Basement Waterproofing: What You Should Know

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

Basement waterproofing is installing a water-impervious layer on the basement floor, interior or exterior walls, and ceiling. French drains and sump pumps are 2 essential components for the extremely flooded basements. Basement waterproofing helps to control the basement flooding and stop the water and moisture from leaking inside the basement.

Basement waterproofing is mainly three methods: exterior basement waterproofing, interior basement waterproofing and setting up basement drainage systems in and out of the foundation. You can use liquid and sheet membrane waterproofing methods for basement waterproofing. The most used basement waterproofing membranes are cementitious waterproofing, epoxy waterproofing, acrylic waterproofing, bituminous waterproofing, EPDM, PVC, Polymer, and admixture waterproofing.

Basement waterproofing is the combination of basement floor waterproofing and basement wall waterproofing. You can use waterproofing products related to BEHR, Drylok, Xypex, Sika, Thompson's WaterSeal, Rust-Oleum and Liquid Rubber. For professional and skilled waterproofing services you should reach to these 05 best waterproofing companies such as Basement Systems Inc, U.S Waterproofing, B-Dry Systems, Americal Dry Basement Systems, and Ohio Basement Systems 

What Are the Basement Waterproofing Methods?

A basement can be waterproofed using these 3 methods: exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, and setting up a drainage system. For each waterproofing method, you should use suitable waterproofing membranes with skilled labour. The waterproofing method varies with the environmental conditions, soil conditions, land height variation, and structural stability. According to the above factors, you should decide which waterproofing method is efficient for the basement.

1. Exterior waterproofing - Exterior waterproofing (positive side waterproofing) is excavating around the basement wall to the full depth of the foundation and installing a waterproof coating or membrane on the exterior side of the walls. A drainage system is essential to divert water away from the foundation in this method.
2. Interior waterproofing - Interior waterproofing (negative-side waterproofing) is done by applying waterproof coatings or sealants on the used interior walls and floor of the basement to prevent moisture from seeping in. Interior waterproofing requires an interior drainage system a sump pump to collect and remove the accumulated water due to seepage.
3. Setting up drainage systems - Proper drainage systems can prevent water accumulation around the foundation of the house. You can install a French drain or a sump pump to remove water that accumulates around or under the basement.

What Are the Basement Waterproofing Membranes?

Basement waterproofing is a solution for the basement flooding. Basement waterproofing membranes consist of basement walls and basement floor. You can use below 10 waterproofing membranes for basement walls and floors.

1. Cementitious waterproofing - Cementitious waterproofing can be applied as a liquid coating on the basement floor and walls to prevent water from leaking to the basement.
2. Epoxy waterproofing - Epoxy waterproofing is an impermissible, liquid waterproofing membrane that can be used on the basement walls and floor.
3. Acrylic coating waterproofing - Acrylic waterproofing is a liquid waterproofing membrane that can be used to waterproof the basement.
4. Bituminous coating waterproofing - Bituminous coating waterproofing is a liquid waterproofing membrane that can be used for both basement walls and floor to prevent water leaking.
5. EPDM Rubber waterproofing - EPDM rubber waterproofing is a sheet waterproofing membrane. EPDM can use to positive side waterproofing of the basement walls. 
6. HDPE waterproofing - HDPE is a sheet membrane waterproofing that can be used for positive side waterproofing of the basement.
7. PVC waterproofing - PVC is a sheet membrane waterproofing. PVC can be used to waterproof the basement.
8. Polymer waterproofing - Rubber polymer can be used as positive side waterproofing tor the basements.
9. Admixture waterproofing - Admixture waterproofing is a liquid-type waterproofing membrane that can be added to the concrete while mixing. Admixture forms a crystalline structure in the concrete to prevent water penetration through the concrete. 

How to Waterproof a Basement?

Water leaking basement can be waterproofed by following the step-by-step process using the below tools. 

Tools for the Basement waterproofing:

1. Waterproofing paint or sealant
2. Paint roller, brushes, and trays
3. Sump pump (if necessary)
4. Dehumidifier (if necessary)
5. Concrete crack filler
6. Wire brush
7. Garden hose or buckets of water
8. Broom and dustpan
9. Protective clothing, including gloves and goggles

How to Waterproof Interior Basement Walls and Floors?

