Is Interior Waterproofing Different from Exterior Waterproofing?

At Triad Basement Waterproofing, we know that managing moisture and preventing water damage is key to maintaining the structural integrity of a building. In areas prone to heavy rain or where basements are below the water table, waterproofing can be especially important. Our professionals have been helping to repair and protect homes from water intrusion and damage since 1987, and today we want to help you learn more about the processes involved in waterproofing. Generally, we can divide the procedure into two categories: interior and exterior. Each method addresses different issues and offers unique benefits and challenges. Today, we will explore both methods in detail, outlining their pros and cons, and distinguish between the two to help you make informed decisions.

Identifying the Problems of Basement Leak

Basement leaks can be a homeowner’s nightmare, leading to costly repairs and significant damage if not addressed properly. Common signs of basement leaks include water stains on walls and floors, musty odors, peeling paint or wallpaper, and accumulation of mold and mildew. These issues typically arise from hydrostatic pressure, which forces water through cracks in the foundation, improper drainage, or issues with the building’s construction material. Identifying the root cause of the leak is the first step towards choosing the appropriate waterproofing method.

 

What Is Interior Waterproofing?

Interior waterproofing involves addressing water issues from inside the basement or foundation walls. This method typically includes the installation of drain tile systems around the perimeter of the floor, a sump pump to remove water, and the application of sealants on the walls and floor. These techniques are designed to manage water that has entered the building, redirecting it away from the basement and foundation structures.

Pros & Cons of Interior Waterproofing

Pros:

• Cost-effective: Generally less expensive than exterior waterproofing as it involves less labor-intensive excavation work.
• Less intrusive: Does not require extensive landscaping or external alterations to your home.
• Quick installation: Can often be completed in less time than exterior waterproofing.

Cons:

• Reactive approach: Primarily deals with water after it has entered the structure, which can sometimes allow for moisture-related issues to persist.
• Maintenance required: Systems like sump pumps require regular maintenance and electricity to operate.

 

What Is Exterior Waterproofing?

Exterior waterproofing aims to prevent water from entering the home by treating the exterior walls of the basement or foundation. This method often involves excavating around the house to the full depth of the foundation walls, then applying a waterproof coating or membrane to the exterior walls and installing drainage solutions like a French drain system around the perimeter.

Pros & Cons of Exterior Waterproofing

Pros:

• Proactive solution: Prevents water from entering the structure, addressing the issue before it can cause internal damage.
• Long-term solution: Tends to last longer with less maintenance since it deals directly with external moisture.
• Increases property value: Enhances the overall health of the building structure, potentially raising property value.

Cons:

• High cost: More labor and material intensive, leading to higher costs.
• Disruptive: Requires significant excavation, which can disturb landscaping and take longer to complete.

 

What is the Difference Between Interior and Exterior Waterproofing Methods?

The key difference between interior and exterior waterproofing lies in their approach and the extent of their application. Interior waterproofing is designed to manage water that has already entered the building, making it a more reactive measure. In contrast, exterior waterproofing is a preventative approach, stopping water before it breaches the foundation walls.
Choosing between interior and exterior waterproofing depends on several factors, such as the severity of the water issue, the construction of the building, the local climate, and budget considerations. In some cases, a combination of both methods may be the most effective way to ensure a dry and healthy basement environment.

 

Call Triad Basement Waterproofing

For over 30 years, Triad Basement Waterproofing has been solving moisture problems in basements across Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. Our professionals are skilled at finding and fixing water leakage issues before they can grow large enough to cause problems with the structural integrity of your home. We have developed state-of-the-art solutions for basement water leakage and structural support. We also remove mold and mildew when it finds its way into your home and craft drainage solutions to make sure these issues don’t happen again. Call us now at (301) 532-7903 or visit our website at Triad Basement Waterproofing to schedule your free consultation.

What Causes Concrete Foundation Cracks?

Although our homes are built to be resilient to many things, after some time they tend to wear down. In the same way we show signs of age through wrinkles, our homes show it through imperfections and cracks. With the flaws of imperfect construction, pressure surrounding the home and the weight of the house bearing down on it, the foundation of your home takes it all. When it comes to foundation cracks or repairs, the important thing is to take care of the issue as soon as possible. It’s not a good idea to forget about it and wait until the crack gets bigger and allows water to leak into your basement and flood your home.

All concrete has the tendency to crack and there is no way to produce crack-free concrete. Concrete expands and shrinks with changes in temperature and moisture and this can cause cracking early on. Often concrete foundation cracks are not detected until long after they’ve formed. Regardless of how long the crack has been there, it tends to concern homeowners and they worry about the imperfection.

Cracks in concrete foundation most often appear at weak points like corners, basement window frames, walls and pipe areas. It’s important to keep track of these cracks and notice if they are getting bigger. It’s also important to understand why the crack showed up in the first place. What causes concrete foundation cracks? Read on to find out!

Top Causes of Concrete Foundation Cracks

Drought or too much moisture

Soil shrinks like a sponge when moisture is removed from it and when that happens it pulls away from the foundation of your home creating a gap. This gap allows for the foundation to move. When the foundation of a home is not supported properly it can shift around and cracks will begin to appear. In turn, if there is too much moisture it will cause the soil that is supporting the foundation of your home to expand.

Earthquakes

When an earthquake occurs it causes the ground to shake, which in turn shakes your home around. Thankfully not too many earthquakes occur on this side of the U.S., however even the tiniest of quivers can be an issue. Remember, if the foundation isn’t supported or stable, it can move around, weaken and crack. A small earthquake may not cause new cracks, but it can intensify ones that are already present.

Storms

Whether you experience a hurricane, a nor’easter or just a typical rainstorm these storms produce a lot of water, which can damage the foundation of your home. Too much water will force the soil around the foundation of your home to expand, which will push up against the home and cause concrete foundation cracks. Storms can also cause various other structural problems if you don’t take preventive measures to secure your home. One of the most popular explanations behind concrete foundation cracks is the freeze and thaw cycle during the winter. Concrete freezes at around 18 degrees and then it melts at around 35 degrees, which is when the cracking develops.

Plumbing Leaks

It’s important to make sure your pipes are secured and aren’t leaking and that you don’t have any plumbing leaks in your home. If you’re home isn’t equipped with basement waterproofing or a sump pump, the excess water will add to the soil causing it to expand and push against your foundation.

Flooding

Regardless of whether the flooding comes from a storm, a leak, inadequate drainage or something else, too much water will be a problem for your concrete foundation. When hydrostatic pressure becomes too much for the foundation of your home you will notice more leaks, more cracks and more problems.

Extreme Heat

Concrete can also crack under extreme sun and heat because it causes the concrete to expand. During the day and under the sun the concrete will expand, and then overnight the concrete will shrink and retreat back to its original unbaked position.

Get Help Fixing Your Cracks

The moral of the story is that it is important to keep your foundation stable, dry and supported.

When your foundation has wiggle room due to dry soil or if it’s tightly pushed in by expanding soil, these movements cause it to weaken and in turn create concrete foundation cracks. The good news is that concrete foundation cracks that are a result of too much moisture and flooding can be prevented through various methods of basement waterproofing.

It’s also not too difficult to repair concrete foundation cracks with epoxy injections. If you are thinking about preventive measures or you need concrete repair, then contact the team at Triad Basement Waterproofing and they will create a custom solution to your specific situation.