Waterproofing a home or basement from the inside effectively manages moisture and prevents further water damage. Interior waterproofing methods can provide practical and cost-efficient solutions for minor cracks or high humidity.
Focusing on sealing gaps, applying protective coatings, and installing drainage systems can create a dry, healthy living environment without extensive external work. In this guide, we’ll explore several common interior waterproofing methods, their benefits, and how they help protect your home from the damaging effects of moisture.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Interior waterproofing can manage moisture and prevent water damage in your home. Common methods include sealing cracks, applying waterproof coatings, installing drainage systems, and using dehumidifiers.
While cost-effective and easy to install, inside waterproofing doesn’t stop water from entering your home and works best when combined with external waterproofing solutions for complete protection.
Methods Of Inside Waterproofing
Several methods are available for waterproofing a basement or home from the inside.
These techniques focus on managing existing water, sealing cracks, and creating internal barriers to moisture. The most common methods include:
1. Sealing Cracks And Gaps
Sealing cracks and gaps in your basement’s walls and floors is critical to preventing water intrusion. Water can seep through even the tiniest cracks, gradually eroding the structural integrity of your home and creating moisture problems.
Hydraulic cement is particularly advantageous because it fills the cracks and expands as it sets, ensuring a long-lasting, watertight seal. In addition to hydraulic cement, specialised waterproof sealants can also be applied.
These offer flexibility and resistance to temperature fluctuations, which helps keep your basement dry.
- Use epoxy-based sealants for flexibility and strength in sealing wider cracks.
- Inspect joints between the floor and walls, as they are often vulnerable points for water entry.
- Regularly inspect and maintain seals to ensure longevity, especially in older homes.
- Apply sealants in a dry, clean environment for maximum effectiveness.
2. Applying Masonry Waterproofing Products
Masonry waterproofing products, such as liquid rubber coatings or elastomeric paint, are designed to create a durable, impermeable layer on basement walls. This layer prevents water from penetrating the walls, keeping the home’s interior dry.
These coatings bond with the masonry, forming a barrier resistant to water and pressure from outside soil. Many of these products are flexible enough to accommodate minor movement or settling in the structure without cracking, ensuring lasting protection.
- Consider using products with mould and mildew resistance to avoid further complications from moisture.
- Apply multiple layers of waterproofing coatings for enhanced durability.
- Use a primer before applying waterproof coatings to improve adhesion and longevity.
- Ensure walls are thoroughly cleaned and any existing moisture is removed before application.
3. Installing An Interior Drainage System
An interior drainage system, like a French drain or weeping tile system, is designed to manage water that has already entered your basement. This system is installed along the perimeter of your basement floor, collecting water and channelling it toward a sump pump.
Once the water is collected, the sump pump removes it from the home, preventing pooling or flooding. Installing an interior drainage system is often paired with other waterproofing measures for maximum efficiency, especially in homes that experience frequent basement flooding.
- Include a battery backup for the sump pump to ensure continuous operation during power outages.
- Consider a sump pump with an alarm system to notify you if water levels rise unexpectedly.
- Add a vapour barrier along the basement floor with the drainage system to further reduce moisture issues.
- Regularly check the sump pump and drainage system to ensure it functions properly, especially during rainy seasons.
4. Using Dehumidifiers And Managing Humidity
High humidity may be the culprit in basements where water isn’t visibly seeping, but moisture is still an issue. Installing a dehumidifier can help maintain an optimal moisture level in the air, reducing condensation on walls, pipes, and floors.
This is a cost-effective solution for basements that suffer from dampness rather than flooding, and it can be particularly useful in areas with naturally high humidity. Dehumidifiers also help to prevent mould and mildew, which thrive in moist environments.
- Opt for a dehumidifier with a built-in hygrometer to automatically monitor and adjust humidity levels.
- Ensure proper air circulation to avoid stale, damp air accumulating in one area.
- Use moisture-absorbing materials like silica gel or desiccant packs for additional humidity control.
- Vent appliances like dryers and furnaces properly to excess moisture in the basement.
5. Upgrading Gutters And Downspouts
Properly functioning gutters and downspouts are key to keeping water out of your basement.
Although this is an external measure, it directly impacts the water that can reach your foundation. If gutters are clogged, damaged, or improperly pitched, water may overflow and pool around the base of your home.
