The Cost of Basement Waterproofing in Illinois: What to Expect

The last thing any homeowner wants is a flooded or water-damaged basement. Some people assume that when you purchase a home with a basement, water damage comes as part of the deal. This doesn’t have to be the case! If you spend too much time trying to dry out your basement after heavy rain or snow, you may want to consider having your basement waterproofed.

Though basement waterproofing may sound like a long and costly process, the costs are often manageable and in the long run, set you back less than constant repairs to a leaky basement would. Read on for more details about the cost of basement waterproofing in Illinois. If you require additional resources about foundation waterproofing, visit our website at https://bloomingtonfoundationrepairexperts.com/.

What is Basement Waterproofing?

There are a few different methods of keeping water out of your basement. Many homes with basements have sump pumps installed, which move water away from your home through a pump system. However, interior or exterior waterproofing is yet another layer of protection against flooding, mold damage, and more.

Basement waterproofing in Illinois is done by applying moisture barriers and sealants to keep the basement dry, as well as installing drains and possibly a sump pump if there isn’t one on the property already. Cracks in the walls will be sealed up, preventing groundwater leaks.

Signs That Your Basement Needs Waterproofing

Fortunately, there are a few ways to tell that basement waterproofing would benefit your home before your basement ends up flooded. Keep an eye out for these signs, and consider calling a basement waterproofing company if you spot any of them.

• You notice cracks in the basement walls or floor. If you notice cracks in your basement walls or floor that are smaller than ⅛ of an inch, they could be letting groundwater through. Larger cracks, however, could be an indication of a more serious foundation problem.
• You live in an area that gets lots of rain or snow. Depending on your area, Illinoisans can expect anywhere from 32-48 inches of rain per year. Areas with lots of precipitation will end up with more groundwater, which can then leak into your basement.
• Your appliances are leaking. Groundwater and precipitation aren’t the only causes of basement floods- your HVAC system, washing machine, hot water heater, etc. can also cause water damage. If you’ve noticed any puddles around your appliances, call for a repair right away and consider protecting your basement just in case.
• You’re already noticing puddles, condensation, or mold. If you are finding any sort of water that doesn’t have a clear source, that’s not a good sign. Condensation on the walls indicates that the humidity in your basement is too high. Mold, meanwhile, thrives in damp, cool conditions, so if you’re finding it in the basement, there is most likely a leak somewhere.

The Cost of Basement Waterproofing

The cost of Illinois basement waterproofing will depend on the company you choose and the method used. The costs below are based on national averages, so keep in mind that the overall cost of living in Illinois is 6.6% lower than the national average.

Interior Waterproofing

Interior waterproofing systems allow water to get close to your home, but stop it before it reaches the interior of your basement. Interior waterproofing is typically done by applying a waterproof sealant to the walls and floor inside the basement. A layer of concrete is often used to seal the basement from the inside. Small cracks in the walls can be fixed and sealed using epoxy, while people in areas with high levels of precipitation may want to go for an interior French drain or a sump pump if they do not already have one.

The average cost for interior basement waterproofing in Illinois is between $500 and $1,500. Full sealing is on the higher end of the scale, while simply fixing and sealing the cracks will be closer to the lower end.

Exterior Waterproofing

Exterior waterproofing is a more complex process, meaning that the cost is higher, but it diverts water away from the property entirely rather than just keeping it out of your basement. A large part of the higher cost comes from the fact that exterior waterproofing requires partial excavation around the house. There are a few different ways to waterproof the exterior of a basement.

• Waterproof membranes. This is the most expensive option, but also one of the most effective. Applying a waterproof membrane can cost up to $15,000, with a liquid membrane costing about $1 less per square foot than a solid rubberized membrane.
• French drains. A French drain, also known as a footing drain, is a system installed around your house that collects water in plastic pipes placed under a layer of rocks. The pipes then carry the water away from your house and deposit it somewhere safe, usually so it can be carried to a storm drain. Installing a French drain system costs $100 to $200 per linear foot.

Basement Waterproofing in Illinois on a Budget

Reading the numbers above may give you some sticker shock, but fear not: there are ways to waterproof your basement on a budget! Choosing the right materials and methods can help you save money while still protecting your home.

If you are on a budget, you will almost definitely want to stick with interior waterproofing rather than exterior. This will keep you from having to deal with the cost of the excavation.

The cheapest way to waterproof your basement is by using waterproofing paint and epoxy. Waterproofing paint needs to be applied in two coats and will only cost you $1 to $2 per square foot, while water-based epoxy runs about $50 per gallon. If your basement is 800 square feet, you could pay as little as $850 to seal it using waterproofing paint.

Using the epoxy to seal up any cracks and applying waterproofing paint can help seal your basement against minor water damage. However, if your home is prone to floods, you may want to look into having a more heavy-duty waterproofing job done to avoid paying more in water damage cleanup later.