Basement waterproofing

2/7/2012 at 2:13:00 PM

Hi Kelly,

You can pick up a rubberized urethane foundation coating at your hardware store and apply it by hand or trowel to the walls and footings. Make sure the walls are clean and any cracks and holes are sealed properly before you apply the coating. You would the sheath the walls with Delta MS waterproof dimple membrane.

The new weeping tiles should then covered with 12 of clean 3/4" clear gravel and a geo-membrane. The walls are then backfilled to grade. I would also suggest you connect the new weeping tiles to a sump pump.

Regards,

Kingsway Construction Inc

Glenn Rosborough

2/8/2012 at 12:43:27 PM

Hi Kelly, +1 to Glenn - all good suggestions and the recommended methods. Another product you can look into is "Blueskin". It comes in 36" wide rolls made for foundations. Really expensive but really good. If it is your sweat equity going into this project, some of the labour savings could go towards the best possible products.

Good Luck with it!

Jim Kuzma

Kettleby Handyman Services

2/8/2012 at 2:02:54 PM

Do either of you have experience with Blue Seal Waterproofing rubber membrane from home depot? Looking for something easy to apply as we are doing the full foundation on a 50x30' house. I would prefer something that can be rolled on. I see Rona carries the delta ms waterproof membrane.

Any advice on how to apply this after waterproof coat has been applied. What should we put on any cracks on cement before the waterproofer is applied(hydraulic cement)??

2/8/2012 at 2:42:03 PM

Hi Kelly, I have not used Blue Seal but I have used Blueskin. Both are good products but I think Blueskin can withstand a little more movement and bridge cracks a little better. Both should be protected with a dimpled membrane before back filling.

The dimpled product can be fastened with hammer-in fasteners or tapcons.

If your house has finished settling, then the liquid product would probably be fine. You should definitely patch any penetrations in your foundation before applying any other products.

Are you really going to DIY this? It is a HUGE!! project.

Do a search for "building sciences corporation". They have more info than you will ever be able to absorb about "best practices" for new or retrofit building solutions.

Good Luck with it!