If you're tired of cleaning up your basement when it rains, consider talking to a waterproofing contractor about options for keeping your basement dry. Basement waterproofing can be done inside your basement or outside of your house depending on the approach you take. Interior and exterior methods both have their good and bad points. Here's a look at how these two options compare. 

Interior Waterproofing

Interior waterproofing services might be possible by sealing cracks in the walls, applying a waterproof coating to the walls, or installing an interior drain and sump pump. Installing a drain involves busting up the concrete and burying a drain below the level of your house. The drain catches water and moves it to a well that's also buried in the ground. A sump pump sits in the well and pumps water back outside.

A drain and sump pump system is an effective method you may want to use if you're finishing your basement and want a permanent solution for keeping it dry. Coatings are sometimes effective, but they may not have a long life. Discuss these options with your contractor so you make the best choice for your basement and your budget. When interior methods are chosen, it's not necessary to work outside of your house. This might be a deciding factor if you have a very small yard.

Exterior Waterproofing Services

Exterior waterproofing might include installing a French drain near your home or applying a membrane or coating to the outside walls. You might have both options done. Exterior waterproofing methods ensure water won't get in your basement to cause problems. However, these methods require digging up your yard to expose the outer walls of your basement. It's also necessary to dig a trench to hold the drain. The trench has to lead to a safe place to empty the water, such as the street.

You may not want your yard torn up and your landscaping destroyed. Plus, you'll have the added cost of replacing your landscaping. While exterior waterproofing is also a permanent way to keep your basement dry, you'll need to decide if it matters if your yard is disrupted. The benefit of exterior basement waterproofing services is that your basement floor doesn't need to be busted up and create noise and disruption in your home.

Your waterproofing contractor inspects your home and property to determine the cause of your wet basement. This can help them decide on an appropriate method of waterproofing. However, you'll have input too. Consider the cost, the amount of disruption, and the effectiveness and longevity of the work when deciding on the right approach for keeping your basement dry.

Contact a local waterproofing service, such as Central Penn Waterproofing, to learn more.