9 Tips for Waterproofing Foundation Walls from the Outside
Waterproofing your basement foundation is crucial for protecting your home from water damage. While Groundworks recommends interior basement waterproofing as the most effective solution, exterior waterproofing can also play a vital role.
If you’re considering exterior waterproofing, it’s important to know the best practices to ensure your home stays safe and dry. Here are 9 essential tips to keep in mind when waterproofing your foundation from the outside.
Interior or Exterior Basement Waterproofing: Which is Best?
You may have seen different sources talking about waterproofing your basement foundation from either the inside or the outside. While this page is about exterior waterproofing, we believe that interior basement waterproofing is the superior choice for protecting your home. Interior waterproofing addresses water issues from the inside, offering several key advantages:
- Easier Access: Interior systems are installed within your basement, making them easier to maintain and less invasive compared to exterior solutions.
- Direct Water Management: Interior systems like sump pumps and interior drain tiles manage water that has already entered, ensuring it is efficiently removed from your basement.
- Cost-Effective: Interior waterproofing solutions tend to be more affordable since they don’t require excavation or extensive outdoor work.
- Quick Installation: Many interior systems can be installed quickly, providing immediate protection against water damage.
Because of these benefits, Groundworks typically recommends interior waterproofing for most homeowners. Still, if you choose to pursue exterior waterproofing, it’s important to do it right. Here are 9 essential tips to keep in mind when waterproofing your foundation from the outside.
1. Understand Your Soil Type and Its Impact on Your Foundation
Different types of soil absorb water in different ways. For example, clay soil holds onto water, then swells and shrinks in a cycle, putting pressure on your foundation walls.
On the other hand, sandy soil drains water quickly, which can cause the ground around your foundation to shift. Knowing your soil type will help you choose the best waterproofing methods for your home.
2. Install an Exterior Waterproofing Membrane
An exterior waterproofing membrane is a special coating applied to the outside of your foundation walls. This membrane acts as a barrier, keeping water from getting into your home. It’s one of the most effective ways to prevent water damage to your foundation.
3. Use Exterior Drain Tile to Direct Water Away
Exterior drain tile is a system of pipes installed around your foundation. These pipes collect water and direct it away from your foundation, reducing the water pressure against your walls. This is especially important if you have a basement.
4. Repair Cracks in Your Foundation Walls
Even small cracks in your basement walls can let water in. It’s important to fill close these cracks with foundation repair solutions like wall anchors or carbon fiber reinforcement. This simple repair can prevent much bigger problems down the road.
5. Make Sure Your Lawn Is Properly Graded
The ground around your home should slope away from your foundation. If it doesn’t, water can pool next to your foundation walls, increasing the risk of water damage. Proper grading helps direct water away from your home, keeping your foundation safe.
6. Keep Your Gutters Clear
Clogged gutters, downspouts, and drain pipes can cause water to overflow and pool near your foundation. Regularly check and clean these systems to ensure water is directed away from your home. This simple maintenance step can make a big difference in keeping your foundation dry.
7. Maintain Your Sump Pump
If your home has a sump pump, it’s important to keep it in good working order. The sump pump helps remove water that seeps in from the soil around your foundation. Regularly check your sump pump to make sure it’s working properly, especially during heavy rains.
8. Watch Out for Signs of Foundation Wall Seepage
Porous concrete, cracks, or deteriorated mortar joints can cause water to seep through your foundation walls. Keep an eye out for wet spots, mold growth, or efflorescence on your basement walls, as these are signs of water infiltration. If you notice these issues, you know it’s time to take action.
9. Ensure Proper Installation and Maintenance of Egress Windows
Egress windows and window wells are essential for safety, especially in basements, but they can also impact the waterproofing of your foundation. If not properly installed, egress windows can allow water to seep into your basement.
Ensure that the window wells are properly sealed and have adequate drainage systems to direct water away from your foundation. Regularly inspect the area around your egress windows to prevent water accumulation, and keep the window wells clear of debris.
Keep Water Out With Groundworks
Waterproofing your foundation from the outside is an important step in protecting your home from water damage. While Groundworks recommends interior waterproofing for the best protection, following these 9 tips will help you ensure your exterior waterproofing efforts are effective.
If you’re ever unsure or need professional help, Groundworks is here to assist you with all your basement waterproofing needs. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection!
FAQs
DIY basement waterproofing is not recommended. While sealing basement walls may seem like a quick fix, it is crucial to address mold and mildew issues first. Contact a professional to identify, repair, and prevent leaks rather than attempting a DIY patch-up.
While waterproofing your foundation is not required, it is highly recommended. Waterproofing your basement or encapsulating your crawl space can protect your space from excessive humidity, mold, and pest infestations.
Waterproofing typically is done to the inside of your basement or crawl space, not the outside. Interior waterproofing is longer lasting, and it is much easier to do. If you have a basement foundation, then it is virtually impossible to waterproof it from the outside once it has already been built.
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