- 1). Apply a liquid membrane. You can apply liquid membranes with common paintbrushes and rollers. Liquid membranes are cost-effective, and anyone who knows how to paint can accomplish the application process.
- 2). Put a sheet membrane over the concrete. These are self-adhesive, rubberized asphalt sheets. Sheet membranes are considered two-person applications: One person peels off the release paper from the adhesive backing and one person sticks it down and smooths it out. Think of contact paper for concrete, only a bit bulkier and less forgiving.
- 3). Apply cementitious waterproofing with a long-handle floor broom or brush. It mixes and goes on easily, much like sweeping the floor. The coating will not waterproof settling or cracks that occur, but the ease of application will allow virtually anyone to use this method.
- 4). Apply a built-up system that comprises a primer, asphalt and felt sheets. This is the most labor-intensive of the methods listed here and also the most specialized. You will need an asphalt kettle to heat the asphalt, paintbrushes or a roller to apply the primer, and a mop to apply the asphalt. Once you apply the asphalt you'll stick felt sheets over the top of it. You must build three of these felt layers up alternating asphalt and felt. This may be the most effective waterproofing solution, but it is the most difficult to implement correctly.
- 5). Attach bentonite panels over the concrete. Sodium bentonite is a claylike substance that absorbs 15 times its volume in water. This substance is made into panels that are literally attached to exterior concrete walls below grade, which are then backfilled over. When the panels swell as they absorb water, they will expand into cracks and crevices and make a positive waterproof seal. Unless a do-it-yourselfer is very competent, this method of waterproofing is best left to a professional.
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