Depending on where you grew up, you may have had a basement in your home. Approximately 30-40% of homes have a basement, varying by geography and building practices. More common in the Midwest and Northeast, basements were created for several practical reasons including storage space, temperature regulation, and protection from major weather events.

Do I need to waterproof my basement?

Waterproofing your basement can help fix or prevent water leaks and flooding risks. If you live in an area with high humidity or a high water table, waterproofing your basement will help mitigate mold growth, water damage, and potential structural issues to the rest of your home.

If you are renovating your home and considering use of the basement as a livable space, it is also recommended to “finish” the basement with proper insulation and other materials.

Basement waterproofing products

There are many different types of products commonly used in basement waterproofing. Included in the list are encapsulation materials such as film and tape. Once the foundation and exterior has been securely waterproofed, the interior work begins.

Similar to a crawlspace, basement waterproofing involves using a vapor barrier material and waterproofing tape to prevent water penetration. A common tape in this process is polyethylene tape, a moisture resistant product that seams vapor barrier plastic.

For a more heavy duty film, BT-519 Water Guard™ excels at long-term permanent waterproofing applications. Water Guard™ is a thick polyethylene tape product that can even be applied underwater!

Vapor barrier replacement and maintenance

Material lifespan depends on several key factors such as material quality, knowledge of the installation crew, pest activity, and weather conditions. Regular maintenance of your basement vapor barrier system is recommended – as well as notifying your installation team of any holes, tears, or other issues that need to be addressed.

A well-installed system could last up to 25 years with proper care and maintenance!