Is Basement Waterproofing Worth It, and Does It Add Home Value?
To waterproof or not to waterproof, that is the question
Highlights
Basement waterproofing prevents water from entering your home.
This home improvement project can yield a 30% ROI.
It can help you avoid water and mold damage and lower your energy bill.
It can have a steep upfront cost.
Contact a pro to help you find the best waterproofing method for your home.
You’ve probably heard horror stories of flooded basements and the expensive repairs that came with them. But if you’re only experiencing a little condensation here or there, is basement waterproofing worth it? Plus, does waterproofing your basement increase your home’s value? We got you covered. In this guide, we’ll discuss whether this home improvement project is worth it, its pros and cons, and the potential return on investment (ROI) you can see.
What Is Basement Waterproofing?
"Waterproofing is crucial for basements to prevent water intrusion, mold growth, and structural damage. Interior waterproofing methods like sealants and vapor barriers help control moisture levels but don't address the root cause. Exterior waterproofing, such as waterproof coatings and French drainage systems, are often more effective in preventing water from entering the basement."
— Tim O'Shea, The Build Pros
Before we explain if it’s worth it, you need to understand what exactly basement waterproofing is basement waterproofing is. Basement waterproofing prevents water from entering your home or removes it if it does get inside. Your basement waterproofing contractor uses various inside and outside methods to keep water at bay, though the most effective methods are the ones that solve your specific needs—which not every solution might do.
How Is a Basement Waterproofed?
Basements can be waterproofed using a variety of methods and tools. Some methods are exterior, which are meant to prevent water from getting into your basement at all. Other methods are interior, which are meant to solve water issues after they’ve gotten into your basement. Here are some of the most common methods.
| Interior Basement Waterproofing Methods | Exterior Basement Waterproofing Methods |
|---|---|
| Baseboard channels | Excavation |
| Dehumidifiers | French drain |
| Epoxy injection | Gutter system |
| Foundation coating | Liquid membrane |
| Silicate concrete sealer | Sheet membrane |
| Subfloor drain tile system | Sodium bentonite application |
| Sump pump | Underground downspout |
| Vapor barrier | Yard grading |
| Waterproofing paint | |
| Weeping tile/Interior French drain |
Does Waterproofing a Basement Add Value to Your Home?
Generally, you can expect an ROI of about 30% from a basement waterproofing job. This can be a great selling point when putting your home on the market since waterproofing offers many benefits, like preventing foundation damage and mold growth.
Pros and Cons of Basement Waterproofing
Basement waterproofing offers homeowners some notable advantages. But while they can be fairly beneficial, some flaws are worth considering. Below, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of basement waterproofing.
Pros
Here are some common pros of waterproofing your basement.
ROI
When making any home improvement, it’s a major bonus if it’s something that attracts buyers—and helps you recoup your money. Waterproofing a basement has a great potential ROI that makes it even more worthwhile.
Extra Room
You can turn your waterproofed basement into an extra bedroom, office, gym, or even a safe storage space for documents. So, when weighing if basement waterproofing is worth it or not, keep in mind that a waterproof space is potentially more usable space for you and your family.
Avoid Damage
Water can cause cracks in the foundation or walls. The cracks are often not noticeable at first, so you might not know what is happening until after damage has set in. However, with waterproofing, you can avoid issues by stopping water damage before they happen.
Lower Energy Bills
An overly humid basement can affect other rooms, making your HVAC system work harder. By waterproofing your basement, you could see lower heating and cooling costs.
Prevent Mold
Besides a wet basement dampening buyer interest, a leaky basement can become a breeding ground for mold.
Water in your dark basement provides the perfect environment for mold. According to the American Lung Association, mold spores can cause several kinds of respiratory infections, aggravate asthma, and cause itchy eyes and skin. Mold can also emit a funky smell you don’t want in your home.
Prevent Flooding
If you live in an area with bad storms, waterproofing your basement will definitely provide you with a return on investment—even if just by helping to prevent flooding that could damage your foundation, destroy furniture and possessions, and much more. You’ll no longer have to worry about basement flooding or water seeping through when a big storm hits.
Now that you know the return on investment for basement waterproofing, it’s time to get started. If you’re not into DIYing this job, look into hiring a local basement waterproofing company and check this home improvement project off your list.
Cons
Here are some common cons of waterproofing your basement.
Up-front Cost
Basement waterproofing costs $5,000 on average. While these preventive measures can save you thousands on repair bills, the initial cost can be steep, depending on your budget. You can save on the up-front cost by installing interior waterproofing methods that are more wallet-friendly than their exterior counterparts.
Not Alway DIY-Friendly
Some internal waterproofing methods are DIY-friendly but temporary. Some external solutions require excavation, which isn’t something we recommend homeowners do themselves. So, if you’re interested in a more long-term solution like exterior waterproofing, you’ll have to contact a pro for the job.
May Require Maintenance
Depending on your chosen method, it may need some periodic TLC to keep it functioning as expected. So, is waterproofing a basement worth it if it can potentially add more work to your plate? If maintenance is an issue for you, consider looking into waterproofing methods requiring little effort. But remember that while this can feel like an inconvenience, basement waterproofing is there to help prevent you from experiencing a bigger headache in the future.
Might Not Fix the Issue
Unfortunately, even after installing your waterproof method, it might not work because of poor installation or it didn’t solve the root issue. For example, if water flows to your home—common in negative sloped yards—waterproof paint isn’t an effective solution and may still let water into your basement. Before choosing a method, find out what issues you may be experiencing and what method is the most effective solution to combat it.
Is Basement Waterproofing Worth It?
For the majority of homeowners, basement waterproofing is a must. Since it’s designed to prevent situations like damp basements and mold, it doesn’t hurt to take preventive measures so you don’t have to deal with these costly issues. If you stay in a rainy area, waterproofing your basement might be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether interior versus exterior basement waterproofing is better for your home depends on your budget. The majority of water issues that homeowners experience in their basements are due to conditions that start outside of the home. So, to prevent those problems from seeping in, it’s better to stop them at the source using outside waterproofing methods.
The best basement waterproofing method depends on the issue you’re trying to solve. For example, if you have standing water on your basement floor, a floor drain or sump pump might be your best solution. Or, if you have standing water around your foundation, installing a drainage system that protects your basement and foundation might be better.
Typically, waterproofing a basement should last up to 10 years. However, it’s worth noting that with proper maintenance and depending on the waterproofing method and installation quality, you can probably squeeze another decade out of it.