How Long Does Basement Waterproofing Last?

If you have a basement, you know how valuable all that extra space is. 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 exists for this exact reason. 

Before you consider using these solutions, you might ask yourself “How long does basement waterproofing last?” As the nation’s top authority on basement waterproofing, Groundworks is here to answer that question and help you feel prepared for this important investment. 

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 of damage to the product. However, vapor barriers from Groundworks offer an effective, lifetime solution for your basement. 

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, you can find some dehumidifiers at local hardware stores and big box stores. These dehumidifiers cannot 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. 

Often, water seeps through basement walls due to hydrostatic pressure or improper foundation drainage. Interior drains prevent this water from pooling in your basement. These interior drains sit along the perimeter of your basement to catch water upon entry and drain it quickly.  

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. 

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 provides a basement sump pump with a 5-year warranty, so if damage occurs, we quickly replace it with a high-quality pump. Plus, we build our sump pump with strong plastic liners and cast-iron parts, making it more durable than other models.