BASEMENT
WATERPROOFING
Polyurea Waterproofing Coatings for Basements and Foundations
UNDERSTANDING BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
Basement waterproofing can be essential to preserving a structure’s longevity and usability. Uncontrolled water intrusion can cause severe water damage, leading to foundation problems, which can even create serious structural damage if left unaddressed. Damp basements also breed musty odors that hurt indoor air quality, making a home’s living space unhealthy as well as unpleasant to occupy, dwarfing structural damage on your list of things to worry about. To stay healthy and keep a roof over your head and dry ground under your feet, polyurea spray elastomer technology can be used as an advanced, all-in-one solution to keep basements dry and building structural integrity safeguarded.
It’s an elastomeric waterproof coating that forms a seamless barrier on concrete foundation walls and basement floors, blocking leaks and resisting cracking to become a staple of professional basement waterproofing with supreme performance and reliability. But don’t just take our word for it; comparing polyurea to other basement waterproofing products and understanding how it helps mitigate common basement water problems and moisture issues – from resisting hydrostatic pressure around foundation walls to spanning foundation cracks – polyurea’s superiority becomes self-evident, and the clear choice for a permanent solution to ensure a dry basement. Sump pumps, interior French drains, exterior drainage – where do these come into play? This equipment can work in tandem with polyurea for a new standard of waterproof basement, so there’s no wasted investment, no unnecessary redundancies, and nothing more complicated than it needs to be.
It’s an elastomeric waterproof coating that forms a seamless barrier on concrete foundation walls and basement floors, blocking leaks and resisting cracking to become a staple of professional basement waterproofing with supreme performance and reliability. But don’t just take our word for it; comparing polyurea to other basement waterproofing products and understanding how it helps mitigate common basement water problems and moisture issues – from resisting hydrostatic pressure around foundation walls to spanning foundation cracks – polyurea’s superiority becomes self-evident, and the clear choice for a permanent solution to ensure a dry basement. Sump pumps, interior French drains, exterior drainage – where do these come into play? This equipment can work in tandem with polyurea for a new standard of waterproof basement, so there’s no wasted investment, no unnecessary redundancies, and nothing more complicated than it needs to be.
POLYUREA BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
POLYUREA BASEMENT
WATERPROOFING
Polyurea is a two-component, spray-applied elastomeric coating created by the chemical reaction of an isocyanate and a resin blend, liquid components that produce a 100% solids product. It was developed as a fast-curing, highly elastic protective layer for industrial applications; as when applied to concrete or steel, polyurea forms a dense, seamless membrane that bonds tenaciously to the substrate. Uniquely, polyurea coatings set and begin curing within seconds to minutes of application and finish curing far faster than traditional coatings. Once cured, the polyurea layer is dually durable and flexible, with the ability to stretch significantly and return to shape without cracking. Some advanced polyurea formulations can achieve elongation up to several thousand percent, maintaining flexibility even at sub-zero temperatures; this combination of rapid cure and high elasticity distinguishes polyurea from older epoxy waterproofing products, which often require long curing times and can become brittle.
POLYUREA’S ADVANTAGES IN BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
POLYUREA’S ADVANTAGES
IN BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
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SEAMLESS MONOLITHIC BARRIER:
Polyurea is spray-applied as a continuous coating, leaving no seams or joints where water could leak through. It creates a waterproof film with excellent physical properties on concrete surfaces, where the monolithic layer adapts to the surface contours and seals even hard-to-reach areas, unlike sheet membranes that have laps or edges. -
RAPID CURE AND MINIMAL DOWNTIME:
Polyurea cures within minutes of application to allow projects to be completed quickly. There’s no lengthy waiting for the coating to dry as with some cementitious products or epoxies, so faster cure means contractors can return a basement to service sooner, while also reducing the risk of weather interruptions on exterior jobs. -
HIGH ELASTICITY AND CRACK-BRIDGING:
Once cured, polyurea remains highly elastic; it can elongate and flex with the structure, which is crucial in a basement that may experience slight movements or settling. Such flexibility allows the coating to bridge over hairline cracks and accommodate minor foundation shifts without tearing, and by spanning existing micro-cracks, the polyurea helps prevent water intrusion through those points as well. -
STRONG ADHESION AND PRESSURE RESISTANCE:
Polyurea bonds extremely well to properly prepared concrete and masonry; it stays attached even when water is pressing against it. Thanks to this bond strength, polyurea can withstand hydrostatic pressure from groundwater, and in interior applications (negative-side waterproofing), the coating resists peeling or blistering off the wall even as water pushes from the outside. This quality lets contractors use polyurea on the inside of foundation walls with confidence that it won’t succumb to moisture pressure when correctly installed. -
LONG-TERM DURABILITY:
Polyurea forms a tough, chemical-resistant shell over the substrate, which features high tensile strength and impact resistance, protecting against mechanical wear and tear. The coating is not easily punctured or scraped, and it tolerates exposure to many chemicals or acidic soils without degrading. Importantly for basements, polyurea is immune to mold or mildew growth since it is not organic and does not absorb water. It also handles freeze-thaw cycles without cracking, ensuring structural integrity is maintained over decades of service.
