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Do-It-Yourself Basement With Waterproof Rubber

Tar, an asphalt-based liquid, once was the standard waterproofing for the outside of basement walls. It was messy and hard to install and has largely been replaced today by other treatments. A rubbery compound called ethylene propylene diene monomer, or EPDM, can be applied either as a liquid or as a solid membrane. It should be installed on the outside of basement walls, preferably during construction. Adding EPDM or other waterproofing to an existing basement wall requires excavation, removing dirt down to the footings of the basement wall. A do-it-yourselfer can apply EPDM while the wall is exposed.

Things You'll Need

  • Perforated pipe
  • Medium gravel
  • Concrete conditioner or sealer
  • EPDM membrane
  • EPDM contact cement
  • Roller
  • Concrete patch (optional)
  • Liquid EPDM
  • Shovel
  • Board or hand tamper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay perforated pipe along the footing at the base of the wall, sloped in the direction of natural drainage while the wall is exposed, either during construction or by trenching. Seal the wall with a conditioner, which will allow the EPDM to adhere but not cause it to soak completely into the concrete and reduce its effectiveness. Add a layer of medium gravel over the pipe to cover it but allow drainage.

    • 2

      Install EPDM membrane from below the top of the footing to above ground level, almost to the top of the basement wall. Fasten EPDM membrane with special contact cement recommended by the membrane manufacturer. Apply cement with a paint roller. Lay a roll of membrane at the bottom of the wall and slowly lift it to the cement, working carefully to press it tightly against the cement. Work carefully; EPDM will bond to the cement immediately.

    • 3

      Apply liquid EPDM with a large paint-type roller or similar spreader. Fill any cracks or large crevices with concrete patch before starting and make sure the wall surface is clean and dry. Put the liquid into a large container and spread it over the wall surface like paint. Push it firmly into crevices. Work in dry conditions with warm temperatures, at least in the mid-50s.

    • 4

      Fill with dirt outside the wall with a shovel once either type of EPDM has fully set and cured. Add dirt slowly from the bottom, tamping it with a board or hand tamper to compact it. Cover the wall to the level of the existing ground, but slope it away from the wall toward an area of natural drainage.

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