1. Identify the water-related problems inside the basement

Before you start basement waterproofing, you should inspect the basement water damage. You should observe average water leaking volume, cracks, mold and mildew growth, damp spots, or peeling paint on the basement floor and basement wall.

2. Clean inside the basement floor and wall

You should clean the basement before applying waterproofing membranes. First, you should clear out the basement for the free workspace and clean the walls and floor thoroughly. You can use a wire brush to scrub off any loose debris and then sweep up the dust.

3. Repair cracks inside the basement floor and walls

After the cleaning process, you should seal cracks and damages on the basement walls. You should use cement plasters for larger cracks and holes while using an epoxy sealant for the small size cracks. For the severe and active cracks you can use PU or epoxy crack injection methods to stop active leaks. After repairing the cracks and damages, let them cure about 24 hours.

4. Apply waterproofing products on the interior basement floor and walls

You can start applying the waterproofing membrane on a clean and dry surface. When you are applying, you should start at the top of the wall and work your way down. You can use a paint roller for large areas and a brush for smaller areas. You should always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for better results. You should apply the basement waterproofing above the 50°F (10°C).

5. Install a sump pump in the basement below the floor level

A sump pump is essential for the sump tank to remove the accumulated water from the water channel. You should place the discharge pipe as far from the foundation..

6. Install a dehumidifier

You can use a dehumidifier if your basement has higher humidity. A dehumidifier will help to remove extra moisture from the air and prevent mold and mildew growth inside.

What are the Basement Waterproofing Products?

The most used basement waterproofing brands are BEHR, Drylok, Xypex, Sika, Thompson's WaterSeal, Rust-Oleum and Liquid Rubber. Each of these brands has specific products, which are included below.

What Are the 5 Best Basement Waterproofing Companies?

The 5 best basement waterproofing companies in the USA are Basement Systems Inc., U.S Waterproofing, B-Dry Systems, Americal Dry Basement Systems, and Ohio Basement Systems. You can connect with them using the contact number mentioned below.

You can waterproof small-size basement DIY by following this step-by-step guide. If you know how to waterproof the basement properly, it will save you time and money.

1. Basement Systems Inc.

Basement Systems Inc is a Connecticut-based waterproofing company has been in operation since 1987 in North America. Basement Systems Inc offer all kinds of basement waterproofing services, including drainage systems, sump pump installation, dehumidifiers, and basement wall options. You can connect with them at 1-800-638-7048

2. U.S. Waterproofing

U.S. Waterproofing is an Illinois-based waterproofing service since 1957. U.S. Waterproofing provides a wide range of services, including foundation waterproofing, sump pump installation, crawl space encapsulation, and foundation structural repairs. You can contact them at 888-733-7243.

3. B-Dry System

B-Dry is a basement waterproofing service been operating since 1958 all over the USA. They offer a lifetime warranty for their basement waterproofing services. You can ask them for a Free Estimate through their website: http://b-dry.com/leaky-basement-estimate.html.

4. American Dry Basement Systems

American Dry Basement Systems offer basement waterproofing service, crawl space sealing, foundation crack repair and sump pump installation services. You can ask them for a free estimate at 203-775-7900

5. Ohio Basement Systems

Ohio Basement Systems is a basement waterproofing service that operates in the northern Ohio area. They offer basement waterproofing, crawl space repair, basement finishing, and foundation repair services. You can connect them through 216-250-8690

How to Prevent Basement Flooding?

You can prevent basement flooding using the proper water channel system, fixing cracks in the foundation, using a sump pump, reducing water table impact, and installing a backwater valve.

1. Use a proper water channel - Proper drainage system can cause the leaked water to the sump tank to drain out.
2. Fixing cracks in the foundation - Foundation cracks can seep the water inside to the basement. When you fix it using a suitable crack-fixing method seepage will stop.
3. Use a sump pump - A sump pump helps to drain out the collected water from the sump tank. You should place a properly functioning sump pump in the sump tank to remove the accumulating water from the water channels.
4. Reduce the water table impact - You can reduce the water table impact by building an exterior drainage system close to the basement walls. It can control the basement water impact.
5. Install a backwater valve - A backwater valve allows to sewage to go out. It does not allow sewage to come back in.