Most ways of waterproofing basement walls deal with the inside and outside of the wall. Make sure your basement is waterproof during construction as a waterproof membrane can be applied to the outside of the foundation. As a result of poor original work, the home settling, or hydrostatic pressure from changes in the water table around your home, there could be leaks and seepage through your basement walls. Waterproofing your basement walls is possible with some work.

Basement Remodel

First check the walls for any hairline cracks, holes, or other porous areas in the walls. Larger holes will need to be filled with mortar and then waterproofed but smaller holes and cracks will be fine with just a waterproof mix. 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.

Bathroom Improvements

When applying mortar use an ordinary trowel and make sure there are no air holes or pockets. To help the mortar adhere, use a stiff wire brush to get rid of loose particles before applying it because if the wall is leaking considerably you may need to put in a drainage pipe to a sub pump to help drain the water. The nature of the water flow may mean this is just temporary or it could be a permanent measure. Leaking floor joints and larger holes in the wall should be repaired in much the same way.

Bathroom Accessories

Begin by chiselling out a dovetail joint to help it adhere and provide strength and drainage by inclining the patch slanting it from the floor to the wall. When the wall is completely repaired, the waterproof mixture can be applied. 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. You could use your own mix of plain cement and water which should have the consistency of cream when mixed to a slurry or you may prefer to purchase a waterproofing mixture ake care when reading the manufacturer's instructions since epoxy and latex types usually require you to add some water. Apply the mixture at the bottom of the wall using a stiff brush, moving up in a right to left direction.

Every nook and cranny should be filled in. 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 solid. Once the wall has dried, wet the wall down thoroughly again 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 and you will find waterproofing basement walls is not as difficult as it first appeared. Better yet, you will finally have that dry basement you have been wanting for quite some time.

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