Basement Waterproofing: Exterior French Drain or Internal Drainage System? | Island Basement Systems

There is a big debate in the waterproofing industry concerning the proper way to fix wet basement problems – and this debate is bound to confuse many homeowners. That is the case with this customer in Campbell River, BC.

No one in Vancouver Island can answer this question better than Chris, whose company Island Basement Systems has been serving the region for over 20 years, and actually provides both systems. Chris explains that each home is different, so the choice will depend upon a thorough inspection of the property.

Exterior waterproofing is a very disruptive, time consuming and sometimes quite costly process, because it involves digging out the entire foundation up to the footing and completely replace the entire perimeter drain.

Most wet basement problems can be solved with the interior drainage approach. The WaterGuard interior perimeter drainage system installed by Island Basement Systems sits on top of the footing. It is installed by jack hammering a few inches of the basement floor, along the internal perimeter. It is an affordable system that installs faster and with less disruption, and is warrantied to work for the life of the structure. 

“The first time I installed this WaterGuard systems was in 1994, and actually all my jobs from 1994 are still dry because it works so well! It is cheaper; we put a better warranty on it, it is less disruption and lasts for the life of the home. You’ll have a dry basement forever. It’s great!” – concludes Chris.

Are you looking to waterproof your basement? Island Basement Systems is proud to serve the greater area of Victoria, Nanaimo, Saanich, Bowser and Honeymoon Bay, BC. Get your free estimate today!