Which is better interior or exterior French drain?

Differences between interior and exterior foundation drainage systems: Interior drainage systems like foundation waterproofing and damp proofing are a longer-lasting alternative to exterior drainage systems. For instance, exterior drainage systems can clog with dirt and become ineffective over time.

Is interior or outdoor waterproofing better?

The exterior waterproofing process includes excavation of soil surrounding your home and repairing the leaks using a powerful sealant. Interior basement waterproofing systems are considered better and more effective in preventing wet basements. The interior weeping tile system can waterproof your basement.

Is an interior French drain worth it?

French drains help prevent flooding and reduce the risk of long-term water damage to your property. They can last between 30 and 40 years. They're cost-effective. French drains can be aesthetically pleasing as they are usually covered with small rocks, plants and sometimes even decorative grates.

Do interior French drains work?

Exterior French drains function to divert water around the exterior perimeter of your house. Interior French drains, on the other hand, function to divert and carry away water and moisture out from the interior of your basement. This is one of the most effective systems for treating severe damp problems in basements.

How long does an interior French drain last?

After a French drain is installed or serviced, the soil against the foundation can settle and will need to be re-graded. After about 10 years, you might need to repeat the entire process.

Exterior Waterproofing vs Interior Drain - Foundation Worx Minute

When should you not use a French drain?

They Don't Work in All Types of Soil

Most importantly, French drains won't work in all parts of the country. There are three types of dirt possible on your property: loose dirt made of sand particles, average dirt made of loam (a mixture of sand, silt, and clay), and compacted, heavy dirt made of clay particles.

What can go wrong with a French drain?

One of the biggest problems with French drains is that the pipes can become filled with silt, sediment and other debris, causing water to overflow or even backflow from the pipes and into the house. Cleaning the pipes is a costly job as they will need to be dug up.

Do interior French drains cause mold?

French drains are only installed on properties prone or likely to flood. These systems collect water and move it away from the basement walls so it won't penetrate. If it does, it can cause damp, mold, structural damage, and more problems.

How deep should an interior French drain be?

French drain depth: About 8 inches to 2 feet deep should be sufficient for many water-diverting projects, though related systems, such as those built around foundations and sub-ground living spaces, as well as the bases of retaining walls, may be deeper.

How much does an exterior French drain cost?

An exterior French drain costs on average $5,000, or $10 to $50 per linear foot. Interior French drains can cost $40 to $100 per linear foot or $1,000 to $18,000. These systems can benefit your home in a variety of ways.

Do french drains increase home value?

The value of the property. Installing a French drain will increase the value of your home if you are planning to sell it in future. On the other hand, a substandard French drain may spell disaster for neighboring residences.

Do landscapers put in french drains?

The landscaping construction company who installs your French drain needs to make sure the proper slope is determined so water flows continuously and consistently to the pop-up valve or exit. Another common failure is the pipe perforations become clogged with dirt and debris.

Will outside French drain prevent water in basement?

A French drain can either be installed in your home's interior, under the basement floor, or outside the home, buried in the soil along the foundation footing. Both are very effective solutions for a wet basement. French drains don't prevent water from getting into your basement.

Is interior waterproofing effective?

Waterproofing a basement from the inside is typically the best option for most homes - mainly because it's more cost-effective and less disruptive than exterior excavation.

Which is better sump pump or French drain?

Sump pumps offer a few key advantages over french drains. The biggest and most obvious advantage is the amount of water they can pump and drain. Pumps like the Zoeller M53 Mighty Mate can drain up to 43 gallons of water per hour at a 5′ head height – something that french drains can't compete with!

Can you waterproof from the inside?

Apply a masonry waterproofing product to the walls

Seal/coat the interior of the walls with a suitable masonry waterproof product. When the paint dries, the sealant forms a watertight bond to stop water from seeping through. This is how you can waterproof your basement walls from inside.

How close to the house should a French drain be?

How Close Should a French Drain be to the House? A good rule of thumb is to install french drains 3 feet from the house. Make sure to measure around the porch, patio and deck.

Does a French drain need to be sloped?

French drains need to have a slope of at least 1 percent, so the force of gravity will work for you. This means that the drain should slope down a total of at least one inch for every 10 feet of pipe.

How much does it cost to put in a French drain?

Location in Home and Accessibility

Interior French drains are more expensive to install than exterior drains because they require more labor to excavate through a concrete floor. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $5,000 and $13,500 to have a French drain installed in the home.

Do French drains need to be cleaned?

Despite the design's best efforts, French drains get clogged by dirt, debris and silt. They do need to be cleaned out regularly – about once per year – to ensure that they continue to direct water away from the building's foundation. The best way to clean a French drain is mechanically, using an electric snake.

How are interior French drains installed?

To install an interior French drain, a waterproofing contractor cuts a channel into your basement slab around its perimeter. The contractor excavates the ground below the channel, installs perforated drain pipe and a sump pump well, and fills the trench with drainage gravel. The slab is patched with fresh concrete.

Can I connect downspout to a French drain?

A French drain is actually a network of pipes laid in trenches dug beneath the ground through which water runoff can flow. This structure can be attached to your downspouts and will work seamlessly with your existing gutters.