We are looking into have some work done in our basement, and am wondering what the answer is to our waterproofing needs. I know exterior excavation and proper waterproofing is the "correct" way, but does this really cost $40,000 or $50,000 on a 30'x30' Cape? Any ideas what a reasonable cost would be in the Connecticut area? What about interior drain systems? We have other companies coming to give estimates, but I'm trying to get as much info as possible. Thanks
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- Basement Waterproofing...What's right?
first, you should define 'exactly' HOW `n WHERE water is entering, then you can choose the remedy. For instance, IF water is ENTERING through openings around basement windows and/or open mortar joints & bricks then, THAT`s what you need to fix!
On the other hand, IF water is ENTERING through crack(s) & other openings/crevices in basement wall(s) then....THAT`s what must be fixed.
Let`s say you need 3 walls waterproofed from outside due to cracks etc, and the linear footage for those 3 walls is 100'...and the DEPTH to footing & drain tiles is about 6'...then the COST to Waterproof and correctly backfill those 3 walls should cost $7,500--$9,000. And would take 2 or 3 days to do.
Inside Systems do NOT stop/prevent water from entering Outside cracks `n other direct openings. And since inside systems do NOT stop water from entering they also do NOT stop/prevent mold,mildew,efflorescence,termites and other insects from entering these SAME cracks `n openings on the Outside of a house. RADON gas enters through these same openings. And...Inside Systems do NOT stop/prevent/relieve Outside lateral & hydrostatic SOIL Pressure which does indeed cause cracks in walls,leaks,bowing of walls etc.
Tree roots can also cause cracks/walls to bow in and, NO Inside System helps take this pressure off the Outside of any bsmt wall, only an Outside method done correctly can help.
What is lateral `n hydrostatic soil pressure? READ 6th para... http://www.yodergroup.com/concrete.asp
Read first 4 para`s... http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/Why_Foundations_Fail-Foundation-A2095.html
http://www.al-home-inspections.com/news-articles/artilce-4.html
Termites? They can enter a house WITHOUT direct wood contact and can enter through openings as small as 1/32 of an inch
http://www.mipca.org/Termites.htm
Tree roots...
http://landmarksociety.org/section.html?id=1&uid=1&pageId=7
...scroll way down to -TREE and Your Foundation
"Strong foundations are sometimes damaged by small roots that entered tiny cracks, then grew and expanded the crack. Large roots can push bulges into the foundation wall. EXCAVATE problem tree roots...."
