Tar Coating: An Inefficient Exterior Basement Waterproofing Method
Ensuring your foundation is waterproof is a wise investment. Concrete foundation walls are durable but not waterproof, and leaks pose a significant concern for basements. One of the most common DIY solutions is applying a tar coating to the exterior foundation walls. While it may seem like an effective and inexpensive way to block moisture, tar coating is actually one of the weakest and most short-lived defenses against water intrusion.
This page explains how tar coating works, its shortcomings, and alternative basement waterproofing measures that provide more lasting protection from basement moisture.
What is Tar Coating?
Tar coating, known as asphalt coating, is a black, asphalt-like waterproofing material applied to basement foundation walls. It creates a barrier against moisture intrusion, though it has limitations, and more effective solutions are available. Long-term waterproofing solutions require professional expertise and methods, like vapor barriers and drainage systems.
Why Tar Coating Fails Over Time
While tar coating can offer short-term moisture resistance, it is not built to withstand the conditions most basements face over the years.
- It becomes brittle and cracks: Tar coatings dry out and crack easily, creating gaps that allow water to seep through.
- It doesn’t resist hydrostatic pressure: When water builds up in the soil, it presses against basement walls. Tar coatings can’t hold back this pressure, so leaks often develop.
- It can peel and flake off: Soil moisture, temperature swings, and backfilling during construction can cause the tar to separate from the wall, leaving unprotected sections.
- It doesn’t seal foundation joints or penetrations: Cracks, tie rods, and gaps around pipes and window wells remain vulnerable because tar doesn’t adhere or flex well around these points.
- It offers no drainage solution: Even if the coating holds for a time, it doesn’t address the root problem. Water will still collect and find another way in.
The Right Way to Waterproof a Basement
True basement waterproofing goes beyond surface coatings. A reliable system includes drainage, sealing, and moisture control to protect your foundation for the long term. Professional solutions often combine:
Contact a foundation waterproofing expert like JES Foundation Repair for a free inspection and customized waterproofing options.
Contact JES For Reliable Waterproofing
Tar coating might seem like a quick fix, but it’s only a temporary patch against a permanent problem. It doesn’t handle water pressure, foundation movement, or long-term exposure, meaning leaks and damage will eventually return. For lasting protection and peace of mind, it’s best to invest in a professional waterproofing system designed to keep your basement permanently dry.
JES Foundation Repair offers comprehensive basement waterproofing solutions designed to protect homes in Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. from the area’s turbulent weather. Contact us for a free inspection and quote to get started on protecting your home.
Basement Waterproofing FAQs
JES Foundation Repair offers a wide number of drainage systems that can be installed within your basement for efficient moisture and water control. Arguably, one of the most important drainage systems is sump pumps: basins that can intake large amounts of water found in and around your home and redirect this water elsewhere so that you do not experience leaks or floods. The SafeDri™ ProPlus 330 is the most basic model, and the SafeDri™ UltraPro Triple Sump Pump System has an additional pump for heavy-duty jobs. Homeowners also have the option of the SafeDri™ ProPlus with Battery Backup System, which includes a battery backup that kicks into gear in the event of a power failure.
If you notice that water is entering your basement from any doorway openings, the BasementGutter™ Grated Drain Pipe is the solution for you. It is installed directly into the floor at any entryway, therefore capturing any water that may enter your basement through it. The holes of the grate are also small enough to block larger pieces of debris from entering, and even then, the drain pipe is easy to clean. Another option is the BasementGutter™ Interior Drain System, which lines the perimeter of your basement and is both resistant to being clogged and non-invasive to your space.
JES Foundation Repair also offers a basement dehumidifier that can remove 4 times the amount of water from the air than the commercial brands. It is also highly efficient since it drains on its own and can be adjusted to remove as much or as little moisture as you deem necessary.
Basement finishing has become more and more popular in recent years as homeowners seek to make the most of every square inch of space that their home has to offer. There are many regulatory requirements around what is needed to class a basement as a ‘habitable space’. For example, you will need an egress window of a certain size. However, waterproofing is not technically necessary to finish your basement fully.
However, it is a very good idea to waterproof your basement before you begin any finishing work. After all, nothing is certain to ruin your hard work and furnishings quite like dampness, flooding, and mold. The benefits of waterproofing your basement before finishing it are many, and the process itself should be very straightforward and cost-effective, unless there are serious underlying issues that must be addressed first.
Generally speaking, waterproofing your basement will start with clearing all obstructions and debris from the space. After this, insulation will be cut to size and installed alongside vapor barriers to prevent moisture from seeping through the bare concrete walls and into your home. Depending on the space you have, a professional may also suggest perimeter drains and a sump pump system to make sure that your finished basement stays safe and dry in even the worst weather. Waterproofing your basement before you finish it will not only protect your hard work, but will make your finished basement more comfortable to be in.
It’s recommended to regularly check your basement for common problem signs, especially after heavy rainfalls or during seasons with increased precipitation. Monthly checks can help you spot early signs of water intrusion, allowing for timely intervention.
Related Resources
Shaye Glisson
Publish Date:
Last Modified Date:
Our Locations
8361 Town Center Ct
Nottingham, MD 21236
311 Central Rd.
Suite 2-02
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
2569 Quality Ct
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
7940 Gainsford Ct.
Bristow, VA 20136
309 Quarles Rd
Ashland, VA 23005
2033 Cook Dr.
Salem, VA 24153
456 Old Courthouse Rd
Appomattox, VA 24522
45 W Boscawen St,
Winchester, VA 22601