Foundation Waterproofing with Gilsonite Coatings

Basements and foundations need protection from groundwater and soil moisture.

Dampproofing vs. waterproofing

• Dampproofing resists moisture without hydrostatic pressure
• Waterproofing resists water under pressure

Gilsonite coatings

Solvent or emulsion coatings with gilsonite form a hard, adherent barrier on concrete and block.

Application

Clean, dry substrate; apply primer; two coats; protect with drainage board before backfilling.

Step-by-step application

1. Inspect and repair – fill honeycombs, tie holes and cracks with mortar.
2. Clean – remove dust, laitance, oil and loose particles; the surface should be dry to the touch.
3. Prime – apply a thin gilsonite primer to seal pores and improve adhesion.
4. First coat – brush, roller or spray at the coverage stated on the product data sheet.
5. Reinforce – embed fabric at wall–footing junctions, corners and pipe penetrations.
6. Second coat – apply crosswise once the first coat is dry.
7. Protect – install drainage board or protection board before backfilling.

Typical coverage

Why gilsonite helps underground

Soil moisture, salts and backfill pressure test a coating for decades. Gilsonite-hardened coatings resist soil stress and have very low water absorption, while still bonding strongly to concrete and block.

See coating and waterproofing grade gilsonite.