THE BASEMENT WATERPROOF PROCESS WITH POLYUREA
Installing a polyurea basement waterproofing system is straightforward but best reserved for experienced professionals like AmorThane. It begins with surface preparation, where the concrete surfaces (walls and floors) are made clean, sound, and dry. Any dirt, oil, efflorescence, or loose materials are removed by cleaning and mechanical abrasion (grinding or sandblasting), and foundation cracks or gaps are repaired prior to coating. Any crack wider than a hairline should be filled with an appropriate epoxy or polyurea filler and possibly reinforced with seam tape, together ensuring a smooth, solid substrate for the coating application. It’s crucial that no moisture is seeping through during application; attempting to coat a damp basement wall will yield poor results. Low temperatures and high humidity can extend drying and curing times, so applicators may need to use heaters or dehumidifiers to see that the surface is fully dry before spraying.
With the substrate prepared, the next step is to apply the polyurea coating system. It’s applied using specialized high-pressure spray equipment that precisely mixes the two components at the correct temperature and ratio. The coating is typically sprayed in a uniform layer across all target surfaces, where applicators often build up about 50–100 mils of thickness in total, sometimes in multiple passes. As a rule of thumb, at least ~30 mils (about the thickness of a dime) is applied as a continuous base layer, where the goal is a complete, unbroken membrane covering the walls and floor without pinholes. And because polyurea sets so fast, it can be sprayed on vertical surfaces and even overhead without dripping. In areas with severe leakage or basement water problems, multiple coats can be applied to increase the barrier thickness; the fast reactivity of the material means a second coat can often be applied almost immediately after the first if needed.
There’s some nuance between interior vs. exterior waterproofing; polyurea is versatile in that it can be applied on either side of the basement wall, depending on project needs. For new construction or when excavation is feasible, applying polyurea to the exterior of foundation walls (positive-side waterproofing) is ideal – it stops water groundwater before it enters the wall. The coated exterior foundation walls are then protected with drainage board and backfilled. In retrofit situations where digging outside is impractical, an interior waterproofing approach can be used on its own: polyurea is sprayed on the inside of basement walls and floors, where this negative-side application prevents water that penetrates the concrete from entering the interior space. Moreover, thanks to polyurea’s strong adhesion, interior application is highly effective, but it should still be combined with proper drainage when possible and appropriate. The polyurea coating will direct water down to these channels while keeping the interior surfaces dry. Similarly, exterior drainage measures should accompany an exterior polyurea job – e.g., installing footing drains and ensuring the grading around the house slopes away. A holistic design of coating plus drainage relieves hydrostatic pressure and gives redundancy. However, even with the waterproof coating in place, having a sump pump or gravity drain to remove water provides extra insurance against any excess water build-up. So polyurea integrates well with both interior and exterior basement waterproofing systems, and applicators should design the overall system based on the building’s needs.
But inside or out, once sprayed, polyurea sets very rapidly; within minutes, it becomes tack-free, and within a few hours, it can often withstand light foot traffic. Full cure can occur within as little as 24 hours, and this quick turnaround minimizes downtime for the job site. It’s critical to note that applicators must wear proper protective equipment (respirators, suits) during spraying, as the reacting chemicals can be hazardous in aerosol form (although the final coating is safe and non-toxic). Ventilation is especially important for interior jobs, but after application, there is little to no odor and no VOC emissions from fully cured polyurea, making it safe for enclosed spaces – the finished coating does not off-gas and is inert.
