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Methods of waterproofing basement walls mainly deal with the inside and outside of the wall. A waterproof membrane can be applied to the outside of the foundation during construction so this is the best time to make sure your basement is waterproof. Reasons for leaks and seepage through your basement walls include poor original work, the home settling, or hydrostatic pressure from changes in the water table around your home. Some resources and hardwork are required to do top basement waterproofing. Before you start, you may wish to check “is basement waterproofing worth the investment?” or “is there return on basement waterproofing?”

Do there appear to be any hairline cracks, holes, or other porous areas in the walls? With just a waterproof mix, smaller holes and cracks will be fine but larger holes will need to be filled with mortar and then waterproofed. Chisel out a dovetail when filling in larger holes as this will allow the mortar to properly take hold from the inside. One part cement to two parts sand with enough water to make a stiff mix makes an average mortar. Do not forget that it is imperative to know your basement waterproofing products wherever you may be. Take into consideration complaints about everdry basement waterproofing products, if any. Do your research.

Make sure there are no air holes or pockets and use an ordinary trowel when applying mortar. If the wall is leaking considerably you may need to put in a drainage pipe to a sub pump to help drain the water and before applying the mortar, use a stiff wire brush to get rid of loose particles which will help it adhere. Depending on the nature of the water flow this may only be temporary or it could be permanent. Repair any leaking floor joints and larger holes in the wall in much the same way.

To help it adhere, chisel out a dovetail joint and provide strength and drainage by inclining the patch slanting it from the floor to the wall. We are ready to apply the waterproof mixture after repairing the wall. Before applying the waterproof mixture the wall should be sanded to remove any paint - then mist the wall, as the mixture will not adhere to a dry wall, but will not set on a wet wall either. Take care when reading the manufacturer’s instructions since epoxy and latex waterproofing mixtures usually require you to add some water, or, an alternative would be to use your own mix of plain cement and water which should have the consistency of cream when mixed to a slurry. Apply the mixture at the bottom of the wall using a stiff brush, moving up in a right to left direction.

Make sure to get it into every crook and crevice. The edges should be feathered until the whole area is covered then leave to dry overnight or as long as the mixture takes to become firm. Wet the wall down thoroughly once it has dried overnight and, in the same manner as the first coat was applied, apply a second coat of the waterproofing mixture. You may have to start over again if you use one coat instead of two as this will not do the job. Use this information as a technique for do to yourself basement waterproofing and you will discover that waterproofing basement walls is not as difficult as you initially thought. Ultimately, the dry basement you have been wanting for quite some time will be ready.

Tags: electrical, landscaping, plumbing, home repair, home fix-up