Water damage can ruin your house, leading to costly repairs and a headache-inducing mess. If you live in Toronto, where the weather can be unpredictable, protecting your home from water infiltration is crucial. One common way to safeguard your home against water damage is through waterproofing. But, when it comes to waterproofing, there are two primary methods: exterior and interior. Have you experienced disappointment with DIY waterproofing attempts? Or perhaps you’ve made the wise choice to entrust experts with a significant upgrade like basement waterproofing. In this blog, we’ll break down these methods in simple terms and help you decide which one is right for you.
The Main Differences Between Exterior vs. Interior Waterproofing
Installation Site
The main distinction is in the installation site. Outside waterproofing is done mostly from the basement’s outside. It necessitates excavation along the perimeter of the basement. Interior waterproofing is concerned with work done from within the basement.
Role of Sump Pumps
A critical distinction to consider is the role of a sump pump system in interior waterproofing. This system prevents water buildup within the indoor weeping tile network, except when it’s possible to connect the weeping tile directly to a storm sewer. For exterior waterproofing, the need for a sump pump depends on specific property characteristics, such as a high-water table. If chosen for exterior waterproofing, the sump pump can be installed outdoors since the weeping tile network for outer waterproofing is also located outside. While a sump pump may not be essential for external waterproofing in terms of keeping water out, it serves as a solution to prevent water from pooling around the foundation.
Getting Rid of Leakage
Let us now look at the third critical distinction: external waterproofing. Its main purpose is to provide an impenetrable barrier to water intrusion. Once installed, it efficiently protects the basement wall from any contact with water. Interior waterproofing does not provide a complete barrier against water seepage through the wall itself. Nonetheless, it expertly maintains a dry basement environment. It utilizes a waterproof membrane and weeping tiles. We now have the necessary background knowledge to investigate the aspects that should lead to your choice between the two approaches.
Factors to Consider When Deciding Between External and Internal Waterproofing
Excavation Space Around Your Basement
One of the foremost factors to weigh is the availability of crawl space around your property’s foundation, as it plays a pivotal role in determining the most suitable waterproofing approach. For properties lacking ample excavation room or devoid of it altogether, interior waterproofing emerges as the default and often preferable choice.
Achieving Full Moisture Protection
When it comes to ensuring a dry and leak-free basement space, two primary waterproofing methods come into play, internal and external waterproofing. These approaches offer similar end results but differ significantly in their execution.
Exterior Waterproofing: In this method, a waterproof membrane is installed on the outer surface of the foundation. This strategic placement ensures that water is no longer in direct contact with the foundation wall. Additionally, an accompanying weeping tile system is installed to effectively manage moisture within the surrounding soil.
Interior Waterproofing: Conversely, interior waterproofing involves the creation of a trench and weeping tile network at the base of the problematic basement walls. This network acts as a safeguard, capturing any water that may infiltrate the walls and guiding it toward a sump pump for expulsion.
Optimal Basement Waterproofing In Toronto Depending on Its Intended Use
When considering the appropriate waterproofing method for your basement, it’s crucial to align your choice with the basement’s intended use. Homeowners may lean towards exterior waterproofing rather than inside waterproofing based on this consideration. If your basement is meant for long-term occupancy, such as bedrooms, home offices, or rentable spaces, opting for outer waterproofing is highly recommended. In comparison, exterior waterproofing ensures a consistently drier environment and does not depend on the constant operation of a sump pump.
The Durability of Waterproofing in Toronto
Generally, external waterproofing tends to outlast inside waterproofing, largely due to the reliance on a sump pump for interior solutions. However, in certain situations, interior waterproof methods can connect to a storm sewer, eliminating the need for a sump pump. Moreover, it’s essential to emphasize that the longevity of both waterproofing methods hinges significantly on the quality of materials and the precision of the installation process. These factors greatly influence the durability of your waterproofing system.
Project Invasiveness
It’s important to consider the installation process of the exterior waterproofing system. This primarily occurs from the outside of the basement. This method is generally regarded as less invasive when compared to interior waterproofing. Opting for inside basement waterproofing may entail the need to clear out the basement space before installation. If minimizing disruption and invasiveness is a primary concern for you, it’s worth noting that exterior waterproofing is the more favorable choice.
Your Budget
In terms of cost, inner waterproofing is usually more budget-friendly upfront. However, it’s crucial to consider long-term maintenance costs when evaluating the value of exterior waterproofing. Outer method often requires minimal or no maintenance in the long run. This makes it a potentially worthwhile investment.