With the substrate prepared, the next step is to apply the polyurea coating system. It’s applied using specialized high-pressure spray equipment that precisely mixes the two components at the correct temperature and ratio. The coating is typically sprayed in a uniform layer across all target surfaces, where applicators often build up about 50–100 mils of thickness in total, sometimes in multiple passes. As a rule of thumb, at least ~30 mils (about the thickness of a dime) is applied as a continuous base layer, where the goal is a complete, unbroken membrane covering the walls and floor without pinholes. And because polyurea sets so fast, it can be sprayed on vertical surfaces and even overhead without dripping. In areas with severe leakage or basement water problems, multiple coats can be applied to increase the barrier thickness; the fast reactivity of the material means a second coat can often be applied almost immediately after the first if needed.
There’s some nuance between interior vs. exterior waterproofing; polyurea is versatile in that it can be applied on either side of the basement wall, depending on project needs. For new construction or when excavation is feasible, applying polyurea to the exterior of foundation walls (positive-side waterproofing) is ideal – it stops water groundwater before it enters the wall. The coated exterior foundation walls are then protected with drainage board and backfilled. In retrofit situations where digging outside is impractical, an interior waterproofing approach can be used on its own: polyurea is sprayed on the inside of basement walls and floors, where this negative-side application prevents water that penetrates the concrete from entering the interior space. Moreover, thanks to polyurea’s strong adhesion, interior application is highly effective, but it should still be combined with proper drainage when possible and appropriate. The polyurea coating will direct water down to these channels while keeping the interior surfaces dry. Similarly, exterior drainage measures should accompany an exterior polyurea job – e.g., installing footing drains and ensuring the grading around the house slopes away. A holistic design of coating plus drainage relieves hydrostatic pressure and gives redundancy. However, even with the waterproof coating in place, having a sump pump or gravity drain to remove water provides extra insurance against any excess water build-up. So polyurea integrates well with both interior and exterior basement waterproofing systems, and applicators should design the overall system based on the building’s needs.
But inside or out, once sprayed, polyurea sets very rapidly; within minutes, it becomes tack-free, and within a few hours, it can often withstand light foot traffic. Full cure can occur within as little as 24 hours, and this quick turnaround minimizes downtime for the job site. It’s critical to note that applicators must wear proper protective equipment (respirators, suits) during spraying, as the reacting chemicals can be hazardous in aerosol form (although the final coating is safe and non-toxic). Ventilation is especially important for interior jobs, but after application, there is little to no odor and no VOC emissions from fully cured polyurea, making it safe for enclosed spaces – the finished coating does not off-gas and is inert.
BASEMENT
WATERPROOFING
SYSTEMS AND MOISTURE
MANAGEMENT
BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
SYSTEMS AND MOISTURE
MANAGEMENT
A successful basement waterproofing strategy combines multiple elements into a coordinated system. Polyurea coatings are often a key component of modern basement waterproofing systems alongside drainage and other moisture control measures, so applicators should tailor the approach to the environment of the project’s service area – local soil conditions, rainfall, and water table levels all influence the design. In regions with heavy rain or a high water table, for example, more robust drainage (like additional French drains or higher capacity pumps) may be necessary to complement the coating.
MANAGING HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE
One of the biggest challenges in keeping basements dry is dealing with hydrostatic pressure. After rainwater soaks into the ground, groundwater levels rise and excess water in the soil presses against the basement walls and floor. This water pressure can exploit any weakness, crack, or pore to cause a leak. Polyurea’s seamless coverage and adhesion help block this intrusion even when pressure builds up. By sealing the concrete, it prevents the classic issue of water seeping through pores or joints under pressure. However, coatings alone cannot eliminate hydrostatic force – thus, there is a need for drainage to relieve water buildup. Proper exterior drainage (like perimeter footing drains tied to a sump or gravity outlet) is critical to give water an easier path than through the wall. When these measures are in place, the risk of water finding a way in is vastly reduced. Effective waterproofing keeps the structure dry and helps avoid foundation issues like wall bowing or cracking that can occur from prolonged water pressure. Put simply, polyurea shuts the door on water ingress, while drainage systems actively redirect water away, tackling the problem from both angles. This combined approach sees that basements stay dry even during heavy storms or in high-water-table environments, and the structural integrity of the foundation is protected.
