Basement Vapor Barrier
August 28, 2022

Are you wondering if a vapor barrier for concrete block walls is a good basement waterproofing solution? If so, stick around because we’re going to explain why a vapor barrier for concrete block walls is not the best way to waterproof a basement. There’s another waterproofing method that will make your basement dry enough to live in or use as storage for valuables.

How Do Basements Get Wet?

Most basements get wet because there’s too much moisture in the soil outside the foundation walls. The excess moisture causes hydrostatic pressure to build up in the soil and start pushing against the foundation wall. Hydrostatic pressure is powerful enough to push water through cracks in a concrete block foundation wall you didn’t even know were there. Hydrostatic pressure can even cause a concrete block foundation wall to bow inward and crack.

The excess moisture in the soil around the foundation can be caused by various things, including,

  • Improper yard grading – Your yard should slope away from the house because you don’t want water draining toward the foundation and soaking into the soil around the foundation.
  • Clogged gutters – When your gutters are clogged with leaves and other debris, water will spill over the side of your house and soak into the soil around the foundation.
  • Downspouts that are too short – Short downspouts will release water too close to the foundation. Downspout extensions are inexpensive, easy to install, and will channel water away from the foundation before releasing it.
  • Poor drainage around the foundation – Imagine you have the above problems and a poor drainage system. That’s a recipe for disaster. Hydrostatic pressure will build up in the soil and push water into your basement. The pressure could even cause structural damage to your foundation wall.

If you want a dry basement, you‘ll need to get groundwater around the foundation under control. Therefore, an effective waterproofing solution will do more than simply put up a barrier to keep water out. It will target the excess moisture in the soil.

Why You Don’t Want A Wet Basement

Wet basements are a breeding ground for mold. Now, if you’re not living in your basement, you might think, who cares? You should care because some of the air in your basement flows up and into your home’s living area via the stack effect (see below graphic). If the air is full of mold spores, residents of the house could develop allergies and respiratory problems.

A wet basement also means hydrostatic pressure has probably built up in the soil around the foundation and is already pushing against the foundation walls. If the wall isn’t already cracked or bowed, it could be just a matter of time. A cracked and bowed concrete block foundation wall is considered structural damage and must be repaired immediately.

the stack effect KC waterproofing

What Is A Vapor Barrier?

A vapor barrier is essentially a piece of thick plastic polyethylene sheeting that keeps moisture from getting through your concrete block foundation wall and into the basement. Although some homeowners use vapor barriers in their basement, they are more commonly used to keep crawl spaces dry. For more information about how vapor barriers are used in crawl spaces, see Crawl Space Waterproofing: Why You Might Need It.

Is A Vapor Barrier for Concrete Block Walls The Best Basement Waterproofing Solution?

So, is a vapor barrier the best basement waterproofing solution? No, there’s a much better way to keep your basement dry. A vapor barrier doesn’t solve the root problem, which is excess water in the soil around the foundation. In the battle between water and a vapor barrier, water will always win.

If you want a basement dry enough to live in, you need to get groundwater under control. When there’s no excess moisture in the soil outside your foundation walls, there’s no moisture to get inside your basement. Pretty simple, no?

A Drain Tile System Is The Best Basement Waterproofing Solution

A drain tile system is the best waterproofing solution because it solves the root problem. It prevents excess moisture from building up in the soil around the foundation.

There are two types of drain tile systems, interior, and exterior. Although they’re easier to install when a home is under construction, both types of drain tile systems can be installed in existing homes. Here’s how they work:

Exterior Drain Tile System

After the soil around the foundation is excavated down to the footer, a shallow trench is dug around the outside perimeter of the foundation and lined with gravel. A perforated drainage pipe is placed into the trench and then covered with more gravel. The excavated dirt is then replaced. Excess moisture in the soil will now enter the drainage pipe and get directed to a sump pit. When the sump pit fills with water, a sump pump turns on and ejects the water away from the foundation.