Downspouts should be positioned to direct water far away from the foundation, minimising the chances of it seeping into the basement. Ensuring that your home’s drainage system works effectively is one of the easiest ways to prevent water from entering your basement.
- Extend downspouts 4-6 feet from the foundation to ensure proper water drainage.
- Regularly clean gutters to remove debris, leaves, and dirt that can block water flow.
- Consider installing gutter guards to reduce the need for frequent gutter maintenance.
- Inspect the grading around your home to ensure the landscape slopes away from the foundation, preventing water from pooling.
6. Sealing Basement Windows
Basement windows are a common weak point for water infiltration. Water can easily enter your basement through gaps around the frames or the window.
Sealing basement windows with waterproof caulking can prevent water from seeping in during heavy rainfall. Installing window well covers can protect against water accumulation around the windows, particularly during storms.
This method not only prevents water damage but also helps maintain the overall insulation of the basement.
- Use weather-resistant caulk to maintain a durable seal around basement windows.
- Check window wells regularly for debris or standing water that could lead to leaks.
- Install drain tiles in window wells to help divert water from the window area.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient, double-pane basement windows for improved insulation and moisture resistance.
Benefits Of Inside Waterproofing
While interior waterproofing doesn’t directly address the source of the problem (such as groundwater pressure or external rainwater), it has several benefits when dealing with minor water intrusion or humidity issues. These benefits include:
1. Cost-Effectiveness
Compared to exterior waterproofing, which requires excavation and significant labour, interior waterproofing is generally more affordable.
Homeowners who want to prevent further water damage without the high cost of external waterproofing often turn to interior methods.
2. Easier Installation
Interior waterproofing methods, such as applying sealants and installing drainage systems, do not require heavy excavation or construction, making them easier and less disruptive for homeowners.
The work can be done with minimal equipment and can often be completed in a shorter time than exterior methods.
3. Quick Fix For Existing Issues
Interior waterproofing provides a quick and effective solution to basement water problems.
Sealing cracks or installing a sump pump system can prevent further damage and help keep the area dry, making it useful when immediate intervention is needed.
4. Helps Control Moisture And Humidity
Even if water is not actively leaking into your basement, high humidity can lead to mould growth, musty odours, and material deterioration.
Interior waterproofing and humidity control measures can help keep the environment dry and healthy.
5. Improves Indoor Air Quality
Interior waterproofing can improve the overall air quality in your home by controlling moisture levels and preventing mould growth.
Mould spores and mildew thrive in damp environments, which can negatively affect the health of the home’s occupants. Reducing moisture reduces the potential for these harmful substances to grow.
Conclusion
Interior waterproofing is an effective and cost-efficient way to manage moisture and prevent water damage in your home or basement. While it won’t stop water from entering, it helps address minor water intrusion, humidity, and dampness.
Sealing cracks, applying waterproof coatings, installing drainage systems, and managing humidity levels can significantly improve the conditions of your living space. However, combining interior waterproofing with external measures provides the most comprehensive protection against water-related problems.
FAQs About Waterproofing
Does Inside Waterproofing Work?
Interior waterproofing can only remove water that has already accumulated in your basement; it is not effective at preventing water from getting into the basement in the first place.
Is It Better To Waterproof The Basement From Inside Or Outside?
Waterproofing the outside of your foundation is the best way to shore up your basement. Interior waterproofing can prevent water damage from worsening, but having the repairs done on the outside fixes the weaknesses where they start.
Is It Worth It To Waterproof The Basement?
The number one reason that basement waterproofing is worth it for almost every homeowner is reinforcing your home’s foundation. While some basement waterproofing systems directly fortify the foundation with membranes, any waterproofing system will protect it against moisture problems.
How Do Drainage Systems Help With Waterproofing?
Interior drainage systems, like French drains, channel water that has entered the home towards a sump pump. This helps prevent pooling or flooding in basements and is often paired with other waterproofing measures for maximum efficiency.
Can Interior Waterproofing Prevent Water From Entering My Home?
Interior waterproofing manages water that has already entered your home but doesn’t prevent further infiltration. For comprehensive protection, it’s best to combine it with exterior waterproofing solutions.
