How to Waterproof Your Basement Wall
Whether you’re dealing with water damage or mold in your basement or just want to keep your basement dry, basement wall waterproofing is the best way to do it. Here are five easy steps to waterproof your basement wall.
1) Check the Ground
Is your home’s foundation built on wet, damp, or uneven ground? If so, there’s good chance water is leaking into your basement through cracks in your wall. The only solution is basement wall waterproofing. It’s an effective project—basements can retain and store moisture—but not one you should take lightly; if you make any mistakes, you can cause even more damage than you fix.
If the floor slopes and if there’s a crack between each wall, call a professional from trusted places like 58 Foundations immediately to get a quote for waterproofing—because that means you may need repairs beyond just sealing cracks; you may have structural issues with your walls or foundation that will require an entirely different project (and more money).
2) Tackling Cracks
If you’ve got a crack in your basement wall, plug it up with epoxy. First, clean out any debris that may be present. Mix two parts resin with one part hardener, apply the mixture to crack, and then sand edges down smooth. When dry, repeat the procedure on adjoining sides of the crack. In short order, you should have a completely filled-in scar on your wall.
3) Overhaul Your Drainage System
If you already have a water drainage system in place, it’s worth having it inspected. Many basements get ruined by flooding caused by clogged or misaligned drainage pipes. If your system is faulty, get your local plumber to give it a checkup. Once they’ve given it their seal of approval, clean out any debris that might be trapped within and clear out any disconnected pipes. Sometimes just an annual cleanup will do, while other times, you may need to replace sections of pipe entirely.
4) Prepare the Wall for Paint
You can improve your basement wall waterproofing by cleaning, sanding, and repairing any holes or cracks in your basement walls. Fill these holes and cracks with a waterproofing compound or caulk for added protection. If your basement wall consists of stone, concrete, or brick, use a water-repellent sealant on top of a good clean coat of paint. Keep in mind that any porous material needs to be protected from water seepage so that moisture doesn’t penetrate behind it.
5) Waterproofing Paint Application Tips
Use a roller, not a brush. Rollers are much more effective than brushes when it comes to waterproofing paint. Before applying any waterproofing paint, make sure your wall is clean and free of debris, grime, and dust. If you can’t wash your walls down with soap and water, try renting a power washer from Home Depot or Lowe’s for $30-$40 per day.
A well-protected basement wall will save you a lot of future trouble. Of course, it’s important that you keep it watertight. To do so, use each of these steps in combination with one another.
