How to Waterproof Foundations

If you don't mind a leaky basement, if you don't mind soggy carpet, a "smell" that you just can't get rid ... don't bother reading this post. Today I am going to show you one of those not so glamorous or fun tasks that you must do to build a house right. But it can effect the comfort and usability - not to mention value - of your home incredibly.

Today, we are going to waterproof the below grade foundation of the Momplex!

Momplex

Step 1 Diagram

Step 1

It starts with these giant sticker rolls of waterproofing membrane. We are using two different brands in this post, one black and one white, but essentially the same product ... well, we will discuss that in a moment.

It would be impossible to just stick this 200 foot long roll on the side of the Momplex without creating a crinkly mess ... AND this stuff is thick and not so easy to handle ... AND it weighs alot for a sticker.

So we set a piece of plywood on two sawhorses and made two chalk line marks four feet apart. Then we just pulled the membrane to one of the chalk lines, and cut the membrane on the covered chalk line using a board as a guide and a utility knife. Much like you would cut fabric.

Step 2 Diagram

Step 2 Instructions

We cut a big pile of the membrane pieces. We also cut pieces of the black membrane (not shown).

Step 3 Diagram

Step 3 Instructions

To stick the membrane, first we snapped a chalk line around the Momplex at grade. Next, we peeled just the top edge of the sticker back off of the waterproofing membrane.

Step 4 Diagram

Step 4 Instructions

Lined up with the chalk line, the top of the waterproofing membrane is stuck to the Momplex exterior walls.

Step 5 Diagram

Step 5 Instructions

Then we worked our way down, pulling the backing paper off slowly while sticking the waterproofing membrane to the Momplex.

Step 6 Diagram

Step 6 Instructions

By keeping the backing paper on, you have more control of the waterproofing membrane, so you only have to concentrate on sticking one part at a time.

Step 7 Diagram

Step 7 Instructions

This is going to take no time at all, right?

NOTE: You will want to overlap the membrane to create the best seal.

Step 8 Diagram

Step 8 Instructions

We were rocking and rolling! Or at least sticking and pressing!

Step 9 Diagram

Step 9 Instructions

But then we ran out of the black stuff, and started using the white stuff. The white stuff didn't like the cold weather. It just wouldn't stick. After reading the box, we realized that the two membranes do the same job, but the black membrane is for cold climate applications.

That would be us.

Step 10 Diagram

Step 10 Instructions

Last week, a box of beauty supplies showed up, including a brand new hairdryer for me! My last hair dryer ended up in the garage being used for who knows what. I was pretty excited to finally have a pink hair dryer!!!

Well, it's missing.

But at least the Momplex is going to be waterproof! This task too forever. Forever.

Step 11 Diagram

Step 11

Now the waterproofing membrane is great stuff, and with the overlapped edges, and overlapping the footers, it will keep water from leaking through the foundation walls.

But what happens when we backfill and a sharp rock punctures the membrane?

One more step.

We applied glue to the membrane.

Step 12 Diagram