Should You Be Waterproofing Your Home?

It doesn't take a hurricane to do significant water damage to a home. Sometimes a small, steady trickle of sumer rain is all that's needed to ruin a room. And for those types of situations, there are things homeowners can do to ensure their houses stay safe and dry.

We're talking about waterproofing, and there are a number of ways you can do it to your home. Allow us to break it down for you.

Starting From the Bottom; Now We're Here

Foundation: Sealing the foundation of your home is one of the most important things you can do to keep it functional for the long haul. If the foundation is not properly sealed, moisture can enter through the walls and floor — and that can lead to problems like mold.

If you're building a new house, make sure you're working with a contractor who knows what they're doing and is aware of any particular obstacles your area's environment poses. If you're sealing a foundation that's already damaged, it's not a good idea to simply hire a handyman or fill in any cracks and gaps yourself. In some cases, doing this may only be achieving a temporary fix to a much bigger problem. The first step you should take is to consult a structural engineer to find out what exactly needs to be done to maintain the integrity of the structure. This professional should be able to tell you whether simply filling in any cracks and gaps will prevent future damage or if there's a bigger problem that needs to be addressed.

Average Cost: The average cost to seal an entire foundation or a basement is $3,990, but minor repairs may cost as little as $750.

Basement: If you're building a home, municipal coding requires that its basement be constructed with some form of exterior drainage system in place. One popular option is the French drain, which consists of a ditch filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that guides water away from your foundation.

Another common basement drainage system is the simple floor drain. This is located below the basement floor and allows any water to drain out of the basement rather than accumulating. Although this type of draining system is generally the least expensive to install, homeowners do need to make sure the drain doesn't have any clogs so it can continue to function properly.

Sump pumps are another popular drainage system. A sump pump is designed to prevent water from entering the basement in the first place — and it automatically drains any water that does make its way in.

Every homeowner should have at least one basement drainage system in place. It's also important that these drains are properly maintained to ensure their functionality and prevent the need for expensive repairs down the line.

Average Cost: The average cost to install basement drainage is $3,462, but this number will vary based on the type of drainage system you choose. The installation of a new interior drainage system can cost anywhere from $800 to $8,500, depending on the size of the space. Floor drains are usually the most inexpensive option, and installation averages only a few hundred dollars. Installing a sump pump usually csots around $1,000.

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Rain, Rain, Go Farther Away

Gutters: One of the simpler ways to waterproof a home is to make sure your downspouts are diverting water an adequate distance away from your property. This may require repairing your gutters or potentially installing new ones with better downspouts. Your gutters should be cleaned regularly to avoid clogs or further damage. This is typically a job that should be done either annually or biannually, depending on where you live and how many trees are near your home.

Average Cost: The average cost to install or replace gutters or downspouts is $941. The average cost to have your gutters cleaned by a professional is $149.

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Top It All Off

Roof: One of the roof's main functions is to keep water out. If yours is leaking, it should be repaired or replaced before further damage occurs.

To reduce water runoff from the roof (and prevent this moisture from reaching the foundation), a rooftop water catchment system can be useful. These systems collect runoff in cisterns, wells or drums. This runoff water can later be reused for landscaping purposes.

A water diverter is another means of controlling the flow of water as it drains from the roof. It's simply a piece of metal that functions similarly to regular gutters.

Another way to keep moisture out is to install a ridge vent. This is a special vent that sits along the top ridge of your roof. It allows the attic to breathe and can help keep ice dams from forming and prevent improper snow meltoff.

Average Cost: The best waterproofing method for your roof (and what that will cost you) depends on a number of factors, including the type of roofing material used. In order to determine your roof's current effectiveness at diverting water and what option is best for your home, you would be wise to start by hiring a qualified roofing inspector, which costs the average homeowner $219.

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More Home & Garden:

• How Much Does It Really Cost to Have Your Home Professionally Cleaned?
• Remodeling Done Right: A Cost Guide For Every Room In The House
  
• The Ultimate Guide To Home Improvement: 57 Common Project Costs

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