HANDLING INTERNAL SOURCES OF WATER
HANDLING INTERNAL SOURCES
OF WATER
Not all basement leaks come from outside. Internal sources – such as plumbing failures, a burst pipe, or a leaking water heater – can dump water into a basement as well. In these scenarios, a polyurea-coated floor provides a secondary containment benefit. The coating will prevent the water from immediately soaking into the concrete slab, which mitigates water damage and makes cleanup easier. Still, the water must be removed promptly; basement designs should include floor drains or a sump pump to deal with standing water from an internal flood. Polyurea is chemical-resistant and won’t be harmed by chlorinated tap water or typical household leaks, but prolonged submersion is best handled by pumping the water out. The takeaway for contractors is to ensure that, in addition to external waterproofing, the basement has provisions to drain and remove any unexpected internal water. This two-pronged preparedness (external waterproofing plus internal drainage) leads to a truly dry basement under all conditions.
INTERIOR WATERPROOFING
After securing the exterior of your home, the next best method for basement waterproofing is to protect against any water that has already entered your basement, referred to as interior waterproofing. Unlike exterior waterproofing which always refers to a type of protective layer, interior waterproofing comprises many different techniques, which can use sealants and coatings like polyurea, or drainage systems like sump pumps. Interior waterproofing is generally considered less effective than exterior waterproofing, because it fails to prevent water incursion in the first place. However, interior waterproofing is easier to apply, and can be installed cheaper and more quickly. Depending on a home’s local environment and history of damage and repair, interior waterproofing may provide the best balance of cost and performance.
ADDRESSING ANCILLARY ENTRY POINTS
ADDRESSING ANCILLARY
ENTRY POINTS
A comprehensive waterproofing plan must also seal or manage other openings in the basement envelope. Common weak spots include tie-rod holes, pipe penetrations, and egress window wells, which should all be properly sealed with compatible materials (e.g., polyurea or polyurethane caulk around pipes) to prevent water intrusion through gaps. Similarly, window wells should have covers or drainage to keep rain from pooling against basement windows. During a project, these areas are inspected and integrated into the waterproofing system. Polyurea can often be used to coat over and seal such details as well (for instance, spraying around a conduit penetration to create a flange of coating bonded to both the wall and the pipe), and by tackling these small but important details, basement water problems are minimized and the entire basement envelope becomes watertight.
MOISTURE CONTROL AND AIR QUALITY
Polyurea’s unmatched durability and robust chemical resistance means that it lasts longer and performs better than Even with liquid water kept out, basements may suffer humidity and condensation issues if not conditioned. A robust waterproofing system should include moisture control for the interior environment, and dehumidifiers or HVAC adjustments might be used to keep relative humidity in check, especially in warmer months. By controlling humidity, you prevent musty smells and inhibit mold growth on organic materials; polyurea’s contribution here is that by eliminating chronic dampness and leaks, it directly reduces the moisture load that would create musty odors. Many homeowners notice a significant improvement in basement smell and indoor air quality once water ingress is stopped and the space is properly dehumidified. For applicators, it’s wise to inform clients that keeping a basement dry involves both stopping water at the source and maintaining reasonable humidity levels so that the end result is a basement that is not only free of leaks but also free of that damp, musty atmosphere that plagues wet basements.alternative coating technologies. Polyurea coatings require minimal maintenance, and with proper care, can last for up to several decades with little to no further investment. For basement waterproofing, this lasting protection can mean saving thousands of dollars in long-term repairs and replacements, and keeps a home and its occupants safe and dry for years to come.
CRAWL SPACE ENCAPSULATION
The principles of basement waterproofing extend to crawl spaces as well. In homes with crawl space foundations, crawl space encapsulation is a similar process aimed at eliminating moisture issues under the house. Contractors install a durable vapor barrier over the crawl space floor and walls, sealing overlaps and joints, and this barrier prevents ground moisture from evaporating into the crawl area. In some cases, spray-applied polyurea or polyurethane coatings are used to create an even more robust encapsulation layer. By encapsulating the crawl space, you protect the home’s foundation from moisture, reduce mold and pest problems, and improve the overall air quality in the home. Many waterproofing contractors offer crawl space encapsulation as a complementary service to basement sealing, achieving a dry home’s foundation environment whether there is a basement or not.
