What Is the Average Cost to Waterproof a Basement?

You bought a new two-story home. It’s the home of your dreams. While storing things in the basement, you notice a pool of water. You don’t know where it’s coming from.

After cleaning the water, you head back upstairs. A day later, the water has returned.

You search around the basement. You notice some cracks around the sidewalls.

You suspect that it’s a foundational issue. But you worry about the cost. And, you wonder if you can fix it yourself.

Before fixing a foundation problem, contact a professional. They can guide you on the best waterproofing measure.

The average cost to waterproof a basement cost is around $4,000. You must also consider other factors, such as walls and support beams.

This article will show you how to waterproof your basement effectively. Read on if you wish to know more.

The Interior Method

The cost to seal a basement interior runs anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000. However, the price tag depends on various factors, such as:

• Size of the basement
• Damage to the basement
• The addition of gutters or drains

Minor repairs can run as little as $600. However, cracks and foundation issues cost up to $10,000. The addition of drains or gutters can run up to $10,000 as well.

When it comes to interior work, the price will also depend on which method you use. For example, interior sealants will keep a basement dry, but it’s not an effective waterproofing solution in the long-term.

For deeper waterproofing work, you’ll need the interior drainage method.

This method addresses hydrostatic pressure in your basement. Hydrostatic pressure means pressurized water that seeps through your basement walls or foundation.

You can apply a drainage system along the basement walls. It will capture any water that comes through your walls or wall joints.

Overall, an interior drainage system is more effective than an external one. An external system is susceptible to clogs from outside debris. Moreover, an internal drainage system is cheaper than the external variety.

The cost of an internal drain system varies between $6,000 to $10,000. However, the price depends on the basement size and the number of sump pumps needed. If you’re unsure about the right waterproofing solution, read this article to learn more.

Exterior Plan

If you choose the exterior route, you have a variety of options. One method includes weeping drain tiles. It will divert any water buildup away from the foundation.

They come in the form of plastic pipes with large holes in them. The holes take in water that would otherwise get into your basement.

This is an ideal method for homes in damper climates. The weeping tile method costs between $2,500 and $15,000.

You’ll need to excavate the area before applying the weeping tiles. You can rent a backhoe to excavate the area or hire a crew. The excavation cost alone runs anywhere between $5,000 to $15,000.

You’ll also need to excavate if you intend to utilize other external methods, including the membrane methods.

The Membrane Methods

You have several options when it comes to membrane waterproofing: the liquid membrane method or the sheet membrane method.

In either case, the membranes prevent moisture from penetrating concrete walls:

• Liquid Method: This involves two or three coats of elastomeric or crystalline membranes. The cost varies between $3 to $6 per square foot of coating.
• Sheet Membrane: This entails the use of rubberized asphalt on walls. However, you must prepare the walls and joints before applying this membrane. The cost per coating foot is around the same as the liquid method.

The liquid method is more reliable due to the lack of seams between the cracks. Regardless of the method, you should consider an application expert to ensure that it’s applied evenly.

Failure to do so will degrade the integrity of the membranes. If you need to repair cracks, consider cement application.

Cementitious Waterproofing

Cementitious waterproofing forges a barrier of cement-polymer that keeps water at bay. And, you can use it to seal crawl spaces or patch cracks.

You can also use an acrylic additive to enhance the bonding power of the cement. However, the acrylic comes separately, costing around $30.

Overall, the cementitious method is less flexible than others. The cost is $5.25 per square foot, including labor.

One gallon of cementitious material costs $36. A gallon covers 150 square feet.

There are two types of cementitious waterproofing:

•  The Crystalline Method: This type of cement has silica and other chemicals. It creates a crystalline forging that infiltrates pores and smaller cracks.
• Flexible Cementitious Method: This method has flexibility and breathability. You can apply it in a wide range of polymer coating types.

Consult an expert on which type of method you should use. Failure to use the right method could result in costly reworks. Apply two coats to waterproof the area effectively.

Clay Waterproofing

The clay method entails bentonite clay that forms a strong barrier between moist soil and the foundation. It absorbs moisture and expands into cracks and gaps. You can apply it in spray form or as a sheet.

It’s especially useful for new-construction homes. Further, it’s an affordable option and one of the more effective options for waterproofing new homes.

With that, experts view this method as a temporary solution.

This waterproofing plan requires a perfect application for it to work effectively. This is especially true when injecting it into the soil. Consult a professional if you want an impeccable application.

On average, this technique will cost around $3 per square foot, including labor. The cost and labor apply to a single layer at a time.

Also, the clay technique cannot stop cracks between the slab floor of the basement and the basement walls. If you want full coverage, you’ll have to excavate the entire foundation with this method.

What’s the Average Cost to Waterproof a Basement?

The average cost to waterproof a basement amounts to $4,000. However, the cost depends on the basement size and the number of repairs required. Addressing basement cracks can exceed the $4,000 average.

One of the most effective ways to waterproof a basement is through an interior drainage system. If unsure, consult an expert on the method that’s right for your basement.

Interested in learning more? Check out the rest of our blog for more information about home tips.