Basements are areas of the home that are often exposed to moisture-related issues, such as water ingress, dampness and condensation. Whether addressing active water penetration, managing rising damp or planning a basement waterproofing application, it is important to select products that are suitable for the intended use and site conditions, and to install them in accordance with the relevant guidance.
This DIY basement guide is designed to outline common basement scenarios and provide information on appropriate Sika solutions for sealing leaks, waterproofing walls and floors, and managing moisture. Select one of the questions below to explore suitable Sika product options for your specific application.
How to stop a leak in a wall?
Sika MonoTop®-108 Water Plug is a rapid setting mortar for plugging water leaks in concrete and masonry walls instantly. It hardens in 60-80 seconds (at 20 degrees Celsius) making it ideal for emergency repairs.
Mix the mortar by hand until it begins to set and press it firmly into the leaking area. Continuing pressing it into place until it sets and stops the flow of water. Make sure to wear rubber gloves.
Refer to the Product Data Sheet for detailed application instructions.
Sika®-4a is a rapid setting waterproofing admixture that accelerates the setting time of cement mixes to seal areas of water infiltration in concrete, rock or masonry.
Add Sika®-4a to your cement mix as directed on the Product Data Sheet, then apply the paste to cracks, holes or leaking areas immediately to create a fast-setting waterproof seal.
Refer to the Product Data Sheet for detailed application instructions.
How to waterproof a basement?
Sikalastic®-1K ES is a cementitious waterproofing and concrete protection mortar that provides internal waterproofing of walls and floors in basements. It forms a seamless, flexible barrier that prevents water ingress while also protecting concrete surfaces.
Mix the product with a low speed (< 500 rpm) electrical mixer, ensuring that the mortar is homogenous and lump free.
If applying the mortar with a brush take care to evenly cover the entire surface. The maximum recommended layer thickness is 1 mm per layer. The application of a minimum of 2 or 3 coats is recommended (subsequent coats must be applied cross-wise and you must until the first coat is dry to apply the next coats).
If applying with a trowel the application must be done covering the whole surface of the substrate with uniform thickness. Press the trowel firmly against the surface. At least 2 coats must be applied with a final thickness of at least 3 mm. The maximum recommended thickness for each layer is 2 mm.
Refer to the Product Data Sheet for detailed application instructions.
Sika® Igolflex®-301 is a bituminous liquid applied waterproofing membrane for protecting below ground structures against percolating water, dampness and moisture ingress. It is impermeable to liquids and is fully bonded to prevent lateral water underflow.
Apply the product evenly in 2 layers with a brush, roller, trowel or airless spray equipment to create a seamless waterproof membrane.
Refer to the Product Data Sheet for detailed application instructions.
Sikalastic®-6100 FX is a waterproofing mortar for waterproofing basement floors and walls while also providing protection for the concrete foundations. It provides a flexible and lightweight membrane that waterproofs at just 2 mm thickness.
Sikalastic®-6100 FX can be applied by brush, trowel or sprayed with suitable equipment. Roller application is possible, but not recommended. You must dampen the substrate before applying the first coat to ensure adhesion. Apply the first layer to approximately 0.5 mm thickness. Allow at least 2 hours of curing before applying a second coat. Slightly dampen the first coat, removing any excess moisture, and apply the second coat perpendicular to the previous coat. The second layer should be approximately 1.5 mm thick to ensure a total membrane thickness of 2 mm.
Refer to the Product Data Sheet for detailed application instructions.
How to stop rising damp?
SikaMur® InjectoCream-100 is an injectable damp proof course for treating rising damp in all types of masonry walls. Once injected into the wall it diffuses to form a damp proof course, allowing the wall to dry and blocking future rising damp.
Before using SikaMur® InjectoCream-100 you must drill 12 mm diameter holes at horizontal centres no more than 120 mm apart, refer to the Product Data Sheet for the depth of the hole required for your wall.
Insert the sausage or cartridge of the product into the barrel of a standard application gun and cut or puncture the visible end of the sausage or cartridge. Insert the delivery tube into the full depth of the pre-drilled hole and squeeze the gun trigger and fill each hole fully with the product to within 1 cm of the surface. Plug or fill the drilled holes with an appropriate mortar.
Refer to the Product Data Sheet for detailed application instructions.
How to install a damp proof membrane to floors and walls?
Sika® Damp Proofing Slurry is a damp proofing and waterproofing tanking slurry for waterproofing basement walls and floors.
It can be applied as a slurry with a brush or as a mortar with a trowel. Mix the product with the amount of water required according to your chosen application method as detailed on the Product Data Sheet. Apply the product in 2 coats, with the second coat being applied at a right angle to the first one.
Refer to the Product Data Sheet for detailed application instructions.
Sika® Igolflex®-301 is a bituminous liquid applied waterproofing membrane for protecting below ground structures against percolating water, dampness and moisture ingress. It is impermeable to liquids and is fully bonded to prevent lateral water underflow.
Apply the product evenly in 2 layers with a brush, roller, trowel or airless spray equipment to create a seamless waterproof membrane.
Refer to the Product Data Sheet for detailed application instructions.
Sika® Black Jack®-908 D.P.M. is a bitumen damp proof membrane that protects basements walls and floors from water ingress. It forms an impervious water and water vapour barrier.
For damp proofing floors, apply the product with a brush in a minimum of 2 coats at a rate of 0.8 litres per square metre. When applying the membrane carry it up the walls to join the existing wall damp proof course. Allow the first coat to dry before applying the second coat at right angles to the first.
For moderately damp basement walls, lightly dampen the prepared surface and apply 3 coats of Sika® Black Jack®-908 D.P.M. with a soft bristle brush, each at a rate of 0.5 litres per square metre, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. A horizontal strip running 300 mm deep should be left uncoated at the top running the whole length of the wall. This permits trapped moisture to escape by evaporation.
For very damp basement walls, first ensure that damaged areas of the wall are removed and repaired with a cement mortar. Apply 3 coats of Sika® Black Jack®-908 D.P.M. with a soft bristle brush, each at a rate of 0.5 litres per square metre, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.
Refer to the Product Data Sheet for detailed application instructions.
SikaBond® Rapid DPM is a damp proof membrane for cement that can be used to damp proof basement floors. It creates a moisture barrier on cement substrates, helping to prepare floors for subsequent coverings and finishes.
Ensure the floor is clean and free from contaminants before applying the membrane. Use a medium pile roller, brush or rubber squeegee to apply the product. Ensure that a continuous uniform coat is achieved. The finished surface must provide a continuous defect free layer with a shiny appearance. When applying more than one coat of SikaBond® Rapid DPM, the second coat should be applied at a 90 degrree angle to the first. Allow each coat to dry fully between applications.
Refer to the Product Data Sheet for detailed application instructions.
