What Is The Cost Of Waterproofing A Basement?
Water in the basement is a major worry for every homeowner. A wet basement is a health hazard as it encourages the growth of toxic mold. Waterproofing the basement is the only sure way of keeping it dry. However, this is a big job and should not be taken lightly. The cost of waterproofing a basement usually depends on a number of factors.
Foundation Depth
Working on a deep foundation from the outside requires more labor as more excavation has to be done. Typically, foundations are excavated four feet below the frost line and have window wells when they are deeper than that for ease of access. Generally speaking, the deeper the foundation the greater the costs of waterproofing your basement.
Waterproofing Method
You can damp proof from the inside or waterproof from the outside. Quick fixes like applying sealant to stop basement leaks may cost less than extensive long-term solutions like digging a drainage trench around the building but generally, do not last.
Interior Waterproofing Costs
Interior Waterproofing
Injection – This is a quick fix for a wet basement although not generally recommended as a comprehensive solution. You can use epoxy or polyurethane to inject a crack in a poured concrete foundation. An injection can typically cost $500 – $700 per crack.
Internal Drainage System – This is a system where a weeping tile is placed on the interior of the home by breaking the floor approximately 12″ out from the wall. A weeping tile is placed in a trench beside the footing and sloped to a sump pump.
Relief holes are drilled in a block foundation to drain the wall and a dimpled plastic foundation membrane is fastened to the interior wall from grade level to beneath the floor slab. This will channel the water down to the weeping tile.
Exterior Waterproofing Costs
Applying Membrane to Foundation Wall
External Waterproofing is the preferred method and the best way to ensure your basement stays dry for the long term. The foundation is waterproofed from the outside to prevent water getting into the walls and into the basement.
Excavation – Digging a trench around the building to properly waterproof a foundation is considered the best long-term solution. Costs vary depending on the accessibility of the site, the depth of the trench, and the extent of the restoration needed.
Excavating to the footing is the first step so that the foundation can be cleaned of loose debris and soil.
The initial restoration step may vary depending on the specific foundation but in general, it is a parging or cement repair that is first done to seal the foundation. RCC then applies two coats of a trowel on rubber with a fabric mesh embedded between the coats for extra strength. This mesh also ensures all jobs have the proper thickness of rubber applied as per the manufacturer’s specifications.
The final layer of protection is a soil side dimpled plastic drainage membrane. It is the final of 5 steps for waterproofing the foundation and promotes the drainage of water on the outside of all the waterproofing materials.
A four-inch weeping tile with filter cloth is installed next to the footing and is connected to either the existing storm sewer connection or a sump pump. A bed of 3/4″ gravel is installed over top of the weeping tile to help keep any silt out over the long term before backfilling and compacting the soil.
Basement Waterproofing: What You Need To Know
The cost of basement waterproofing can typically range between $1000-$25,000 but could go as high as above $50,000 depending on the size of the building.
External waterproofing is a big job and should always be handled by professionals. RCC’s external waterproofing system will provide you with a long-term solution, backed by a guarantee that is second to none.
Related: Top 10 Questions To Ask Your Waterproofing Contractor
RCC Waterproofing and Foundation Repairs has been servicing Ontario customers for over 100 years. Their repairs have outlived lifetime warranties by at least two times. The company provides professionally trained sales representatives to view, assess and quote on repairs. The installers are employees of RCC and most have long term working relationships. RCC carries full insurance including WSIB coverage and HST registration.
RCC Waterproofing offers:
- A Lifetime Waterproofing Guarantee!
- 24-hour emergency services for Ontario residences
- Fully trained technical sales representatives to view, assess and quote the repair
- Over 100 years of third-generation family success both in products and services and superb warranty
- Full-service options, providing either exterior or interior repairs depending on issues, location, and structure
- A successful record of servicing over 75,000 customers
