressed. That could be as simple as repairing or replacing gutters or as elaborate as heavy landscaping to correct a slope that channels water to your foundation.

What If You Want to Do It Yourself?

Small waterproofing tasks like sealing cracks are great for DIY enthusiasts. But something like installing a drainage system takes expert skills and know-how.

If you choose to go the do-it-yourself route, watch for any other trouble. If the water shows up somewhere else in the basement or somehow gets around your waterproofing work, it’s time to call in a pro.

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Interior Basement Waterproofing Costs

The cost of basement waterproofing depends on the work that needs to be done to dry the basement and keep it that way. Simple solutions, such as sealants, crack fillers, and waterproof paint, can cost between $20 and $100 per gallon, sometimes a bit more if you choose a specialty formula.

To break it down a bit more:

• Waterproof Paint: $1–$6 per square foot
• Acrylic Sealant: $3–$4 per square foot
• Epoxy Sealant: $5–$7 per square foot

Installation of an interior drain system and sump pump can run anywhere from $4,500 to $10,000, depending on a variety of factors.

Keep in mind that these costs can go up if other problems come into play, such as mold remediation or sealing the upper floor.

Some smaller jobs can be easily done by a handy homeowner. When applying a basic sealant or fixing cracks in the walls, expect costs of less than $500 for materials and tools. However, keep a close watch on the repairs. They might simply cover up a bigger problem, which might require you to call in a contractor anyway.

Factors That Affect Costs

It can be tough to pin down the interior basement waterproofing costs, mostly because each home is unique and the problems that plague the basement are unique too. Here’s what can affect the bottom line:

• Size of the Basement: If you are waterproofing the entire basement, the square footage will help determine your final cost. The larger the area to be waterproofed, the more the job will cost.
• Local Area and Climate: If you live in an area with high humidity, heavy rainfall, or frequent flooding, you might see a higher rate for the work.
• Labor Rates: The cost of the work can be affected by the local labor rates where you live. Ask contractors what their labor rates are to get a better idea of what you will pay.
• Repairs for Existing Damage: If there is any damage that needs to be repaired before the work of waterproofing can commence, such as mold remediation or filling foundation cracks, you’re looking at a higher cost.
• Permits/Inspections If Necessary: Some municipalities require permits or even inspections for waterproofing your basement. Your local contractor will have the details on this.
• Type of Waterproofing: Maybe you just need sealants, which are relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of sump pumps or other methods.
• Materials and Tools for DIY: If you choose to do the waterproofing yourself, consider the costs of sealants, safety equipment, and necessary tools. Also consider the time it will take for you to handle the job yourself.
• Unexpected Surprises: As with any home improvement or repair job, the unexpected can wreak havoc on your budget. Things like structural issues or poor drainage design can make the job more complex, and thus more expensive.

Savings Considerations

Waterproofing your basement can prevent leaks and ensure that your space is as comfortable and safe as possible. But there are plenty of other ways that repairing the water problem in the basement can lead to savings over time.

• Energy Efficiency: When you seal the walls and reduce moisture, it becomes easier to regulate the humidity in the basement. That means your HVAC doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the home at a comfortable temperature, and that lowers your utility bills.
• Rebates: Depending upon where you live, you might be eligible for rebates from your local utility company or even government programs. Rebates for energy-efficient home improvements might include basement waterproofing and sealing, so check with your local municipality to see if you qualify.
• Financing Options: Some waterproofing jobs can get pretty pricey. Fortunately, many contractors offer financing options that allow you to spread the cost out over time. If the contractor doesn’t have a direct financing option for you, third-party options are almost always available that will ease the sticker shock.

How do you know you’re getting the best possible deal? Do your research. Get at least four quotes from contractors — yes, four! — to compare the costs. Ask questions if any of those quotes are far lower or higher than the others. Compare services, warranties, and the materials used to make sure you’re getting the best possible work for a fair price.

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Who Needs Interior Basement Waterproofing?

No matter the climate, if you have problems with water in the basement, you need interior basement waterproofing. But there are some areas where the problem is much more likely, such as areas with heavy rainfall, frequent flooding, or simply high groundwater levels. Humid areas, such as the Southern states or some areas of the Midwest, can offer up significant moisture problems over the years.

Where your home is built also matters. For instance, a home built on a slope can fall victim to water flow during heavy rains. Sitting near a body of water can also cause problems over time. Older homes that have cracked foundations or non-existent drainage measures might have serious problems with moisture in the basement.

Signs Your Basement Needs to Be Waterproofed

How do you know your basement needs waterproofing? Here are a few clear signs:

• Odors: That musty, damp, unpleasant smell often comes from moisture that you can’t even see yet. Hidden leaks and poor ventilation add to the problem.
• Dampness: When you step down to the basement, it simply feels… strange. It feels cold and damp. Even if you don’t see the water on the walls, you know it’s there.
• Condensation: Odd condensation might show up on windows and even mirrors hung on the walls.
• Swollen Window or Door Frames: If your basement door suddenly sticks or the windows are hard to open, the wood around them might be warping due to moisture.
• Wet Spots: This is the most obvious sign that you have a serious problem with water in the basement.
• Rainy Climates: If you live in a rainy area, your basement will naturally be prone to water problems. Seasonal flooding can lead to persistent dampness, and each passing year makes it worse.
• Cracks in Walls or Floors: Even the smallest cracks allow water to seep through. As those cracks widen over time, more water gets in, and you’re more likely to experience structural damage to the home.
• Efflorescence: This white, powdery mineral deposit can be left behind on the walls as the water ebbs and flows.
• Peeling Paint or Wallpaper: All might seem well in your basement, but if the paint is chipping and cracking or the wallpaper is peeling away, there is a problem lurking underneath.
• Mold and Mildew: Mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture, which could lead to serious problems with both of them in your basement. Mold remediation might be necessary first, then basement waterproofing once the mold is gone.
• Foundation Problems: If you notice your walls or floors are slanting and warping, you likely have long-term water damage. Structural repairs will be necessary in addition to waterproofing the basement.

Is It Worth It to Waterproof My Basement Walls?

Choosing to waterproof your basement walls is a great choice for the health of your home as well as the health of those who live there. Removing moisture reduces the risks of mold and mildew, protects your home’s structural integrity, and creates usable space in a basement that might have been entirely unlivable before the water mitigation. And of course, more usable space in your home means a boost in property value.

Hiring a pro might seem costly, but the eventual energy savings and enjoyment of your space can be worth the money. Doing it yourself is possible if the problem is very limited; however, remember that water goes where it wants, and repairing only a few areas of the basement with sealants might not do much in the long run. Choosing a pro from the start gives you peace of mind that your basement is a secure, comfortable part of your home.

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