So it’s clear that mitigating basement moisture and structural challenges requires a well-rounded approach. Polyurea waterproofing provides the barrier needed to waterproof the surfaces, while drainage, ventilation, and detail work address the surrounding factors. If chronic leaks persist despite these measures, it may indicate a deeper structural or site drainage issue; in such cases, homeowners will need help from an experienced basement waterproofing contractor. A crew with years of experience can diagnose the specific problem and implement targeted remedies beyond just coating, and with the right expertise and system design, even the trickiest leaky basement can be transformed into a dry, healthy space ready for storage or basement finishing projects.
So it’s clear that mitigating basement moisture and structural challenges requires a well-rounded approach. Polyurea waterproofing provides the barrier needed to waterproof the surfaces, while drainage, ventilation, and detail work address the surrounding factors. If chronic leaks persist despite these measures, it may indicate a deeper structural or site drainage issue; in such cases, homeowners will need help from an experienced basement waterproofing contractor. A crew with years of experience can diagnose the specific problem and implement targeted remedies beyond just coating, and with the right expertise and system design, even the trickiest leaky basement can be transformed into a dry, healthy space ready for storage or basement finishing projects.
PARTNER WITH ARMORTHANE FOR YOUR NEXT BASEMENT WATERPROOFING PROJECT
Polyurea has changed how contractors approach basement waterproofing; it enables permanent solutions that protect foundations from water and preserve the building for the long term. By keeping basements dry and structurally sound, polyurea allows homeowners to utilize their below-grade space without worry, and companies like ArmorThane play a key role as manufacturers and distributors of high-grade polyurea products. We have years of experience developing polyurea basement waterproofing products and partnering with applicators worldwide to protect homes and businesses everywhere. We back our coatings with technical training and excellent customer service so that installers have the support they need to do a great job on every project. To learn more or get started on a new project partnered with the world’s one-stop shop for everything polyurea and polyurethane, contact us today, and discover for yourself why we’ve become the global leader in polyurea technology.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Polyurea offers superior performance compared to most traditional methods. It cures much faster than epoxy or cementitious coatings and remains flexible, which means it won’t crack if the foundation moves slightly. Unlike thin waterproof paints or sealers, polyurea forms a thick, seamless barrier, and it also bonds better to concrete and lasts longer, making it a more reliable long-term solution.
It’s wise to have proper drainage systems in addition to the coating; polyurea will stop water from penetrating through the walls or floor, but a sump pump and French drains relieve hydrostatic pressure by giving groundwater a place to go. In heavy rain or high water table conditions, drains and a sump pump system work together with the coating – keeping water away so that basements stay dry and the coating isn’t overwhelmed.
When applied correctly, polyurea is designed to be a permanent waterproofing solution. The coating itself is extremely durable – it resists degradation from soil chemicals, temperature changes, and wear. You can expect a polyurea waterproofing system to protect the basement for decades (often the lifetime of the structure). Maintenance is minimal; as long as the coating isn’t mechanically damaged and drainage is maintained, it will continue to perform year after year.
BE YOUR OWN BOSS START A WATERPROOFING BUSINESS
The coatings industry is booming, as protective coatings are being used today more than ever before. Nowhere is this more true than for basement waterproofing, where polyurea coatings are being used to keep basements safe and dry, protecting against the risks of water damage. Always in demand, especially in regions prone to heavy rainfall or changing weather patterns, there are many great opportunities to join the coatings industry. If you’re ready to start your new career in the coatings industry, consider partnering with ArmorThane. With only a small investment and no franchise fees or other ongoing costs, we’ll provide you with everything you need to start your own coatings business. This includes materials, equipment, training, and support, helping you every step of the way to see you carve your own path as a successful business owner. If you’re interested in learning more, or want to discover any of ArmorThane’s products and services, contact us today! Our 24/7 customer service and technical support teams are always ready to help, so you’re only one call away from beginning your entrepreneurial journey!
NO FRANCHISE FEES
No franchise fees or royalties, makes it a relatively low cost venture.
TRAINING PROVIDED
We provide personalized
polyurea training to get your system up and going.
polyurea training to get your system up and going.
24/7 CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Dedicated support team ready to assist you anytime you need us.
