Your Shield Against Water Damage

Waterproofing your basement is one of the most crucial steps to protect your home from water damage, mold, and structural issues. Whether you are dealing with minor seepage or frequent flooding, waterproofing offers both a safeguard and peace of mind. In this guide, we will walk you through the basic requirements for interior and exterior waterproofing, as well as the steps involved in each process. Consider this your "Waterproofing 101" — everything you need to know to understand the process of protecting your basement.

A basement that isn’t properly waterproofed can lead to a range of issues, from mold growth and air quality problems to foundation damage and costly repairs. When water seeps into a basement, it creates a damp environment ideal for mold and mildew, which can affect indoor air quality and lead to health risks. Additionally, water in the foundation can weaken the structure of your home over time. Waterproofing prevents these issues by creating a barrier between your basement and external moisture.

Excavation Around the Foundation

To access the foundation walls, professionals will typically excavate the soil around the perimeter of your home. This requires careful excavation to reach the foundation’s depth, which can be a large undertaking depending on the size of the home and the depth of the basement.

Cleaning and Prepping the Foundation Walls

Once the foundation is exposed, the next step is to clean the surface to remove dirt, mold, and any previous waterproofing materials. This often involves power washing and scrubbing to ensure a clean surface for the waterproofing membrane to adhere properly.

Applying a Waterproofing Membrane

A waterproofing membrane, typically made of rubberized asphalt or another flexible material, is applied to the foundation walls. This creates a waterproof seal that prevents water from seeping through. Some installations may also include a dimpled drainage board that provides extra protection by directing water down and away from the foundation.

Installing a French Drain (if needed)

A French drain is a perforated pipe placed along the foundation’s base and surrounded by gravel to collect water and direct it away from the house. This step is often necessary in areas with high groundwater levels, as it provides an efficient way to handle excess water.

Backfilling and Compaction

Once the waterproofing and drainage systems are in place, the excavation is carefully backfilled with soil, and compacted to prevent settling. The goal is to ensure that soil slopes away from the foundation to direct rainwater away from your home.

Interior waterproofing focuses on stopping water from entering the basement from within. It’s generally less invasive than outdoor waterproofing and may be a more affordable option for homes that already have some form of exterior waterproofing .

Crack Injection and Sealing

Small cracks in the foundation walls or floor can be treated with crack injection methods using epoxy or polyurethane foam. These materials expand to fill the crack and prevent water seepage. Crack injection is an effective solution for minor issues and is commonly the first step in indoor waterproofing.

Applying a Vapor Barrier

To prevent moisture from passing through foundation walls, a vapor barrier is applied to the interior walls. This barrier is usually made of plastic sheeting or dimpled membrane and serves as an additional layer of protection against moisture.

Installing an Interior French Drain

If water is a persistent issue, an interior French drain may be installed around the perimeter of the basement floor. This drain collects any water that seeps into the basement and directs it to a sump pump, which then pumps it out of the house. The interior French drain is installed beneath the basement floor, so this step requires some demolition and floor removal.

Sump Pump Installation

For homes with high water tables or frequent flooding, a sump pump is an essential part of indoor waterproofing. Installed in a sump pit, the pump activates automatically when water enters the pit, pumping the water out of the basement and away from the foundation.

Dehumidifier and Insulation Installation

Finally, using a dehumidifier helps keep humidity levels down, preventing mold and mildew growth. Additionally, installing moisture-resistant insulation, such as rigid foam or spray foam, can further reduce condensation and improve energy efficiency in the basement.