Basement Waterproofing

Basement waterproofing is a broad, general term that refers to various materials and techniques used to reduce or eliminate water from penetrating a structure. It is most commonly used to refer to the waterproofing membrane or coating that is applied to the exterior of your foundation. Waterproofing a structure or home from the exterior is the only method recognized by the IBC, International Building Code, as an adequate means by which to prevent structural damage caused by water intrusion. It is important to note that a waterproofing membrane will not prevent the intrusion of water into a basement without a drainage system in place to conduct the water away, thus relieving the hydrostatic pressure that is present against the basement walls. While this membrane is most often applied during the initial construction, in some cases the membrane was never applied while in others a reapplication is necessary due to the degradation of the material.

Damp Proofing

Damp proofing is different from waterproofing in that it it is designed to resist the passage of liquid water rather than prevent it. Today, approximately 85% of new homes are only damp proofed because that is all that the local codes require coupled with the fact that it costs less. Prior to the 1980’s, applying damp proofing alone was common practice and was routinely accomplished by rolling-on bituminous/asphaltic coatings. These coatings are not environmentally friendly, do not span cracks well, and become hard and brittle over time due to their interaction with microorganisms in the soil, rendering them ineffective.

Certain factors should be considered when selecting a waterproofing membrane for your home. They include but are not limited to:

  • Expected life of product
  • Leak localizing capability
  • Reseal-ability
  • Elasticity/Elongation capabilities
  • Permeability
  • Resistance to soil acids, microorganisms, and chemicals

Sealed the Right Way

basement waterproofing

At Preferred Basement Solutions, we utilize Rub-R-Wall Waterproofing. Rub-R-Wall is a highly advanced, spray applied, 100% rubber polymer waterproofing membrane. It contains zero asphalt/ bitumen and is resistant to bacteria, fungus, and chemical attacks. It features excellent elongation and permeability properties as well as a life expectancy that exceeds 100 years. It is applied in multiple uniform passes to obtain a 30-40 mils cured thickness providing seamless protection.

Waterproofing your basement can be a costly endeavor but the peace of mind that you gain in knowing that your basement will not leak is often worth the cost. When quality products are applied by knowledgeable contractors, then your wet basement concerns may be a thing of the past!