While it would be ideal to be able to answer this question with a simple yes or no, it is not possible. An insurance company’s perspective on coverage for basement leaking and waterproofing will be influenced by a range of circumstances.
- When a water event occurs in your basement, your insurance provider will normally pay for the clean-up and investigate the reason. The damage will be covered by the insurance if the cause was inside, such as a broken pipe or appliance, or even an overflowing sink or tub. The damage is unlikely to be covered by insurance if the source of the water is external, such as groundwater, a flooded stream, lake, pond, or river, or even large storms.
- Even if you have flood insurance, there’s no certainty that a basement groundwater flood will be covered. Because the most typical entrance routes for groundwater are cracks and joints in foundation walls and floors, the insurance company will view this issue as being caused by a lack of home maintenance.
How much does basement waterproofing cost?
First, let’s take a look at some typical basement waterproofing costs. Waterproofing a basement can cost anywhere between $1,920 and $6,493, according to online estimates and calculators.
Minor repairs can cost as little as $600, while more substantial and intricate waterproofing jobs might cost as much as $10,000.
Of course, paying $600 versus $10,000 is a significant difference, so let’s look at some of the factors that will influence the precise cost of your repair so that you can create a reasonably accurate budget.
Is a foundation leak covered by insurance?
If the cause of the damage is covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy, foundation repair will be covered. Damage from earthquakes, flooding, and the settling and cracking of your foundation over time, on the other hand, is not covered.
Does insurance cover leaking basements?
Water damage to your house can result from a variety of issues, some of which are covered by your homeowners insurance and others which aren’t. So, if your washing machine breaks down, does your homes insurance cover water damage in your basement?
The answer is contingent on a number of things. You should be able to file a claim if the damage was unexpected and not caused by a lack of maintenance.
Causes of Basement Flooding That Are Covered by Homeowners Insurance
Water damage to the basement may be covered by homeowners insurance in a variety of situations. Your homeowners coverage will assist safeguard your financially if your basement floods due to a covered loss, even if it isn’t termed “basement flood insurance.”
If the water damage is unexpected or accidental, you will most likely be covered. Maintenance of your equipment is essential, and difficulties resulting from natural wear and tear are rarely covered losses. Here’s a list of frequent issues that homeowners insurance would normally cover in the event of a flooded basement:
Causes of Basement Flooding That Are Not Covered by Homeowners Insurance
Basement flooding and homeowner’s insurance don’t always go together. The way a basic home insurance policy covers flooding basements is usually limited. There is, however, some good news. Additional coverage can be purchased to properly protect your basement from flood damage. Here are a few scenarios of basement flooding that your insurance would most likely not cover:
What kind of water damage does insurance cover?
- Roof that is leaking (coverage would apply only to the home interior, not the roof itself)
- An appliance or fixture overflows by accident (toilet, washing machine, bathtub)
Why does my basement leak when it rains?
The pressure caused by water in the soil surrounding the foundation is the most typical source of basement leaks. There are two types of pressure that can be problematic:
- The earth can become saturated during periods of heavy or continuous rain, resulting in hydrostatic pressure (or water pressure) that can drive moisture and water through your basement walls and floor.
- The looser the earth surrounding your foundation is, the more water it absorbs. Rainwater from clogged gutters or downspouts discharging water directly adjacent to the foundation floods the area around the house frequently. When the soil expands, it puts pressure on the foundation in the lateral (or sideways) direction. This can wreak havoc on your home’s foundation and lead to basement leaks.
- Water leaks in the basement can also be caused by window wells. A window well might fill with water if it is not correctly placed or if the drain becomes clogged. Water might sneak into your basement during a hard downpour. Water stains on the walls are a dead giveaway that your basement windows are leaking.
How much does it cost to waterproof a 1000 sq ft basement?
Waterproofing a 1,000-square-foot basement costs on average $4,118, or $3 to $9 per square foot, including internal and exterior wall sealing. Minor crack filling and repairs cost $1,500, while total drainage improvements cost $2,000 to $6,000. Some waterproofing companies bill by the project or by the linear foot. Receive free quotations from local basement waterproofing providers.
Can you waterproof a basement yourself?
The bottom of the basement walls is another place where cracks are widespread. When constructing a foundation, the footinga wide flat base consisting of concrete and reinforced steel designed to support the wallsis poured first, followed by the walls once the footings have hardened. Although this is typical building practice, it can result in a “cold joint,” a weak region in the foundation between the wall and the footing where fractures can form as a result of foundation moving and settling, as well as lateral soil pressure.