Interior Drain Tile System

An interior drain tile system works similarly. However, it’s installed under the basement floor. For more information on how an interior drain tile system works, see Waterproofing With An Interior Basement Drainage System.

Signs You Might Need Basement Waterproofing

Some common signs you might need basement waterproofing include the following:

  • Standing water – Even a small amount of standing water in your basement could be a sign you need basement waterproofing. Investigate where the water is coming from.
  • Mold – A moldy basement is a sign of excess moisture. It’s coming from somewhere.
  • Musty smell – The odor might be in the basement and the upstairs living area.
  • Condensation – While this might be a sign you need waterproofing, this could also be caused by leaving windows open during the warmer months. The hot, humid air flows in and then condenses on cooler surfaces.
  • Water running down a wall – Even a trickle of water should get your attention.
  • Increased humidity
  • There’s efflorescence on the walls – This white, chalky substance might be mistaken for mold. It’s actually salt, and it means there’s excess moisture in the concrete.
  • There’s rust on items in the basement.

If you’re in our Kansas City, MO service area and are considering a vapor barrier for concrete block walls, we have a better solution that will make your basement dry enough to live in. Contact KC Waterproofing and Foundation Repair today for an inspection and estimate.

Top waterproofing contractors Kansas City
home-advisor-elite-service-award-1
Lifetime Transferrable Warranty
Top Companies In Kansas City Foundation Repair

Get Your Free Guide

15 Preventative Maintenance Tips For Your Foundation

This Preventative Maintenance Guide shows you the top 15 causes of foundation problems. Download now to protect your home, add value, and prevent damage to your home’s foundation.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Satisfied Customer Reviews

Great service, everyone is friendly and courteous. They do whatever they can to help you. Great company I would recommend to anyone.
Great team, worked very hard and stayed after hours to install a basement window as they knew a huge storm was on the way. Our basement was super dry following a lot of rain after install/fixing of foundation proving the job was done well! I recommend this company for foundation repair and water proofing to cinder block foundation in old home.
Mario came out to seal a crack on my stairs and fill a settlement crack in the basement. He was very professional and friendly. He did an amazing job and I was very impressed.
Didn't waste any time. I have a big problem and he told me from the beginning that they couldn't handle it. He helped give me some advice and direction... and did not try to sell me on something he knew they couldn't deliver. I appreciated his upfront honesty and advice.
They are a fantastic company and really went above and beyond to make sure we got the information we needed.
Mario was great! He very informative and helpful! I would highly recommend him!
Mario came out to check the sump pump. After cleaning the pit out and checking both the main and backup pump he wiped everything done and left the area cleaner than when he got there. Very friendly and knowledgeable guy!
Don Derry with KC Waterproofing has been our "go-to" foundation repair specialist since 2005! We have had him to our homes multiple times. The project always wraps up with us having peace of mind. This past time with 14 piers installed, was no exception. His crew was polite and respectful. They cleaned up our property perfectly at the conclusion of the project. I highly recommend this foundation repair company.
Tech was on time completed the repair as necessary, and the experience was great.
We recently had KC Waterproofing out at our home in North Kansas City, and I cannot say enough great things about Ryan Marshall and his team (Austin & Jacob). They worked at our property over the week of July 17/2025 - and absolutely blew us away with their professionalism, work ethic, and transparency.

Ryan took the time to thoroughly explain the problems we were facing, what caused them, and exactly how they were going to fix them. His honesty and willingness to go the extra mile truly set him apart.

Ryan and his assistant worked hard, were respectful of our home, and made sure everything was done right the first time. It's rare these days to find that level of care and craftsmanship. Because of professionals like Ryan, we’ll continue to turn to KC Waterproofing for future needs.

Highly recommend this company—especially if you get the chance to work with Ryan and his crew! When it comes to foundation issues we will always recommend KC Waterproofing. They have been in the business, are trusted, and will do the job correctly.