What Is The Most Cost-Effective Way To Waterproof a Basement?

Due to high humidity and heavy downpour, you may have no other choice but to consider waterproofing your basement. It has proven to be effective in protecting one’s property. Interestingly, there are various ways of achieving it. These choices often confuse homeowners as they struggle to balance the affordability of a particular method and the extent of the protection it offers. That brings us to our million-dollar question. What is the most cost-effective way to waterproof a basement? Fair enough, there is no definite answer to this question. After all, the ideal choice differs from one case to another. An expert such as Homebuddy.com can make your choices simple.

The primary determinants of the suitable method and the basement waterproofing costs include the age of your home and its geographical location. Other factors include materials, water damage extent, and basement size. There is also the difference in cost between interior and exterior solutions. So, let’s look at various cost-effective ways to waterproof a basement and when they are most suitable. Read on!

Installing an Efficient Drainage System

It is the most cost-effective way to waterproof a basement in most cases since it is a possible do-it-yourself (DIY) project. All you need to do is manage the water flow around your house. Ensure the water doesn’t accumulate in your basement. It is pretty simple and doesn’t need much money to implement.

Interior Sealants

Unlike extensive exterior treatments, interior sealants are relatively cheap. The good thing is that they also get the job done. They create a waterproof layer on your basement floors and walls. Consequently, no moisture will enter your living room.

Exterior Waterproofing

As the name suggests, you need to apply a waterproof membrane on the exterior of your basement walls. Consequently, no water will infiltrate, thus preventing issues with water or even moisture.

The Cost of Various Ways of Basement Waterproofing

The following comparison can make a huge difference if you are looking for the most cost-effective way to waterproof a basement. Check it out to decide wisely.

Exterior Drains

It narrows down to directing water from the foundation. It can include another drainage system or a sump pump, depending on suitability and preference. Since it is easy to install, this method is also relatively inexpensive. It will cost you $25 only for every linear foot.

Liquid Membrane Basement Waterproofing

It involves using a liquid membrane on your basement walls. Under such circumstances, moisture won’t infiltrate through the walls. For this method, the average amount you will be paying is roughly $4.5 for every square suit. Note that this cost also includes labor and the necessary materials.

Epoxy Injection

Applying any waterproofing method without epoxy injection is impossible if your basement, including the walls, has cracks. You will use the injections to fill these cracks before applying the suitable waterproofing solution. Therefore, it is more of an additional cost to waterproof your basement. On average, that’s usually $6 for each square foot,although some contractors will charge per crack.

Installing a Sump Pump

It involves installing a drainage system to eliminate water from your basement via a pipe. It is no secret that it isn’t the most cost-effective way to waterproof a basement in the long run.

Nevertheless, it is the best for long-term basement waterproofing. However, this benefit is only an option if you are willing to spend between $ 7,000 and $ 18,000 to install the sump pump.

Waterproofing Paint

It is one of the most effective ways to waterproof your basement, especially when working with a tight budget. It requires sealants to ensure no moisture enters through the walls. The price is pocket-friendly since you pay $2 to $6 for every square foot.

Interior Drain

It is similar to its exterior counterpart, but as the name suggests, you will install it in the wall’s interior. You will install a baseboard or French drain around your basement perimeter. Whatever you choose will transfer the excess water to another drainage system, such as the sump drainage. That’s enough to prevent flooding in your basement.

Most contractors will charge it per linear foot at an average cost of approximately $89 each. Sometimes, you must combine it with another waterproofing method for optimal effectiveness.

Sodium Bentonite

This method is also among exterior waterproofing methods. It has proven excellent for situations where it is impossible to access one’s basement interior.

It is a natural sealant similar to clay. So, it seals the cracks upon applying sodium Bentonite to the exterior walls. Besides, it absorbs water, and that’s how it waterproofs the basement. The cost for its application is approximately $2 for each square foot.

Sheet Membrane Waterproofing

Unlike liquid membranes, sheet membranes are relatively expensive. The average cost when using this basement waterproofing method is $5 for each square foot.

It involves wrapping sheet membranes around the walls and the foundation. Consequently, no water will seep through these surfaces, thus keeping water away from your basement.

The labor cost of this method is often huge due to the necessary skills. Therefore, don’t be surprised if someone asks for a huge chunk of money for its implementation.

Other Factors Affecting the Cost of Waterproofing Your Basement

Besides the waterproofing method, other facts come into play in determining such a project’s cost. Some of them include the following:

• Your basement size can make a huge difference for obvious reasons. You will need more labor and materials to waterproof a large basement and vice versa.
• If you live in areas prone to floods, you will also pay more to waterproof your basement.
• If you waterproof your basement interior, you will pay less than if it was the exterior.
• Equally important, how your contractor charges you makes a huge difference.

Conclusion

You are wiser after the above discussion if you have been looking for the most cost-effective way to waterproof a basement. It is also clear that you need to consider whether you want a cost-effective method on a short-term or long-term basis.

For instance, installing a sump pump may be expensive initially but quite cheap, given the years it will serve you. Other methods are cheap but will need repair after a short time.

Therefore, ensure you balance effectiveness and cost-effectiveness excellently.