Residential Restoration Costs: What Homeowners Should Budget For
Restoration estimates rarely answer the question homeowners actually want answered: why does it cost this
Your home was not planned or built to leak. It was built with the idea that the water outside would remain outside. Therefore, a leak is a clear indication that something in your home isn’t functioning properly and has to be fixed. Unfortunately, It is not uncommon that after some years, homes will begin to leak due to wear and tear.
That is why keeping your home protected with proper waterproofing is one of the most significant things you can do to ensure that your home stays dry and in good condition. Research shows that more than 90% of basements in the US will have some water damage sooner or later, so don’t go on thinking that water damage won’t happen to you, and start proper waterproofing today! Water damage can be an expensive ordeal, so taking the proper prevention steps can save you a lot of money.
Waterproofing your home can be done interiorly or exteriorly. You may even decide to combine both methods if needed. Keep reading for more details on both methods and for a better understanding of the waterproofing your home needs.
Because of our extensive experience in the construction and water damage industries, we first recommend doing everything possible and keeping water out of your property!
Exterior waterproofing is a permanent solution that deals with the outside of your home to make your foundation walls impervious to water. This method is highly effective and guarantees that water doesn’t reach the inside of your home or your foundations.
Exterior waterproofing involves various strategies to prevent water from entering the structure of the building. Here are some common solutions:
One of the most common exterior waterproofing solutions involves the installation of a new drainage system. If your water leakage issue is due to improper drainage, replacing the existing system can effectively divert water away from your foundation. This solution involves digging trenches around your property, installing drain pipes, and then covering them back up. The new drainage system will ensure that water is properly drained, preventing it from seeping into your home.
In some cases, it may be necessary to rebuild your foundation partially. This process involves excavating the area around your home, which can be quite costly. However, by strengthening and waterproofing your foundation, you can prevent future water damage and save a significant amount of money in the long run.
Hydrostatic mastic is a type of waterproofing product that can be applied to the exterior of your home. This rubber-like material is spread onto the surface of your foundation and forms a barrier that covers cracks and prevents water from entering. This method is less invasive than some others and can be quite effective.
Dry sodium bentonite clay is a simple yet effective solution for exterior waterproofing. The clay is packed into the cracks in your foundation, where it expands upon contact with water. As the clay expands, it absorbs the extra water in the cracks, effectively blocking any further water from entering. Once it hardens, the sodium bentonite clay forms a permanent seal. This method is relatively easy to apply and can provide a reliable seal against water intrusion.
The interior waterproofing method can be utilized alone or in combination with an exterior waterproofing method for keeping your home dry. Unlike exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing takes care of the problem once the water is inside your home. Interior waterproofing systems work to remove water that have seeped into your home to ensure that the water does not cause any damage.
Here are some examples of common interior waterproofing solutions:
Filling cracks and gaps in the ceiling and walls is a fundamental part of interior waterproofing. Once these cracks and gaps have been sealed, latex-based waterproof paint is applied to the interior walls and ceiling. This paint creates a barrier that water cannot penetrate, protecting your home from dampness and potential water damage. One advantage of this method is that the waterproof paint is less likely to deteriorate over time, providing long-lasting protection.
Crack injection is another technique used to protect your home from water damage. This method involves injecting cracks in your foundation with polyurethane, a material that expands to fill the crack completely. By ensuring no new cracks develop from the original one, you can prevent water from finding a new entry point into your home. This is one of the fastest and most effective ways to address foundation cracks and prevent future issues.
An interior drainage system can be a crucial part of your home’s waterproofing strategy. This system is installed inside your foundation footing and is designed to divert water away from your foundation. By alleviating pressure and guiding water away from your home, an interior drainage system can significantly reduce the risk of water damage.
If your basement frequently floods or if your home’s water table is above the foundation, installing a sump pump can be a smart choice. A sump pump works by removing water from a sump pit in your basement and discharging it safely away from your home. This significantly reduces the risk of basement flooding and helps keep your home dry.
The choice between interior and exterior waterproofing depends on several factors, including the nature of the water problem, the construction of your home, and your budget.
First, it’s crucial to understand the source and extent of your water problem. If your issue is mainly due to high humidity or condensation inside your home, interior waterproofing might be sufficient. However, if water is entering your home from the outside, for example, through cracks in your foundation or due to poor drainage, then exterior waterproofing might be more effective.
The construction of your home can also influence which type of waterproofing is more suitable. For instance, if your house has a basement, it might benefit more from an interior waterproofing solution like a sump pump or an interior drainage system. On the other hand, houses built on a slab or crawl space might require an exterior waterproofing approach.
The cost is another factor to consider. Generally, interior waterproofing solutions like sealing cracks or installing a sump pump can be less expensive than exterior methods like installing a new drainage system or applying a waterproof membrane to your foundation. However, the most cost-effective solution, in the long run, is the one that best addresses your specific water problem.
With both methods, there are, of course, some advantages and some disadvantages. The main distinction between the two methods is that interior waterproofing extract water that has already entered your home, while exterior waterproofing doesn’t allow water to enter in the first place. In order to decide what method is the best fit for your home, it’s best to have a professional waterproofing contractor examine your home.
While exterior and interior waterproofing utilizes different techniques to keep your home safe from water damage, they both have the same ultimate goal, to keep your home dry! Seeing how none of us can escape the rain, storms, or floods, waterproofing systems are a great addition that every homeowner should invest in.
If You Need A Waterproofing Job Area….Don’t Hesitate To Give Us A Call (888) 412-5228
Restoration estimates rarely answer the question homeowners actually want answered: why does it cost this
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