Basement waterproofing / Discussions

Can I use a dimpled membrane and Isorad panels for basement wall insulation?

...basement renovations we try to always point out that you should never put a vapor barrier on an interior basement wall unless you are trying to grow mushrooms inside the wall. Read here about why basements are moldy and how to prevent mold when finishing a basement

Posted by David Perreault May 1, 2026 Basements improvements 1 response

Crawl space versus slab, which is better?

...basement with ICF walls is a far better way than the mold-inviting normal practice of trapping moisture in basement walls with a vapor barrier. A crawl space is a just a short basement, so if you did it with ICF then kudos to you for a good design, but in general we find the very notion of a crawl space a bad building ...

Posted by Doug Bennett Jan. 5, 2025 Foundation and basement improvements 1 response

How to finish a basement if there is moisture on the concrete walls?

...basement improvements, here are good ones to start with – Why are basements moldy, and how to prevent mold in basements Eco-conscious tips for finishing a basement to prevent water damage Basement waterproofing and heating with radiant floors It sounds like you are protecting your stud wall from the wet concrete on t...

Posted by HaveyGameCalls April 25, 2023 Basements improvements 1 response

How do I get water out of basement?

...basements flood and how to prevent basement floods How to rebuild a flooded basement with sustainable materials If you let us know how the water gets in (if you know) and how often it happens, we may have some more ideas. Let us know also if the basement is currently finished, walls and floors. for unfinished basement...

Posted by Travis Sattler April 25, 2023 Waterproofing and drainage 1 response

What is the best way to do a basement renovation?

...basement and wasn't sure if the tar paper even really did anything or its an old practice the contractor was used to doing? Basements are often moldy, and unfortunately even after basement renovations are completed because people usually rebuild them in the same way, which would meet Einstein’s definition of insanity –...

Posted by BIG FOOT Nov. 18, 2020 Basements improvements 1 response

Why is there frost build up on basement foundation walls?

...basement wall then anything behind the vapour barrier will also stay wet. Learn more on this page –  Why basements are moldy and how to prevent mold when building and renovating basements. If you assume the basement wall is wet and build accordingly, you can avoid mold issues. See our best practices for basement constr...

Posted by William Hackett April 7, 2022 Basements improvements 1 response

How do I waterproof a foundation from the inside?

...basements properly -  How to insulate a basement and protect it against water damage and flooding Bulk water directed towards your foundation will also raise the water table, so it's not a great surprise that it will find its way up through the junction between walls and the floor. It’s hard to give you accurate advice...

Posted by Kurt Brenner Nov. 14, 2017 Foundations and Basements 1 response