Whether your basement has serious water issues or a slightly damp feel, there are basement wall waterproofing products that can solve the problem and leave you with a dry living space. The walls are the first thing you should look at before you even consider purchasing lumber and drywall. The walls should be the first thing you look at when waterproofing a basement. Here is what you need to know about the different options that are available.
Basement Wall Waterproofing Products – The Different Types
There are several products on the market, and what you buy will depend on the type of problem your home is facing. There are products available for interior use. They are painted on to bare concrete walls and will soak in, creating a water-resistant barrier. Many of these products are not designed for use in basements where a rainfall results in standing water. They are meant for homes where the basement feels damp or some water staining is evident without actually finding rivers and streams.
Several of the paint-on materials are appropriate for use outside the home as well as inside. Used in conjunction with water-proofing membranes meant for outdoor use, they can help create a truly waterproof surface that will protect your basement.
Other products are designed for use outside the home and are meant for serious water problems. They are more difficult to use, as they do require digging out the foundation around the home. However, they are the best solution when you are looking at a visible and upsetting water flow coming through the basement walls.
The Power of Water
Before deciding on any given waterproofing system, take time to consider the power of water. It’s taken for granted on a daily basis, but flood waters can wash cars off roads and destroy homes. If you have an ongoing, serious problem with water entering your home through the basement, a serious solution is required. The expense will be higher for some solutions, but they can make the difference between enjoying a clean, dry, finished basement or writing off that living space as a loss.
Basement Wall Waterproofing Membrane
This is the best solution for basements that regularly have standing water or noticeable puddles. Because it is applied on the wall’s exterior, the water pressure pushing against will not pose a problem. The biggest downside of this product is that you will have to dig out around the foundation to install it. However, it will work, you will have a dry basement and you will be able to start the finishing project you have been dreaming of. Here are the basic directions for installing a membrane so you can decide if it is a project you want to take on yourself.
- Excavate a work space, creating a channel wide enough for you to comfortably work in.
- Clean the wall with a stiff brush, rinsing off debris with a garden hose. You may need an etching product to remove heavy sediment or crystallized deposits.
- All visible cracks and holes will be patched first with hydraulic cement.
- Bare concrete should be coated with mortar to create a smooth surface.
- Elastic roof sealer is applied around any below-grade wires, pipes or conduits to seal off those possible points of water entry. Roof sealer can also be used at the wall-footing joint.
- Apply foundation sealer, taking care to follow the manufacturer’s directions for coverage. You want to be sure the application is thick enough to do the job. You should not cover more square feet than what it stated on the can.
- Start the membrane a few feet in from a corner, following on a plumb, vertical mark. This edge should be sealed with roof sealer. The top can be tacked to the frame of the house, the bottom can be held in place with a mound of gravel. Cuts to go around pipes and wires should be sealed with more roof sealer. Wrap it all the way around the house tightly.
- All seams, including the original starting point, should be overlapped by a minimum of one foot and sealed completely with roof sealer. If more than one vertical row of membrane is required, it should be overlapped with the first by at least a foot with all seams being coated with roof sealer.
- Refill the trench fully, taking care that the new ground slopes away from the home on all sides.
Waterproof Basement Wall Panels
These panels are offered by companies like ZenWall and are ideal for use in basements where an interior drainage system has been installed. The wall panels use a fiberglass core with a reflective foil barrier that goes against the wall and an attractive vinyl finish that faces the living space.
The water vapor will not come through the wall and the basement drainage system will effectively be hidden underneath the wall. They can also be used in a dry basement to simply update the walls and make them look more inviting. HydraBan wall panels are also a product worth taking a closer look at. You can get more details on our article about basement wall panels.
Waterproofing Paint For Basement Walls
Easily applied with a roller or brush, these products are typically designed for basements that feel damp or have small amounts of moisture coming through. The products will soak into the concrete, creating a waterproof surface that is safe to finish with lumber and drywall. Here are a few of the products you might want to consider using.
- DampLock – Good for up to 20 PSI water pressure; it also reduces the level of radon gas that enters the area. Twenty-four hours after application, your choice of paint can be applied over this white basement waterproofer.
- Behr – Made for interior or exterior use, it is designed to prevent water seepage caused by hydrostatic pressure. The barrier is strong and it can be used on slightly damp surfaces. It is not designed for use on areas that have water actively coming in.
- UGL DryLok – Another product that is appropriate for interior and exterior use, this thick paint will soak into the concrete, forming a water-resistant barrier that is very effective. It should be applied on the exterior of the wall if the leak is bad, but can be used inside for basements that are just damp.
- WaterTite – This product comes with a five-year warranty against mold or mildew forming and a ten-year warranty for waterproofing.
Before starting any basement refinishing project, you want to be sure that the area is completely dry. Basement walls that are chalking or constantly damp must be treated before they can be covered with wood and drywall. Taking the time to properly handle waterproofing the basement will make your home healthier and provide you with an extra living space that can be truly enjoyed.
Get more great information on basement wall waterproofing as well as basement wall waterproofing products.