How Long Does Basement Waterproofing Last?

What is Basement Waterproofing?

Basement waterproofing is a process of managing water entry into the basement of your home and redirecting its path. To have a completely dry basement, you need to make sure your basement is waterproof. Waterproofing your basement also means waterproofing your foundation because water usually gets to your basement through a weak foundation.

Causes of a Wet Basement

A wet basement is a devastating thing that can happen to your home. Wet basements can be caused by:

1. Soil type with poor drainage – the nature of the soil around your house can be a factor in a wet foundation or wet basement. If your home is on land with a high water retention capacity, it may retain a lot of water in rainy seasons. Increased water retention causes soil to expand, possibly affecting the integrity of your foundation and 

causing structural damage, allowing water to get into the foundation and the basement.

1. Cracks – Cracks in your foundation give way for water that may have accumulated around the home to seep in as water follows the path of least resistance. Water that continues to seep into the foundation could reach the basement eventually, leaving you with a wet basement.

1. Poorly installed and maintained gutters – gutters that are poorly constructed and not well maintained could easily break under pressure or overflow, giving water access to your foundation and eventually your basement.

1. Improper slope – if the land slopes into your home instead of away from it, water will accumulate around your foundation, weakening it over time which in turn will allow water into your basement.

Why You Must Avoid Having a Wet Basement

A wet basement causes several problems such as mold formation, bad smells, and poor air circulation. Structural concerns can also occur and may cause your house to collapse if the necessary precautions are not taken.

Types of Basement Waterproofing

1. Interior basement waterproofing – this type of basement waterproofing is done inside your basement to keep water out. This method of waterproofing is usually implemented after a problem has occurred. Interior basement waterproofing aims to prevent consolidation and keep humidity levels down. Interior basement waterproofing also prevents water from reaching other parts of your house. Some methods under interior basement waterproofing include using waterproof sealants and coatings. This method, however, may not tackle the source of the problem.

1. Exterior basement waterproofing – this type of basement waterproofing is done outside the home. It aims at preventing water from getting inside the building. Some methods under exterior basement waterproofing include drainage systems and waterproof coating of the exterior walls. Ideally, exterior basement waterproofing should be done during the construction of your home.

All this brings us to our question of the day: How long does basement waterproofing last?

The amount of time basement waterproofing can last depend mainly on the methods of basement waterproofing used. Experts estimate that interior basement waterproofing should last an average of 10 years, whereas exterior basement waterproofing can last the whole lifespan of the building if done well.