How To Waterproof Basement | Waterproofing Basement Walls From Inside | Top 4 Best Basement Waterproofing Methods

Mike Mahajan
6 min readFeb 19, 2022
How To Waterproof Basement | Waterproofing Basement Walls From Inside | Top 4 Best Basement Waterproofing Methods

The Waterproof Basement consists of different types of materials and different methods used for preventing the water from penetrating the basement of the structure.

Basement waterproofing is a basement that is below the ground can require the application of sealant materials, the installation of sumps pump drains, weep holes, and many more.

The space of basements is mainly prone to moisture development and wetness. In soil, present water is generating the hydrostatics pressure to be exerted underneath the basement walls, footing, and basement floors.

This pressure can force the water to pass through the cracks, which can cause major structural damage as well as decay, mould, and other moisture-related problems.

These types of major problems are created by improper soil, improperly placed gutters, faulty drainage system, improper slope, hydrostatic pressure, condensation, etc so that prevent or fix all problems used to waterproof basement.

Read More: A Guide To Green Roof Construction and Functions

Types of Waterproof Basement Methods

The following types of methods are used for basement waterproofing,

- Interior Sealants

- Exterior basement waterproofing

- Interior basement waterproofing

- Foundation crack injections

Interior Sealants

In Poured concrete foundation, pipe penetration and cracks are the most common entry points for entering seepage.

This opening can be sealed from the interior phase, so that used epoxy which is strong adhesives can be pressure injected into the openings, thus penetrating the foundation through to the cut-off and exterior path of the seepage.

Interior Sealant for waterproof basement

Interior sealers are good for preventing the humid atmospheric inside the basement from absorbing into the porous or cavity. These sealants are designed to ensure that the atmospheric humidity in the basement stays low.

For waterproofing your basement floors, basement walls and also help to prevent interior water drainage used good quality interior sealants.

A proper drainage system can help to avoid water build up in our basement, moving this water from the footers of the house foundation and out below the basement structure.

A proper drainage system can help to avoid water buildup in your structure and pass easily through the house footers.

Generally, the draining water that has penetrated a basement consists of placing or creating a channel on the perimeter of the basement foundation.

In a French drain system, a PVC Pipe or any other type of drainage system is placed in the newly-made channel. This placing drain is covered up with new cement.

According to Rick Jacobs of Absolute waterproofing solution, a waterproof basement and foundation repair company, states like Michigan have a lot of ground clay, which will hold and absorb water, resulting in the flexibility in basement foundation walls that can cause cracking and leaks.

Exterior Basement Waterproofing

This exterior basement waterproofing method is designed for preventing water from causing any major structural damage to the building, using membrane and polymers to coat the exterior basement walls.

Exterior Basement Waterproofing

The polymer-based products are last for the lifetime of the structure and are not affected by the PH of Soil. Polymer-based waterproofing materials are sprayed directly onto a wall.

Interior Basement Waterproofing

In interior basement waterproofing where condensation is the main source of wetness or moisture there coating is used.

It is more effective in that case moisture is minor. Installing a backwater valve is one of the most effective measures to save your basement.

Interior Waterproof basement

When dampness or moisture is minor then installing a backwater valve is an effective method in that case this valve save your basement and foundation.

An interior waterproofing installing a drainage system is a complex solution. Different materials and approaches are used for that.

One of the best solutions is installing a French drain with a sump pump installation, water weeping tiles, drainage membrane and rubber walls.

This all system is allowing water to effortlessly escape without damaging the walls and another interior item.

Foundation Crack Injections

Foundation Crack Repair

A Foundation crack injection is used when poured concrete foundation cracks either from the expansion and contraction of the concrete or settlement of the foundation.

Epoxies crack injections are generally used for structural purposes while hydrophilic or hydrophobic polyurethane injections are used for sealing the cracks.

Read More: Concrete Crack Repair Methods | 5 Concrete Repair Methods

Advantages of Waterproof Basment

Your basements are vulnerable to the damage of water because water can seep or pass through cracks in the foundation and poor cooling and heating effect can cause a buildup of dampness and condensation, so waterproofing of the basement is essential.

Advantages of using basement waterproofing are,

- It gives a better indoor environment.

- It protects the floor basement.

- It prevents basement flooding.

- It gives protection to your sum pump.

- It protects against the damage of structural elements.

- Helps to reduce energy costs.

Waterproof Basement Products

Here different types of basement products are described in brief,

Waterproof seal

This system uses a cell mesh that bond with freshly laid concrete which acts as a seal. This arrangement prevents water ingress.

This can be placed rapidly, with no need for blinding concrete, protection or priming and can be trafficked immediately after application.

Polymer Modified Bitumen Coating

Polymer Modified Bitumen Coating

This coating is having a two-component waterproofing compound system consisting of a powder component and a rubberized bitumen emulsion with additives.

This method is used for pipe penetrations, outer corners and inner corners, wall-floor junction, and many more.

EPDM Waterproofing Membrane

EPDM Waterproofing

These EPDM waterproofing membranes are used for basement waterproofing.

Also, it is made from synthetic EPDM Rubber.

Cementations Coating

Cementations Coating

This cementations coating resists negative and positive under100m head in water retaining and below the ground level and it is a modified acrylic, flexible waterproofing Portland cement-based membrane.

New Build Reinforced Concrete

This cement-based waterproofing method is used in basement waterproofing. It is applied on a concrete surface, the active chemical combine with the free lime and moisture present in the capillary tract to form insoluble crystalline complex.

These crystalline blocks are the minor shrinkage cracks and capillaries in the concrete for preventing further water ingress.

Read More: Water Leakage From Ceiling | Water Leaking From Ceiling

FAQs:

What are the type of Basement waterproofing?It gives a better indoor environment.
It protects the floor basement.
It prevents basement flooding.
It gives protection to your sum pump.
It protects against the damage of structural elements.
Helps to reduce energy costs.What are the types of Basement Waterproofing methods?The following types of methods are used for basement waterproofing,
Interior Sealants
Exterior basement waterproofing
Interior basement waterproofing
Foundation crack injections
Which types of Waterproofing products are available in the market?Waterproof seal
Polymer Modified Bitumen Coating
EPDM waterproofing membrane
Cementations coating
New Build Reinforced Concrete

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Mike Mahajan

Bhushan Mahajan who himself is a Civil Engineer by profession is also the main author and maintains the civiconcepts.com website himself.