Tanking is referring to the use of a bonding substance that when applied correctly adheres to the exterior walls of your basement. This treatment is best when applied during the construction phase of building. When Tanking is properly applied, it will keep the basement dry permanently. Unfortunately, in many cases a home’s basement does leak after the Tanking process is applied. If the Tanking does not hold, this will cause the need for another type of sealant or process to keep water and dampness out of the basement.

Another choice for waterproofing a basement is called a cavity drainage system. During construction a plastic membrane is installed on the basement floor and walls. The floors are deliberately sloped during construction, allowing water to drain into a sump pump that is installed. A cavity drainage is an electrically operated system. Any power outages and the system stops working because of the electric sump pump. Another disadvantage with this type of waterproofing is that after a period of time the membrane itself may mold and mildew. At this point the membrane will need to be removed and another waterproofing system applied.

An exterior foundation drain, or sometimes referred to as a French drain, is the third type of a basement waterproofing system. Some builders and homeowners prefer this system and rate it as the best waterproofing choice of the three. This system operates by using a ground drainage system. When installed correctly, the drainage pipes divert water away from the foundation and basement walls keeping the interior of the basement dry.

Basement leaks and dampness can cause serious damage to a house. A wet basement devalues your home and can turn a potential buyer away when trying to sell. Many do-it-yourself people can tackle a wet basement with great success. Most home improvement stores also offer seminars for information and step by step instructions for waterproofing a basement without hiring a private contractor. When making a choice about the best waterproofing basement system make the best decision by being informed.

Begin by diverting water away from your foundation with properly installed gutters and downspouts. This is the first step to a dry basement . Downspouts can be extended a short distance from the house for optimum water diversion.

Assess the condition of your basement. If the walls are painted and plant to apply a barrier sealant, the walls should be scraped and sanded. If there are large cracks in the floor or walls, these need to repaired. Fill thin cracks with a waterproofing mix. Clean out large holes and cracks in floors and walls and apply waterproofing mix.

Once the walls are properly prepared, several types of sealants can be applied. These sealants will create a barrier that keep moisture from seeping through the walls. They work best for dampness and seepage. If you have flooding in your basement, these products will need to be used in conjunction with drainage improvements.

Sealer paints are brushed onto the floor and walls of the basement. These products are easy to apply but follow label instructions carefully. Adequate ventilation is a must. A brush or paint roller can be used. Typically, these products are not sprayed.

For cement walls and floors, a good fiberglass-based sealant can be applied. It will fill small cracks and leaks and prevent further water penetration.

If your foundation is made of brick or stone, look for a product designed for these natural materials. Products for this specific application allow the stone to breathe while keeping excess moisture out.

Both of these types of sealants may need two applications for maximum effectiveness. They are usually water-based and can be thinned with water. Clean up is easy as well.

If larger amounts of water are entering your basement, you may need to improve drainage around your house. A french drain — a trench into which a drain pipe is laid — keeps water out of your basement by diverting it away from the foundation. These drains can become clogged with mud and silt over time, so they do require occasional maintenance.

A sump is a small reservoir under your basement that fills when the groundwater rises. A pump forces the water up and away from your house. Sump pumps are powered by electricity, so a batter back-up is recommended so that the pump will operate in a power failure. Sump pumps are often installed at the time of construction but they can be installed in an existing basement as well.

Severe basement flooding may require excavation, drainage improvements and the application of exterior barrier. A qualified contractor or basement waterproofing specialist can provide information on all of these options.