Basement Waterproof Wall Panels [Benefits, Types & Installation]

Waterproof basement wall panels have been used for decades to ensure that your almost completed units get a dry and smooth finish.

If you want to know more about basement waterproofing panels, then you’re reading the right article.

Stay with me!

Paneling For Basement Walls

There are several approaches to waterproofing basement walls and using wall panels as a finisher guarantees great visual appeal as well as a guard against water penetration.

• What Waterproofing Panels Do?

Waterproofing panels are made to protect your basement walls from unwanted moisture and the elements associated with it, such as mold, mildew, and efflorescence.

They can be mechanically placed on the walls so they are firm and stand little to no chance of coming off if installed properly.

This is unlike waterproof coating, which can flake and bubble along the way. Waterproofing panels are more effective and can last longer than waterproof paint sealers.

One of the upsides of using waterproofing panels is that they are easy to install, thanks to their simple but effective nature. This makes it a great choice for those who like to do fixes and installations themselves.

Waterproofing panels are also easy to maintain, so there will be no hassles in that department.

• What To Do Before Installing Basement Waterproofing Panels

Water damage is bad for the structural integrity of your home, this is why you need to take waterproofing seriously. Before you install your wall panels, you would have to do some things first.

First, you (or the contractor you hire) have to look around for any existing source of leaks. You can start by inspecting the edges of the basement windows to see if it has cracks.

Also, inspect the wall’s mortar joints to see if there are any cracks in it.

Damaged pipes around the west wall are something you should also keep an eye out for.

With an expert on the ground to handle the inspection, the source of any leaks will be quickly discovered. A professional service will also give you advice on the best steps to take to waterproof your walls and the types of wall panels you can use.

If you find that your walls are damp all the time, then it’s likely that the water is coming from outside. In a case where the dampness occurs occasionally, then the water may be coming from somewhere other than the basement.

Whatever the case, the leaks need to be repaired to maintain the structural strength of your foundation and your building as a whole.

By waterproofing the walls, water will not be able to pass through the foundation and get into your basement.

After making all your findings, you can then proceed to waterproof your walls by using the sealing techniques recommended by the contractor.

Once you are done waterproofing, you can proceed to install the panels.

Benefits Of Using Wall Panels

The overall advantage of using waterproofing wall panels is that they help keep your basement free of moisture.

In more specific terms, I will be listing out its major benefits.

• Waterproof panels form a formidable barrier that blocks water vapor from seeping through your basement walls
• The wall panels help to channel leaking water towards the direction of the basement drainage system, hence preventing water damage in your basement
• The panels themselves cannot be damaged by water, as they are built with 100 percent waterproof materials
• Waterproof panels do not mess up the visual appeal of your basement walls, as they offer a neat finish after being properly installed
• The installation is quick and easy (it could take as little as one day to finish an entire basement)

Keep in mind that fixing your basement leaks is a different service from installing basement waterproofing panels, as that falls under final finishes.

That being said, the finishing should not be done until all other aspects of the waterproofing is complete.

The next step would be to install the barrier between the basement’s interior and exterior walls.

When you’re in the market for wall panels, you should pick the ones made with moisture-resistant material and insulation. The two of these will do a lot of good for the basement’s acoustics and dryness.

Basement Waterproofing panels are made with inorganic materials, which means they cannot promote mold formation. This also permits the panels to dry faster than if they were made with organic materials.

Wall panels are also durable and can resist several unfavorable conditions, this means they can last for many years.

On that note, I would say it is of utmost importance that you figure out which wall panel system works for you, as it is vital when upgrading your old basement or fixing water damages.

Waterproof Wall Panels For Basement

If you have no idea which type of paneling is best for your basement walls, don’t fret. I’m here to help.

Just remember that the right panel for your basement will serve you well in the years to come. You’d appreciate your panels a lot more in the event of a heavy storm or flood.

Also, do not lose sight of the goal, as the major reason for installing the panels in the first place is to insulate and protect your basement walls from moisture.

You will enjoy maximum coziness if you properly insulate your basement. This will also assist you in the battle against moisture-related problems like efflorescence and mold formation.

That aside, a well-insulated basement will also help you cut down on heating costs significantly. You would appreciate this advantage if you live in very cold areas.

As you may already know, basements are popular for being prone to humidity and moisture, and this is why one of the best possible means by which you can keep it dry is insulation panels.

So which of these insulation panels is best for you? Let’s take a look at them one by one.

1. Rigid Foam Sheets

Rigid foam sheets are wide sheets of polystyrene foam or XPS. They can be bought in pretty much all home improvement stores around you.

You can find these sheets in sizes of 4 X 8 ft. And they are usually 0.5 to 2 inches thick.

Its dimensions allow you to neatly cut off excesses on the panel during installation, and they are ideal for DIY enthusiasts.

Rigid foam sheets go well on concrete walls and block walls with a smooth finish.

Another upside to this material is the low cost. Insulating a 30 sq. ft area costs as low as $30.

2. Spray Foam

This is a type of polyurethane foam that is applied via injections into the cavities of the basement walls. You will need a specialized hose and gun to do this.

Once applied, the foam will start to expand and dry, plugging all the cavities in the process. You can later use a pair of scissors to snap off the excesses after you are done.

This has proven to be an ideal option for those who have already installed wall studs but are still in need of insulation.

Spray foam is also ideal for walls that have been partially worn out and have cracks around the joints.

You can install the spray foam yourself, but it’s better done by a professional, as they have the experience needed for the delicate application.

Spray foam can cover up to 200 sq. ft of basement space. This will cost you about $2 per sq. ft per 1” thick foam panel.

3. Mineral Wool Sheets

Mineral wool sheets are created with a silica material, which is placed under extreme heat and spun into wool. The result is a finely finished protective sheet, which has a dense composition and is perfect for insulation.

This material is popular for its ability to resist moisture and has become a widely-used solution for basement insulation.

It’s also a good alternative to plastic materials like spray foam and rigid foam.

The materials used to make these sheets are 100% organic, and the best part is, it is fireproof!

There is a downside to using these sheets though, and that’s the cost. You will spend about $100 to cover a mere 32 sq. ft. This is about 5 times more expensive than other wall panel sheets in the market.

4. Durawall Panels

This is one of the most rigid waterproofing panels you can find in the market, and it is ideal for homeowners who are looking for a permanent solution for sealing their interior foundation walls.

It comes in sizes of 0.05 inches, 0.06 inches, and 0.07 inches.

The manufacturers were also kind enough to include a lifetime warranty on it, and this is a great testament to its superior quality.

Here are some of the key points of Durawall panels –

• It adheres to building code requirements
• It can channel water flow into the drainage system
• It has a textured surface that makes it impossible for mold growth
• It has a bright white finish
• It cannot rot, chip, peel, or fade

Conclusion

There you go, all you need to know about basement waterproofing panels. You can hire an expert to help you out with the installation when you’re done with waterproofing.

Thanks for reading!