The primary criteria for evaluating a basement waterproofing method should be its ability to insulate the basement against all forms of moisture seepage. The chosen waterproofing method should also contribute to the basement’s durability. A waterproofing material should help the basement surface in surviving foundation distress and landscaping challenges such as infusion of pressurized gases among sunken, soil zones. Waterproofing your basement is not demanding, but it needs attention to some details and knowledge about common waterproofing applications. Basement membranes have been regarded as an effective solution for every basement-waterproofing requirement. Basement membranes have a long life cycle and have no known reactions with moisture. This makes them more effective than external waterproofing coatings that corrode and peel-off when exposed to sustained moisture seepage. It offers years of undemanding waterproofing with negligible need for refurbishing or any kind of repair.

1. Emulsion (Bituminous) Waterproofing Membrane
This can be understood as the most conventional form of waterproofing membrane. Bituminous waterproofing membrane is also known as petroleum-based waterproofing system. It uses asphalt which is commonly used in roofing applications. Also called asphalitc waterproofing membranes or bitumen-based waterproofing systems, these are applied in the form of an emulsion. Asphalt is highly resistant to moisture seepage but its insulation properties can be compromised under severe and continuous water penetration. Thus, emulsion applications often need the assistance of reinforcing applications like fiberglass webbing waterproofing. This raises the overall cost of an emulsion-based waterproofing project. The most recent among bituminous waterproofing systems for basements is the use of rubberized asphalt that is a bit demanding to apply.

Emulsion waterproofing membranes are sold in a highly viscous, packaged form. The appearance is that of a dense, sticky liquid that can be easily applied to concrete surfaces to form an insulating layer. They need to systematically applied, using a roller and a trowel. Some emulsion-based waterproofing membranes have been introduced in an easy-to-apply, spray packaging. Most bitumen-based emulsions have one common criticism — they tend to dry-up after some period that in turn, allows some degree of moisture seepage.

2. Liquid Foundation Waterproofing Membrane
The most common form of waterproofing membranes used in residential spaces is the liquid waterproofing membrane. Liquid membranes are much easier-to-apply as compared to emulsion membranes. Further, they provide a smoother finished surface and don’t dry-up even in extremely hot climatic conditions. Liquid waterproofing membranes are also the most affordable form of membrane-based waterproofing. They are recommended for waterproofing hard-to-reach places like undersurfaces or curved/angled nooks in the basement. The liquid membrane spreads over a greater surface area, providing more coverage, per application.

Liquid waterproofing membrane can be easily applied to both, used and freshly-repaired concrete surfaces. They are the most effective form of basement waterproofing against moisture seepage due to backfilling that is common to most basement repairs.

3. Elastomeric Waterproofing Membrane
This is the most recent introduction among innovative, basement waterproofing membranes. Elastomeric membranes are known to be the most durable amongst all waterproofing membranes. The membrane is essentially a derivative of urethane or polyurethane. These synthetic membranes are regarded as a one-time application wherein they don’t need replacement or repairing for many decades—retailed as ‘lifetime’ waterproofing solutions. Elastomeric waterproofing is commonly referred to as polyurethane basement waterproofing. Elastomeric membranes are impermeable to water, chemical vapors and sub-terrain gases. They are more expensive than the basement membranes discussed above.

Their application is very simple wherein the waterproofing material is coated using a paintbrush. No additional reinforcing material is needed. However, elastomeric coating in domestic spaces is recommended only if the basement has already undergone substantial damage due to moisture seepage. Homes wherein allergic reactions due to mold/mildew growth in the basement have been established can also consider elastomeric waterproofing.