It is difficult to point at one basement waterproofing method and say it is the best. There are many different methods for waterproofing basements, and some will work better than others on different basements. Part of that depends on why water is coming into the basement and how the basement was built. Generally, the best method of waterproofing your basement is to combine different ways. The contractor you hired to help you with your basement should be able to give you some suggestions as to what you should try. The contractor will likely suggest that you use a combination of waterproofing methods inside and outside your home.

Paint-on Barrier

An interior method that the contractor might suggest is to use a paint-on barrier. These barriers are made to be painted on the wall just like paint. It is a thick and viscous product, and when it is applied to the wall, it fills in any little cracks and open pores in the cement or cinder block wall. The material can also be applied to floors. The contractor may need to pull up any flooring you have installed in your basement to put the farrier on the floor. Then the flooring can be put back down once the barrier has dried and set. This method may be enough to keep the water out of your basement, but your contractor may suggest that you use something on the exterior of your house as well.

Waterproof Membrane 

Another option is to have a waterproof membrane installed on the exterior of your house. The contractor will likely have to dig down to expose your foundation or basement walls to cover them. The membrane gets applied to the walls and keeps the water out. The membrane can be a mixture that gets painted onto the walls, dries, and cures to keep the water out. It can also be something like plastic wrapped around your home, keeping the water out. There are other similar materials that your contractor might suggest that you use.

Water in your basement can be a huge problem. It can destroy the walls and the floor of your basement, and if you have anything stored in your basement, it can damage it and eventually lead to your foundation cracking. If you do have water coming into your basement, contact a basement waterproofing contractor to find out what they recommend for your basement.