A damp and musty basement is a major annoyance. Plus, if water floods the basement, your furnace and water heater could be in danger. Anything you store in the basement could be ruined due to water or dampness. Basement waterproofing is the solution that keeps your basement dry. However, choosing the right way to waterproof the space can be challenging since there are different approaches.

Some basement waterproofing methods are done outside of your home while others are done inside. Some cost more than others and some last longer than others. Here's a look at some options for basement waterproofing.

Wall Coatings Or Membranes

Wall coatings can keep your basement dry since they block water from seeping through the concrete. Water can leak through cracks or be forced through the concrete due to hydrostatic pressure. If your basement walls or floor has cracks, the cracks should be filled and sealed. Then a coating can be painted on or a membrane attached that blocks water.

A painted coating can be used inside or outside of the walls. A membrane is used outside on an exterior wall. Working on the exterior side of the wall requires digging the soil away from your house to expose the basement wall. This is a more disruptive method of basement waterproofing, but it is considered permanent. If you want to use your basement as a living space, then a permanent waterproofing method is a good choice.

Drains And Pumps

Another way to waterproof your basement is with a drain system. The drain catches water and then moves it away from your basement so the water doesn't get on the floor. Drains can be put inside or outside of your house. An interior drain has to be put in a trench below your basement floor so water that enters your basement falls in the drain and flows to a basin.

Water collects in the basin and when the water level is high enough, a sump pump kicks on and empties the basin by pushing the water up a drain and out of the house. This is an effective way to keep your basement dry, especially if you have a battery backup that keeps the pump functioning during a power outage.

Another type of drain can be installed outside. For this, the basement waterproofing contractor has to dig a narrow trench deeper than your house so a drain can be put in. This type of drain has slots on top that allow water to fall in the drain when it seeps through the soil. Once the water is in the drain, it rolls to the street or other location away from your house. Sometimes a pump may be necessary, but outdoor drains can often work by gravity alone.

Contact a professional to learn more about basement waterproofing.