Is Waterproofing Basement Walls From the Inside Only Effective Enough?

Is your basement damp, with visible wetness on the walls? Does the space smell musty? If so, you’ve probably been searching online for basement waterproofing solutions, and you’ve likely seen recommendations for waterproofing basement walls from the inside only. However, this approach is typically insufficient for keeping moisture out of your basement. A common misunderstanding is that interior waterproofing means simply installing a vapor barrier. While vapor barriers can help control moisture in crawl spaces, they’re not an effective solution for waterproofing basement walls.

So, what ARE some reliable methods for waterproofing basement walls, floors, and the entire space? We’ll cover this, as well as discuss why having a wet basement is a problem (especially as it relates to indoor air quality), common sources of water intrusion, how much effective waterproofing techniques cost to complete, and additional steps beyond waterproofing that you can take to keep your basement dry.

Why A Wet Basement Is A Problem

These days, basements are often used as living spaces or storage areas for valuable belongings. However, since basements are located below ground, they are naturally prone to moisture issues. A wet, musty basement can reduce your home’s value and create an unhealthy environment. To protect your property, you’ll want to keep the basement dry and free from mold or mildew.

Although waterproofing basement walls from the inside is a good start, it’s only part of the solution. To fully protect your basement, you need a comprehensive waterproofing system that addresses both internal and external water pressure.

The Link Between Damp Basements And Indoor Air Quality

Even if you don’t frequently use your basement, damp air caused by excess moisture can still impact your home. Basements are connected to the rest of the house, allowing stale air—and possibly mold spores—to circulate into your living areas. This means you and your family could be breathing in unhealthy air. Don’t put yourself and your loved ones at risk.

Common Causes Of Basement Moisture

Basement moisture is often caused by excess water in the soil around and beneath your foundation, combined with poor drainage. Here are some common culprits:

• Vertical basement wall cracks – These cracks can form during the concrete curing process, after a foundation has been poured. While these cracks typically don’t threaten the home’s structural integrity, they can create entry points for water. And when soil around the foundation becomes oversaturated, the resulting pressure can  force moisture through even small cracks.
• Clogged gutters – When gutters are blocked with debris, water spills over the edges and saturates the soil near the foundation. This water can eventually seep into your basement.

• Downspouts that are too short – If your downspouts release water too close to the foundation, it can easily soak into the soil and reach the basement walls.
• Improper yard grading – Your yard should slope away from your home. If it doesn’t, water will pool near the foundation, increasing the risk of basement water intrusion.
• Poorly designed window wells – A window well is a recessed, excavated area surrounding basement windows. It allows more natural light to enter dim basement spaces and also serves as an emergency exit route. To prevent water intrusion, window wells are typically reinforced with galvanized steel, concrete, or durable plastic. However, water can accumulate in window wells if they’re not properly installed or drained.

In addition to groundwater, there are other sources of moisture that can affect a basement, including unvented dryers, bathrooms with showers, kitchens, open windows that let in humid air, and even moisture that is trapped in newly poured concrete.

Why Waterproofing From the Inside with Vapor Barriers Alone Won’t Keep Your Basement Dry

DIYers sometimes try to solve basement water problems by installing vapor barriers. However, this solution is generally designed for crawl spaces—not basements. While a vapor barrier may offer short-term relief, it doesn’t resolve the underlying issue, which is hydrostatic pressure.

What Is Hydrostatic Pressure?

Hydrostatic pressure occurs when the soil surrounding your foundation becomes saturated with water. As the water has nowhere to drain, the pressure increases, pushing against your foundation. This pressure can force water through small cracks and even cause new cracks to form.

Even with a vapor barrier in place, the pressure would continue to push water against your basement walls, making it difficult to keep moisture out. To effectively waterproof a basement, you need to control groundwater and prevent hydrostatic pressure from building up.

As long as hydrostatic pressure exists, your basement will be vulnerable to water intrusion. The most effective way to manage this pressure is by installing a drainage system.

The Best Option for Basement Waterproofing from the Inside Only is a Drain Tile System

A drain tile system is considered the gold standard for basement waterproofing because it relieves hydrostatic pressure by moving excess water from the soil, away from the foundation. The system may release the collected water through a gravity drain or with a sump pump, depending on your property’s slope. Other names for drain tile systems include footing drains, French drains, perimeter drains, and weeping tiles.

There are two types of drain tile systems:

Exterior Drain Tile 

Installed around the outside perimeter of your home, this system collects and diverts water before it damages the foundation. The process to install an exterior drain tile involves:

• Excavating around the home’s exterior, down to the footing
• Digging a trench along the foundation perimeter
• Filling the trench with gravel to facilitate drainage
• Placing a perforated drain pipe in the gravel
• Covering the pipe with more gravel and refilling the trench with soil

The exterior drain tile directs water away from your home with gravity, preventing it from reaching the basement walls.

Interior Drain Tile

An interior drain tile system is installed beneath your basement floor to manage water pressure under the slab. The interior drain tile installation process includes:

• Removing flooring and jackhammering the concrete floor
• Digging a trench around the basement’s perimeter
• Filling the trench with gravel and placing the drain pipe system inside
• Installing a sump pump in a sump pit
• Covering the trench with concrete to create a sealed system

The interior drain tile collects and channels excess water into the sump pit, where it’s pumped away from the foundation.

For more details, check out Is French Drain Basement Waterproofing An Effective Solution for Homeowners? 

Additional Ways To Keep Your Basement Dry

Along with a drain tile system, you can take other steps to minimize water intrusion:

• Clean your gutters at least twice a year – Gutters can clog with leaves, pine needles, dirt, and other debris. This can cause rainwater to overflow and saturate the soil near your foundation. It’s best to clean your gutters at least twice a year, but you may need to clean them more frequently for best results.
• Install downspout extensions – If your downspouts are too short, water from your gutters will empty too close to your home’s foundation and saturate the soil there. Direct water farther away from the foundation with inexpensive downspout extensions.
• Choose plants wisely – Avoid planting water-thirsty shrubs and flowers near the foundation to reduce excess watering and lower the risk for oversaturated soil near your home.
• Regrade your yard – Slope the landscape away from your home to prevent water from pooling near the foundation.

Signs Your Basement Needs Waterproofing

Your basement may need waterproofing if you notice:

• Water pooling on the floor and near walls
• Damp or wet walls
• Musty smells or visible mold
• Deterioration of wood, carpet, or the basement concrete itself
• White, salt-like residue on concrete walls

How Much Does Basement Waterproofing Cost?

The cost of basement waterproofing depends on factors such as the location of your home, the severity of the issue, and the solution required to fix the problem. To get an accurate estimate, contact a foundation repair professional for a free inspection and quote.

The Basement Waterproofing Experts Alabama Homeowners Trust

If you’re dealing with basement water intrusion issues in Alabama, contact Ox Foundation Solutions for a free estimate and expert waterproofing services. We serve homeowners in Birmingham, Pelham, Montgomery, Huntsville, Mobile, and other areas throughout Alabama and are here to help keep your home Ox Strong!