Waterproofing addition foundation

[Sasha]

I am going to build an addition with most likely full basement foundation made from cinder blocks. What's the best way to waterproof the foundation. My home basement foundation is also built from cinder blocks with no waterproofing as far as I know. I usually do not have any leaks as long as gutters are cleaned. However I want to make maximum effort to ensue the finished basement under addition will be maximum waterproof. I read that many advanced waterproofing and damproofing technique require specialized equipment and must be performed by trained personnel. They are also quit expensive. What's the best waterproofing method besides obvious pipe drainage that I can safely and effectively do myself?

[Art]

The french drain and correct grading of the land is the most important part. The tar like damp proofing really just stops moisture, not water. Search this group using the group page of

and look up basements, waterproofing and french drains and you will find everything you need. Basically you need perforated drainage tile, a sock to go around it, tons of gravel and special fabric to surround the whole thing so mud doesn't mix in with gravel. Then you use one of the many tar like waterproofing substances for the walls although like I said they really don't waterproof anything.

[Goedjn]

Drain tile around the base of the foundation, leading someplace where the water can go. Parging on the outer surface of the wall, then a tar-based sealant, up to grade, and something that isn't black from there up. Grade away from the foundation, and lead the downspouts away.

[Sasha]

What's the tar-based sealant you are talking about? While I understand the french drain is important and I am going to provide one I still want to ensure that water won't sip through porous cinder block walls. So I need to coat or cover it with some waterproofing coat. I know there are specific waterproofing resin coats that are sprayed on the walls and prevent water from sipping through. Different products withstand different hydrostatic pressure. Unfortunately, all of these products are expensive as they require certified specialist to apply. I am looking for the best and affordable solution that I can apply myself. It may not be as effective as specialized coatings but combined with french drain and proper grading can provide maximum waterproofing I can achieve by doing things myself.

[Matt]

I think Sasha is a pretty name.

[Doc]

Sasha is a guy, ewwwwwww Matt.

[Matt]

Well, he does have a cute ass.

[Matt]

Well, he does have a cute ass.

[DanG]

look up damp proofing emulsions

Walls can be coated with bituminous (asphalt) emulsions, coal tar emulsions, and rubber based emulsions. I would certainly add reinforcing mesh to the system. There are other more expensive systems that use sheets of material and/or drainage mats.

(top posted for your convenience) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Keep the whole world singing . . . . DanG (remove the sevens) [e-mail]

[rnr_construction]

your lumber yard building center will have this a asphault emulsion in 5 gallon buckets . roll it on with a regular paint roller and use a long wooden handel. be carefull that shit leaps right off the roller and goops ya every time : )

[Ed]

"Matt" wrote

More helpful suggestions?

[Alexander Galkin]

Thank you for the information. Can any of these coatings be safely applied by an average homeowner without any specialized equipment?

[Goedjn]

Being careful won't help. Wear clothes that you expect to ruin, and cover your hair.