Basement Waterproofing Products and Systems

Waterproofing a basement requires not only the right approach, but choosing the products that will do the job. Learn more about basement waterproofing products with this guide.

Open Dining Room With Brown Concrete Floor & Metal Chairs

Stained Concrete Floor in Breakfast Nook

This breakfast nook has a warm look despite its cool concrete floor thanks to a rich brown stain. Soft leather cushions dress up metal dining chairs, while floor-to-ceiling windows flood the open kitchen with natural light.

By: Caroline Shannon-Karasik

Related To:

There are several products that can keep your basement dry and free from water damage or seepage, including acrylic and liquid floor coatings.

Acrylic coating can be used as a sealant for the interior of a basement or on the exterior of a home that has foundation walls that are above ground. The coating can easily be painted or sprayed onto block or stucco walls. Tuffcrete is one waterproofing product that is acrylic based.

15 Quick Fixes for Common Home Products

See All Photos

Shop This Look

Liquid rubber coating is easily painted onto basement surfaces and is ideal for waterproofing a home that is frequently exposed to flooding or wet conditions. Liquid rubber sealants, like "Rubberize It!," bond to most construction materials and can serve as not only a way to waterproof a basement, but repair a leaky roof or a crack in a garden fountain.

Another popular sealant is Drylok, a waterproofing product that works on several surfaces, including concrete blocks, stucco, brick and retaining walls. Drylok is applied to the walls of a basement similarly to how one would apply paint to the walls of a home. Just like paint, Drylock can have a strong odor, meaning there should be adequate ventilation when applying the product. A second coat may be required.

Companies like B-Dry also provide products to waterproof a basement. Their sealer panels cover cracks and defects in basement walls.

See also: Preventing Basement Moisture

Other Basement Waterproofing Options

More Ideas for Basements

How to Transform a Fixer-Upper

See All Videos

How to Whitewash a Ceiling 01:26

DIYer's Historical Kitchen 01:54

How to Build and Install a Bar 01:17

Next Up

How to Fix Common Causes of Basement Water Problems

Waterproofing a basement can prevent structural damage, improve the air quality, lower utility bills and make a finished basement a possibility. Learn about common water problems in basements, what's involved to fix them and how much you might expect to pay.

Basement Finishing Costs

By increasing living space without adding square footage, a basement remodel can be a budget-friendly option if a home extension is not an option. Learn what goes into finishing a basement, who can help and what you might expect to pay.

How to Build Finished Walls in a Basement

Looking to finish your basement and turn it into extra living space? Learn the steps and costs needed to turn cinderblock walls into finished walls.

Top Six Basement Spaces

From media rooms to home offices to bars, get tips on transforming your basement.

How Much Value Does a Finished Basement Add?

A finished basement is a home improvement project you get to enjoy twice: for the added living space, and again at resale when you're paid back for much of the project.

How to Get Rid of Roaches

Here's what to do if your home has cockroaches, plus learn how to prevent these bugs from ever coming back.

How to Get Rid of Rats

Here's how to prevent rodents in your home, plus what to do if they've already come to visit.

Carpet and Carpet Tiles for Basements

Carpet can be a difficult flooring choice for basements given its natural ability to absorb water. But with the right guidance it is possible to have a comfy basement floor.