How to Waterproof a Basement in Maryland

Maryland averages more than 40 inches of rain and an additional 20 inches of snow each year, making it an area that can wreak havoc on basements that are not properly waterproofed. When water pours onto the roof and falls to the ground, this water can seep into basement walls and floors. A similar effect occurs when the snow on the ground melts. Several approaches protect your basement from water damage, including installing vapor barriers, addressing the downspout system, repairing the foundation, and adding the proper sealants to the foundation and basement floor.

Hydraulic cement
4-inch wide trowel
Liquid waterproofing solution
Paintbrush
Jackhammer
Polyethylene panels
Drill
Carbine masonry bit
Plastic fasteners
Sump pump well
Tape measure
Saw
Plastic drains
Rocks
Vapor barrier
Gutter extender

Instructions

- 1
  Contact a contractor to inspect your home's foundation. The contractor looks for cracks and other damage that may allow water into the basement. The contractor may need to pour more concrete to repair the foundation.
- 2
  Mix hydraulic cement with the recommended amount of water according to the hydraulic cement's packaging. This product repairs cracks to the basement floor that meets up with the foundation. Spread the mixture over any cracks on the basement floor with a 4-inch wide trowel.
- 3
  Paint a liquid waterproofing product onto the foundation if it is accessible. Use a paintbrush and long strokes on the concrete foundation’s top and sides.
- 4
  Create a trench around the room’s perimeter with a jackhammer. Make the trench 4 inches wide. Cut a hole next to the trench with the jackhammer large enough to hold a sump pump and sump pump well.
- 5
  Install polyethylene panels to the basement walls. These panels add a barrier against future water seepage. Drill one-quarter inch holes into the panels every 6 inches with a carbine masonry bit. Inserting plastic ribbed fasteners into the holes keeps the panels in place.
- 6
  Measure each wall’s length. Use a handsaw to cut plastic drains thin enough to fit inside the trench.
- 7
  Place the drains inside the trench. Place the sump pump well into the hole. Cover the holes’ remaining space with rocks. Add rocks between the drain and the remaining space in the trench.
- 8
  Contact a sump pump installation company to add the sump pump to the well and to drill the necessary holes. They may also add pipes to the outside of the home.
- 9
  Dip a trowel into mixed concrete. Spread the concrete over the trench and nearby area to cover the trench. Let the concrete dry.
- 10
  Install a water vapor barrier on top of the basement concrete floor. Install the flooring of your choice on top of the vapor barrier, leaving a space open for the pump system.
- 11
  Add extenders to the gutter and downspout system by placing the extender over the end of the existing gutter. The extender helps move water from the roofline away from the house.

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