Read More About Constructing A Waterproof Basement

Waterproofing basement walls can be done in a number of ways, mostly dealing 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. 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. It is possible to waterproof your basement walls with some work.

Hairline cracks, holes, or other porous areas in the walls need to be checked out. Fill in large holes with mortar but smaller holes and cracks will be ok then apply a waterproof mix. To allow the mortar to properly take hold from the inside, a dovetail should be chiseled out when filling in larger holes. An average mortar is enough water to make a stiff mix with one part cement to two parts sand.

Use an ordinary trowel when applying mortar and check there are no air holes or pockets. Using a stiff wire brush to get rid of loose particles is also a good idea before applying the mortar to help it adhere 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. This arrangement may be temporary or permanent according to the nature of the water flow. Repair any leaking floor joints in much the same way as the larger holes in the wall.

Start by chiseling out a dovetail joint to help it adhere and make sure to incline the patch slanting it from the floor to the wall to provide strength and drainage. We are ready to apply the waterproof mixture after repairing the wall. The mixture does not adhere to a dry wall, but will not set on a wet wall either so remove any paint and mist the wall before applying it. Epoxy and latex waterproofing mixtures usually require the addition of some water, so be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully but you may also use your own mix of plain cement and water mixed to a slurry about the consistency of cream. Use a stiff brush to apply the mixture at the bottom of the wall and move up in a right to left direction.

Feather the edges until the entire area is covered and let dry overnight or until the mixture does not rub off. 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. Always use two coats, as one coat will not do the job and may result in you having to start over again. You will find waterproofing basement walls is not as difficult as it first appeared if you use this information. More importantly, you will finally have that dry basement you have been wanting for so long.

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