When you are looking for wet basement repair or wanting to prevent a leaky basement or future wet basement repair it becomes important to understand the difference between waterproofing and damp-proofing. The average consumer does not understand the difference between waterproofing and damp-proofing and they certainly should because they are not the same.
Damp-proofing uses a mixture that is mostly tar based. It covers the foundation and protects it from moisture. Waterproofing uses a material that contains rubber and is capable of stretching to cover cracks as your house settles.
Damp-proofing only slows the penetration of soil moisture through the concrete and it has no resistance against water under hydrostatic pressure. Damp-proofing products can become brittle when dry and can be easily broken down by groundwater. In addition to this damp-proofing does not have the ability to span cracks, this means when the concrete cracks, so do the damp proofing, consequently, it will not provide protection against water intrusion.
On the other hand waterproofing, your foundation is done by spraying an elastomeric membrane onto the exterior of the foundation. This membrane stops water from penetrating the concrete, even under hydrostatic pressure. The elastomeric membrane stop water because it will span foundation shrinkage cracks, ensuring your basement is completely protected.
When the average consumer truly understands the best fix for their wet basement repair waterproofing becomes the first choice.
Listen to Phil Rusell of CrackMaster Concrete talk about this in his Question and answer series.
