It is important for all homeowners to maintain their basements, repair them from time to time, and also have a permanent waterproofing mechanism installed. The cost for this task depends on the extent of external and internal waterproofing required.
Did You Know?
According to Homewyse, in 2014, the average cost per 100 square feet to waterproof a basement is between USD 702.3 – USD 763.3.
Waterproofing does not mean that you simply apply the material like the waterproofing paint, once in a while. You need a mechanism that would help divert water away from the basement of the house and disperse it properly, or help it percolate into the ground. The process, hence, has to be conducted inside, as well as outside the house. Its cost, thus, depends on two major factors―internal and external waterproofing measures. One must also note that the average cost would differ on the size of the basement and the quality of the material used in this process. Let us see the costs in detail.
How Much Does it Cost?
As mentioned earlier, the cost is dependent on two major factors: (i) area of the basement; and (ii) quality of the material. It would differ according to the area because larger the area to be waterproofed, more the amount of material required and so would be the cost. In the same way, if you use good-quality material, it would cost more than the one which is lower in quality. Let us see both internal and external waterproofing processes in detail and also the expenses involved in each of the processes.
External Waterproofing
Outside the house, your task is to divert the water away from the foundations of the house. A French drain is the best solution to do so. In order to install it, all you need to do is dig a wide trench around the house. Make it a point to leave a reasonable distance between the trench and the house. Lay a perforated pipe, and use a weeping tile to cover up the perforated pipe. Then fill it up with gravel and level it out.
The outlet of this drain is used to carry water away from the house. In urban and suburban areas, it is connected to a drainage or sewer, but in rural areas, these pipes are let out into woods, fields, or orchards. Contractors levy charges according to the length and depth of the French drain. In order to reduce the cost, you can lay down the drain on your own, or you can do part of the work. The overall cost can also be curbed, if you are able to divert the water from the French drain to a dry well in your garden.
Water clogging on your property is another matter that you should be taking care of. Water-clogged yards and gardens often lead to immense water leakage problems in the basement as it tends to flow towards lower parts of the plot or estate, which is the basement.
Costs:
- You would need different things for this task. Weeping tile of standard 4-inch size would cost about $65 for a 100-feet role.
- A rigid PVC drain pipe would cost 75 cents per feet, whereas the flexible drain pipe would cost 45 cents per feet.
- For trenching, if you are doing the task on your own, you would have to hire the trenching tool, which can cost around $125 – $200 on a per day basis.
- You may also have to pay labor costs if you hire one. You can save these expenses by undertaking the task on your own, or by taking the help of your friends.
Internal Waterproofing
Waterproofing the basement from inside is also very important. The best way to do this is to have a coat of waterproof paint. The paint can also be accompanied by a coat of primer. However, one cannot just simply apply the paint onto the basement walls. It is absolutely necessary that you first heal the cracks and fissures that have appeared on the wall as a result of the seepage of water. Usually, this can be done by enlarging the cracks and fissures delicately with the help of a hammer and chisel, and then refilling them with concrete. You can give the wall a coat of waterproofing concrete, or you can also use sprays or membranes that are available in any hardware store. Let the material dry out properly after which you can apply the primer and paint.
- As seen above, you would need a number of things for this task. You would need waterproofing paint which costs $35 for a gallon, and 1-gallon paint (silicate-based concrete) can cover roughly 200 – 300 square feet area.
- A 5-gallon concrete waterproofing bucket would cost between $30 – $40, and it can cover an area of around 100 square feet.
- Price of membranes change with their quality and thickness, and it ranges between $0.8 – $7.5 per square meter. Here again, you would have to bear labor expenses if you hire any.
Advantages
• If waterproofing is done properly, the book value of the house increases.
• The French drain and the interior waterproofing prevent water from seeping into the basement. It also increases the longevity of the foundation of the house. For better results, it is extremely important that you reinstall and repair the French drain once in every five years, and reapply the paint and primer.
