Waterproofing a Basement

By default, basements tend to take in water. This is because they are built below the grade. This makes moist basement walls and water puddles common sights. The worst that can ever happen to these basements is flooding during rains. Damp or wet basements easily result in peeling off the paint. It can also result in the growth of mold, wood will also rot, and damage will be reported on the stored items.

Waterproofing a Basement

Although waterproof materials are used in the construction of basements, this doesn’t prevent the occurrence of cracks in the long run. These allow the basement to seep in water. The water gets to access the interior, and as a result, the walls become wet. This leads to humidity within the basement. This can be handled by the use of a humidifier. However, the best strategy that you should use is to waterproof the walls.

Determine the source of the water.

You can easily identify the points through which the water seeps in. The leakages can be from the cracks, corners of the window, water pipes, and sewer pipes, among others. With an entire wet wall surface, you will have to investigate further the source of the water.

Don’t make wall repairs with standing water in the basement.

In some instances during the rainy season, cracks in the basement are likely to let water in. It is imperative that you drain out all the water from the floor before repairing the crack. When draining the water, ensure that electricity supply to the basement is turned off. If you fail to do this, you will be increasing your chances of electrical shocks and electrocution.

Fill cracks with hydraulic cement.

Basement cracks are also common at the bottom of the walls. Ensure that during the construction, the footings are hardened appropriately. This will help prevent the cracks from extending. However, when this is not done appropriately, the joints will be weak. The result of this will be humidity in the basement. You can address this problem by simply filling cracks of this nature using hydraulic cement. Mix it with water to form heavy putty. You can then press this into cracks using your gloved fingers or a putty spoon.

Don’t forget to address window well leaks.

Ensure that the window wells can drain water effectively. Poor drainage on the window wells can easily retain water. If your window’s wells are poorly drained, you can dig two feet into the well and fill it gravel. This will help in dispensing the water.

Apply a masonry waterproofing product to bare interior basement walls.

Waterproof paint can help address basement soaking through the walls. You simply have to paint such a wall. The surface holes should receive more of the paint compared to other surfaces. When it finally dries up, the bond formed will be watertight preventing moisture.

Don’t apply sealer over painted walls or efflorescence.

In case your basement wall had been painted before, it is advisable that you remove the paint on the wall before you apply the sealer. Ensure that you follow the instructions of the manufacturer before you embark on the exercise.

Further, you should ensure that you take all takes to prevent water from seeping into your house. The gutters should be directing water away from your home. It is also imperative to install the interior drainage solution.