Basement Wall Membrane

Why do basement walls leak?

If you have a wet basement, it could be due to water leaking and seeping through your foundation walls. Water leakage through concrete block, stone, or cracked basement walls is a common problem.

As water builds up around the outside of your foundation walls, pressure (hydrostatic pressure) can reach extreme levels. This immense pressure can approach 600lbs. per square foot at the base of the wall in some cases. This hydrostatic pressure can force water into your basement. Groundwater can enter your basement through wall cracks, cold joints, mortar joints on concrete block walls, and holes where pipes penetrate the walls.

To fix this problem, it will take more than just waterproofing paint or caulk. The water must be drained and moved away from the foundation. This is where ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing can help with our basement waterproofing solutions. We’ll keep that outside water away so that your home property remains a safe, dry, and happy space.

Exterior vs Interior Waterproofing

1. Exterior: Exterior waterproofing involves applying a waterproof coating or plastic sheet material to the foundation’s exterior and adding drainage pipes at the wall’s base. This method is commonly employed during new construction for cost-effective installation. However, existing homes with leaky basements or crawl spaces signal failed exterior systems that often clog over time. After construction, implementing exterior waterproofing becomes expensive and disruptive due to soil backfilling and equipment requirements, involving removal of structures like porches, decks, driveways, and landscaping against the foundation. At ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing, we offer more efficient solutions to address these issues without the extensive disruption of exterior waterproofing.
2. Interior: For damp basement walls or floors, consider an interior waterproofing system as your top choice. This method involves placing a drainage channel along the wall’s base around the basement perimeter, guiding water to a sump pump. Employing a ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing waterproof panel or vapor barrier membrane on the walls directs water into the drainage channel, effectively waterproofing the walls. This combined system prevents water from spreading onto the floor, keeping your basement dry. Additionally, the membrane hinders moisture infiltration, enhancing basement comfort. Utilizing a professional ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing dehumidifier can create a basement atmosphere as comfortable as the rest of your home.

When to install a wall membrane for my basement?

The solution depends on the source of the basement leak and the wall condition, as well as your specific goals and basement use. For finishing or storing valuables, a vapor barrier wall membrane is ideal to prevent water vapor intrusion, ensuring comfort and protection. At times, your ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing specialist may advise covering part or all of interior basement walls with waterproofing membranes, such as heavyweight vinyl or rigid plastic panels. This barrier directs wall leakage to the drainage system. We offer vapor barrier wall coverings suitable for concealed placement behind finished walls or exposed panels to enhance basement aesthetics.