How Long Does Basement Waterproofing Last?
Basement waterproofing lasts as long as its individual components. These components include vapor barriers, dehumidifiers, interior drainage, and more.
Homeowners with a basement know how valuable it is to have extra space below their home. Whether you use your basement for extra storage, a fan cave, or an extra bedroom, it’s important to keep the space protected from moisture. Basement waterproofing solutions exist for this exact reason.
Before you consider using these solutions, you might ask yourself “how long does basement waterproofing last?” As the nation’s prime authority on basement waterproofing, Groundworks is here to answer that question, so you feel prepared for this important investment.
What is Basement Waterproofing?
You might not know everything that goes into basement waterproofing, so let’s go over the main components. Basement waterproofing makes use of multiple parts that work together to keep moisture out of your basement for good. Usually, this involves the use of vapor barriers, dehumidifiers, interior drainage, sump pumps and more. Employing a combination of these solutions provides maximum protection against all forms of moisture – whether liquid, vapor, or humid air. To understand how long basement waterproofing lasts, you have to know how long each of these components will last.
How Long do Vapor Barriers Last?
Vapor barriers do exactly what their name implies – they create a barrier between your basement and water vapor. These tools can be found at local hardware stores, but professional options are made with better materials. Our vapor barriers are the best in the country, made with 12-mil polyethylene plastic for a thick and durable barricade against moisture.
Store-bought vapor barriers last around 5-10 years, and professionally installed vapor barriers last around 20 years. Most companies, including Groundworks, also offer warranties on their vapor barriers for extra security in the event that the product gets damaged. However, vapor barriers from Groundworks offer an effective, lifetime solution for your basement.
How Long do Dehumidifiers Last?
Did you know that 13% of all U.S. homes use a dehumidifier, especially in the Northeast and the Midwest where basements are much more common. That’s about 42,835,000 people across the country that rely on this waterproofing solution. Much like vapor barriers, dehumidifiers can be found at local hardware stores and big box stores. These dehumidifiers are not equipped to handle large areas like a basement and won’t last long as a result. Professional units are more energy-efficient and can handle the square footage of any basement.
Dehumidifiers usually last about 5-10 years, and professional options last longer. If you’re looking for a professional solution, Groundworks offers a basement dehumidifier that removes 100 pints of water per day and includes a 5-year bumper to bumper warranty.
How Long do Interior Drains Last?
Often, water seeps through basement walls due to hydrostatic pressure or improper foundation drainage. Interior drains are a solution designed to prevent this water from pooling in your basement. These interior drains are installed along the perimeter of your basement to ensure water is caught and removed immediately upon entry.
Usually, these drains last for decades, around 30-40 years. Keep in mind, other factors such as installation technique, clogging and debris, or the environment can shorten that amount of time. Either way, interior drains are a long-term and reliable tool for basement waterproofing. Groundworks offers the BasementGutter™ system – a superior interior drain that actively prevents clogging and comes with a longtime warranty to ensure protection on your investment.
How Long do Sump Pumps Last?
Basement owners are likely familiar with how a sump pump functions because many basements are built with one already installed. Simply put, sump pumps drain water out of your basement. If water in the sump pit rises to a certain level, it activates the sump pump mechanism which quickly drains the water away.
However, because of their submersion underground and exposure to moisture, sump pumps experience plenty of wear and tear such as rust. On average, most sump pumps last about 10 years. Groundworks offers a basement sump pump with a 5-year warranty, so if it ever gets damaged, you can feel confident knowing that our team will quickly replace it with another high-quality pump. Even better, our sump pump is built with durable plastic liners and cast-iron pumps that are stronger and more damage-resistant than other models.
So, How Long Does Basement Waterproofing Last?
As you can see, basement waterproofing relies on the sum of all its parts. Most modern waterproofing solutions last about 10 years, so basement waterproofing as a whole lasts about that long as well. Even better, Groundworks has basement waterproofing solutions that last longer, and come warrantied in case of an emergency. Other basement waterproofing solutions to keep in mind include:
Groundworks Solves Your Basement Issues!
Groundworks is dedicated to providing the best basement waterproofing service in the country. So far this year, our team has completed nearly 11,000 basement waterproofing jobs for residents across the country, with over 4,000 of them completed in the Midwest and Northeast regions alone. With offices in 34 states, we serve local communities with great success.
Thousands of positive online reviews are a testament to our quality service and expert knowledge. With our warrantied products, we guarantee a permanent fix for any foundation troubles you might be facing. Contact us today to learn more about basement waterproofing solutions, and to schedule a free inspection with a local Groundworks branch near you!