Fortunately, fixing cracks with hydraulic cement, such as QUIKRETE’s Hydraulic Water-Stop Cement, is a pretty straightforward DIY project (available from Home Depot). Hydraulic cement is mixed with water to make a heavy putty consistency, then squeezed into cracks with gloved fingers or a putty knife (follow mixing and application directions). Hydraulic cement expands to fill fractures and fissures, forming a waterproof seal. However, only mix as much as you can use in three minutes because it begins to set quickly after that.
DON’T forget to address window well leaks.
Because they tend to hold water if a proper drainage system was not put beneath the well when the house was built, window wells are a major source of basement wall leaks. This can cause water to pool at the bottom of a basement window and ultimately seep through.
While installing a window well drainage system after the fact is challenging, consider digging two feet deeper in the well area and filling the space with gravel to assist rainwater distribute rather than accumulate in the window well. Then, using a sealant suitable for use on masonry, such as GE’s 100 Percent Silicone Window and Door Caulk, caulk around the window (available from Home Depot). Install a sloped window well cover over the window well, such as Shape Product’s Universal Fit Polycarbonate Window Well Cover (available at Home Depot), to deflect rainwater away.
Is waterproofing a basement worth it?
When it comes to determining if basement waterproofing is worthwhile, there are a few factors to consider. It’s crucial to start with these primary advantages of basement waterproofing:
Reinforced Foundation
The reinforcing of your home’s foundation is the number one reason why basement waterproofing is worth it for practically every homeowner. Your foundation is the most vital section of your home, as the name says! It is the foundation of your home’s stability, ensuring the safety of your property and family.
Basement foundations are subject to moisture and hydrostatic pressure from the surrounding ground if they are not waterproofed. While some basement waterproofing methods use membranes to directly reinforce the foundation, any waterproofing system will help protect it from moisture.
It’s impossible to overestimate the long-term value of a well-protected foundation. The consequences of a foundation failure can be disastrous. Even if the damage to your foundation is modest, these gaps can let moisture into your home, which can lead to mold, insects, and other problems.
Improved Home Air Quality
Is basement waterproofing worthwhile for improved indoor air quality? The answer would be a resounding “Yes!” for the vast majority of homeowners. For many families, indoor air quality is a big concern. Mildew and mold release spores into your home’s air, which can aggravate existing respiratory problems or possibly cause new ones! The odors they leave behind are unpleasant, and you may decide to spend as little time as possible in your basement.
Unfortunately, poor air quality in your basement caused by moisture and mold isn’t simply a basement concern. Air circulates in your home, especially if you go in and out of your basement frequently. Low-quality air can circulate for a long time before being pushed out and replaced with fresher air.
Installing an E-Z Breathe to minimize moisture in the air and maintain your home’s air quality can be an easy basement waterproofing option! Due to the decrease in toxins in the air, you or your family (including your pets!) may find that after reducing the moisture levels in your basement, you or your family (including your pets!) do not become sick as often.
Reduced Risk of Costly Repairs
Water infiltration or ongoing hydrostatic pressure can cause significant damage to your home. Depending on the extent of the damage, repairs could cost tens of thousands of dollars or more.
While you may think of a basement waterproofing system as a protection against floods, it’s also a protection against the costs of fixing your house after moisture damage, whether it’s sudden or chronic.
A basement waterproofing solution includes drain tile systems, efficient sump pumps, and adequate grading to prevent water from pushing on your property in the first place. It’s not a question of if, but when the pressure and moisture will eventually crack through the foundation and cause difficulties in your home if you don’t have them. It may take decades for some fortunate homeowners, but it can happen rapidly! And, if not handled soon, water intrusion will continue to worsen.
Improved Resale Value
Even if you don’t intend to stay in your home indefinitely, basement waterproofing is still beneficial to you! The long-term protection provided by complete basement waterproofing remains with the house for many years, regardless of who owns it.
A home with a basement waterproofing system is quite desirable when it comes time to sell! Even in locations where it doesn’t rain as frequently or as severely as other parts of the country, flash floods and big storms can strike at any time and homeowners looking for a safe investment will appreciate a home that isn’t prone to moisture problems.
Does homeowners insurance cover underground water leaks?
If the leak is unexpected and accidental, such as when a washing machine supply hose breaks or a pipe bursts, homeowners insurance may be able to help pay the costs. Homeowners insurance, on the other hand, does not cover damage caused by improper upkeep.