Wondering why your basement gets wet? Waterproofing is needed when a structure is built or below ground level. Hydrostatic pressure forces water through cracks in your foundation walls and up through cracks in your floor. It can also cause major structural damage to foundation walls and is likely to contribute to mold, decay, and other moisture problems.
One way to fix a wet basement is to dig up the soil around your foundation, install a new footing drain and waterproof the foundation walls.
This is almost never the best option for your home. Why?
You will just be replacing the same drainage system that failed you the first time and how long will it last this time?
Another major problem of exterior drain tile installation is having a professional get the excavation done, digging has to be done all the way down to the bottom of the footing. Everything that is around your home will have to be removed and replaced. This includes landscaping, porches, sidewalks, air condition units, decks, steps, and anything else located around the perimeter of your home. This can be costly, and the project can last 2-3x more than Interior drain tile installation.
Pros of exterior drain tile
This solution helps relieve lateral water pressure against the foundation. It also provides the perfect chance to damp proof, which is especially beneficial for masonry foundations.
Cons of exterior drain tile
Costly: Excavation is expensive and messy! The need to dig around your house increases the cost and length of the project. It also disrupts the exterior and may require you to redo your landscaping, decks, porches, sidewalks, driveways, etc.
Does not keep the basement dry: The Exterior drain system does not drain water from beneath the basement floor.
Replace again: Subject to the elements, soil conditions or roots growing into the drainage system. It will fail over time, and you will need to replace it again.
Warranty: No Warranties
Interior Drain Tile
Our interior drain tile system redirects the water out before it even enters your basement, creating a path of least resistance. Our system keeps the water clean as it travels to the sump pump, avoiding any clogs in the system or damage to the pump. Small perforations allow water to drain out completely, preventing the stagnant smell other systems can leave behind.
Pros of interior drain tile
Complete solution: Interior drain is a complete solution for your home. Interior drain tile captures rising groundwater, relieves hydrostatic pressure, and prevents concrete wall seepage. Therefore, no other waterproofing methods are needed in many cases.
Not weather permitting: No exterior excavation is required. The system is relatively quick and easy to install. With no need to dig up your yard, the installation can also take place any time of year.
More economical: Exterior waterproofing is more labor intensive, resulting in higher costs
Protected from outside: Interior systems are not subject to the elements, soil conditions or roots growing into the drainage system
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranties
Is it better to waterproof a basement from the inside or outside?
The most effective way to keep water out of your basement is to install a non-clogging interior waterproofing system that redirects the water to a sump pump which then pumps the water out of the home.
BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines provides custom tailored non clogging interior basement waterproofing services so our clients can enjoy a dry, comfortable, healthy home. This and our limited lifetime transferable warranties take the worry and stress away. When it rains you will know that your home is equipped with a non-clogging interior system that keeps the water outside your home.
No matter how new or old your home may be, you need to protect your basement and your belongings from costly water damage. So, before things get worse, call BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines today at 515-963-0226 and make your water problems a thing of the past. We are the Premier waterproofing and Egress window company serving the Des Moines, Iowa area. If you’re located in Des Moines, Ankeny, Bondurant, Altoona Pleasant hill, Ames, Adel, Waukee, Indianola, Grimes, Urbandale, Johnston, West Des Moines, or the surrounding areas, we’re the place to call
Thank you for letting us know that the role of exterior drain tiles is to help relieve lateral water pressure against the foundation and provide damp-proofing. I imagine if you own a farm field, it would be wise to consider adding tiles for proper drainage during bad weather days. I’ll keep this in mind while I look for farm field tiling services in case I need them in the future.