What is the best way to waterproof a basement?

Question

I am going to waterproof my basement before all the winter snow comes, but I was wondering what the best way to do that is!

Answer 1

Easy way. Try Dry-Lok. It comes in a can like paint and is applied like paint. It seals the walls and prevents water from coming in. Some of the other ideas are good too, but this is the least expensive and easiest. You can find it at a home improvement store.

Answer 2

The 'best' way is to remove all the dirt along the outside of your basement, down to the footing, and then have a waterproof membrane installed on the walls up to grade level. (Or apply hot-mopped asphalt and several layers of builder's tar paper.)

That will prevent any moisture from penetrating the concrete or masonry walls. Backfill the trench with porous gravel so any moisture from the melting snow will drain away from the basement walls.

But, definitely not cheap.

In some cases, people apply an epoxy-based masonry paint to the inside walls. Theoretically, that *should* keep moisture from coming inside your basement. But you would need gallons and gallons of paint - I would guess the coverage is about 200 sq ft per gallon.

Answer 3

Dry-lock paint. It's thick so use a heavy utility brush. I waterproofed my basement workshop and haven't had a drop of water. Lowe's, Home Depot, Meijer...just about anywhere quality paint is sold.

Answer 4

French drain with a sump pump at the low point.

Answer 5

solid concrete, and lots of it

Answer 6

wrap it in saran wrap!!!