A homeowner never wants to have a wet basement. Depending on the specific problem, there are a number of different ways to fix this and the pricing to waterproof the basement can be quite varied.
Gutter Replacement
If the main problem is that water comes into the basement when there are heavy rains, the first thing to investigate would be the gutters. This simple step may solve the problem and be relatively inexpensive. Since this usually involves significant heights, hiring a professional is the recommended method. To have it installed, one foot of gutter will cost anywhere from $5 to $10.
Sealing the Walls
A common solution for waterproofing a basement would be through the use of a specially formulated paint that is designed to seal concrete block and prevent water from entering the basement. This is simply applied to the inside concrete walls in the home the same way one would paint a wall in the house. A gallon of this waterproofing paint will cost approximately $15 per gallon. 1 gallon will cover approximately 100 square feet. Depending on the manufacturer, it is sometimes recommended to put on multiple coats of paint.
Foundation Cracks
Over time, it is natural for a home to shift and settle. When this happens, cracks can certainly occur in the foundation. There are many different products that will work to seal such cracks. A tube of the material will cost approximately $8 while a quart will cost $15. If there are extensive cracks, it is always wise to have a professional look at the foundation and offer his recommendation. Most companies will do free consultations before the work.
If it is determined that cracks extend below the level of the ground, soil needs to be removed to completely expose the crack. If doing the work yourself, the main cost would be for an excavator. This equipment can be rented by the hour and can run between $60 $100 per hour. Then, it would just be a matter of the time and labor to excavate the area and then seal the cracks.
For a professional to excavate and seal these cracks, pricing can be quite high. The complete price for such a project would be between $5000 and $10,000.
Sump Pumps
In some situations, a sump pump is necessary to remove water from the basement. Regardless of the setup of the home, this should always be done by a professional. Many newer homes are built with a sump pit and a dedicated power receptacle for this purpose. An older home will need excavation work done and wiring installed. The pump itself can cost between $100 and $500. The horsepower of the model and whether or not it includes battery backup can dictate what the cost will be. For the home that needs excavation, this includes using a jackhammer to create a pit in the floor. For a home that already has the sump pit and wiring, the cost is approximately $2000-$5000. If drainage and excavation needs to be done, this price will jump up to anywhere between $10,000 and $15,000.
Curtain Drains
Many times, water around the outside of the home needs to be appropriately redirected. The installation of a curtain drain may be necessary. This is generally best left to the professionals since there is a lot that is involved with this process. First, excavation needs to be done. Then a barrier gets placed around the exterior wall. Finally, drains are placed to help remove water away from the walls of the home. For a professional to do this work, a starting price would be around $10,000. For a larger home, this price will certainly increase.
The pricing of waterproofing varies depending on the amount of work that needs to be done.
– Gutter replacement- $5 per foot
– Waterproof paint- $15 per gallon
– Foundation cracks- $15 per quart of sealant
– Excavation and sealing cracks- $60 per hour for excavator rental plus labor plus sealant
– Professional excavation and sealing- $5,000
– Sump pump installation with existing pit and wiring- $2,000
– Complete sump pump installation- $10,000
– Curtain drains- $10,000 or more depending on size of house
There are many different options and alternatives when it comes to waterproofing a home. In most cases, seeking professional advice and installation will ensure that the home is properly waterproofed for many years to come.
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