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If you have a leak in your basement it is important to fix it right away – but the topic of money is on every homeowners mind. In this article we will help you calculate the basement waterproofing cost for your home.
Our team of experts know how to install a basement waterproofing system. By preventing a wet basement and waterproofing the exterior and interior basement wall you can prevent costly water damage and prevent a basement leak before it starts!
No one wants to deal with the headache of a leaky basement. But if you don’t take care of your foundation, it’ll be tough to avoid.
When you have a leaky basement, mold is the first thing that comes to mind. But there can also be many other reasons for leaks in your home’s foundation. The good news is that most leaks are preventable and relatively inexpensive when dealt with early on! Our team has all sorts of products and services, including waterproofing solutions for basements, crawlspace, and foundations made from stone or brick-based materials such as concrete or cinder block.
Average Basement Waterproofing Cost Per Square Foot
The average cost to waterproof a basement in 2023 is between $5 to $15 per square foot. Cheaper options will offer less protection but will not be as big of a burden on your budget – just make sure to perform extra yearly maintenance and checks.
| Basement Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Small Basements | About $5 per square foot |
| Medium Sized Basement | About $10 per square foot |
| Large Basements | $15 or more per square foot |
Basement Waterproofing Cost Calculator
Estimating The Total Cost
There are a few factors that impact the price of basement waterproofing. The main things you will want to consider are: square footage, interior and exterior waterproofing options, type of foundation, soil and weather conditions
Square footage – Bigger basements (or crawl space) require more money to waterproof – it is as simple as the larger the area – the more money! You might be able to save a little by ‘buying in bulk’ but most home basements will cost about the same amount.
Types of waterproofing – A french drain, vapor barrier or sump pump can all help keep a basement dry – and decrease the cost of fully waterproofing the basement and preventing basement flooding
Foundation and soil – Older foundations and some soil types are more prone to moisture problems than newer home builds. Check the soil type in your area as well as when your foundation was poured. You may need to waterproof the concrete or full foundation repair if water is seeping up through the basement floor or drainage system.
Local weather conditions – Some areas of the US receive more rainfall than other areas. If this sounds like your neighborhood consider contacting a basement waterproofing contractor to install a dedicated basement system.
Exterior Basement Sealing Costs
The exterior is one of the most common areas to start waterproofing. There are a few different methods each at different price points and levels of waterproofing. We recommend starting on the outside of the home so you prevent water from entering as a first line of defense.
Installing Gutters – Installing gutters on your roof is one of the easiest ways to prevent large amounts of water from leaking into vulnerable areas. A good gutter system will route water off your roof into dedicated downspouts and away from your basement and foundation.
Window Waterproofing – Windows are one of the most common areas of water leaks. Waterproofing and sealing them tight can prevent water from leaking in during every rainstorm. This can usually be done with caulk and plastic lining but in some cases the window may need to be reset i the frame.
Improved Soil Drainage – Improving the draining in the soil around your home is a cost effective way to reroute water away from leak prone areas. Gutters, french drains and mulch can all help your soil drain better instead of ‘holding’ water.
Weeping Tiles – Weeping tiles or pipes can be installed underground to add drainage in hard to drain areas. They do have to be dug into the ground but are made of plastic and a cost effective option.
Interior Basement Sealing Costs
After sealing the exterior it is time to Waterproof the inside of your basement. There are a few ways you can waterproof from the inside, we recommend starting with the easier fixes first and covering the basics like installing a sump pump.
Wall Waterproofing – If water is seeping in through the cracks in the walls it is important to seal them as soon as possible. I recommend using waterproof caulk to fully seal each crack then checking back after the next rainstorm to see if it was effective in filling the cracks
Installing a Sump Pump – A basement can never be 100% waterproof – that is why sump pump and basin can automatically collect and drain water from the basement – even in heavy thunderstorms!
Installing a Drain Tile – A drain tile is a passive system of pipes that collects water and carries it away from the home using gravity. It is most effective in small basements and crawl spaces – but can also be used for extra waterproofing in large areas.
Installing a Vapor Barrier – A vapor barrier is a plastic sheet of plastic that is installed on the inside of the wall. They are designed to prevent moisture from entering wood and electronics inside the wall. It won’t protect against a flood but can keep mold from spreading inside the drywall.
Paint and Concrete Sealers – If there are any holes or cracks in the wall or concrete floor seal them with paint or concrete sealers before they can spread and let in moisture.
Problems That Increase Costs
High water table – If you live in an area with a high water table or near a river, lake or ocean it will be harder to fully waterproof your basement.
Mold growth – Mold makes everything more expensive. If you live in an area prone to moldy basements or have had a problem with growth in the past you will need extra protection which will add to the total cost.
Foundation cracks – The more cracks in the foundation the more areas you will have to seal – adding to the total cost of the project. If it is just 1 or 2 small cracks you can use a sealer from Home Depot but if they are larger you might have to hire professional help.
Growing wall cracks – If the cracks in the basement wall are getting larger and spread that means the ground outside the walls and foundations is unstable – and could allow more water to seep in over time.
Hiring A Basement Waterproofing Contractor – Not every project is a good fit for a DIY weekend project – especially if your basement might flood! If you think you are in over your head call a local waterproofing company for help!
