Simple Steps to Waterproof Your Basement Walls

Waterproofing is the process of preventing water from leaking into your basement. Water can destroy your property and cause costly damages, especially during floods. Since the basement is built underground, it is more prone to flooding and water leaks than other rooms in your home. Therefore, you must learn cost-effective and straightforward ways to waterproof your basement walls.

Find the Source of the Problem

When waterproofing your basement, you should start by locating the source of the water leak or flooding in your basement. It would be easy to find the head of the problem in some situations, such as water seeping through the walls. However, the process might be challenging where obvious signs like broken pipes or faucets can not be located. If this is the case, consider waterproofing the entire basement wall or contacting a professional and certified plumber to find the source water problem before waterproofing.

Fill the Cracks

Once you identify cracks on the basement wall, proceed by sealing them. Cracks are common in basements because of the dirt and moisture that accumulate. There are many reasons why cracks may occur, but it’s essential to take care of them before they worsen. Use a crack filler to prevent water from seeping through any gaps in the wall.

You can find various waterproofing products or sealants in the market that ensure water does not enter your basement. Products range from epoxy sealers to cement fixes. Each product has specific and straightforward instructions that must be followed accordingly. Ensure the product dries before applying the sealer to get the best results. 

Use Concrete Sealers

After closing all the visible holes and cracks, apply concrete sealers. Ensure you select the correct type of cement sealer to waterproof your basement walls and protect your property from further damage. When the basement walls have not been painted, you can select either a silicate-based or concrete sealer as the outermost part.

Concrete sealers benefit from adding an extra protection layer to the filler product on the crack. However, these sealers need to be applied in several layers with a sturdy brush to allow for the different layers to dry. Conversely, silicate-based sealers coat the basement wall through a chemical reaction. Ensure that you pick products designed for basement waterproofing. 

Apply Acrylic Sealers 

If your walls are painted, consider using acrylic sealers. This is because silicon-based and concrete-based sealers are incompatible with painted surfaces. Acrylic paints are usually thicker than regular variants. In addition, acrylic paints form a distinctive covering over the surface applied.

Inspect the Exterior 

Once you finish repairing and sealing the interior part of the basement, inspect the exterior part. Ensure that the outer walls of the basement are not susceptible to flooding and water leaks. Begin by ensuring the sloping pattern and terrain surrounding the basement move away from the house. Such a slope would prevent water build-up around your basement and foundation.

You can add soil and small stones around the foundation to build a slope on moving water away from the building. You should ensure that water gutters from the room are not leaking and move moisture away from the house. Damaged gutter systems can promote flooding and dampening of your basement. In addition, plants growing close to your building can enable basement dampening.

You should repair the damaged gutter system and clear debris to promote water flow from your home. Routinely check the drainage system near your basement and ensure it is clear from debris to prevent clogging that often leads to flooding. Additionally, clear all the vegetation close to your basement to prevent further damage from the plant roots. 

Consider Alternatives

Since situations might differ, you should consider alternatives to waterproofing your basement walls, such as sump pumps and dehumidifiers. These methods would come in handy where waterproofing seems ineffective, and Sump pumps can help you deal with high water levels such as flooding. Alternatively, you can always reach out to professionals like ‘58 Foundations to help with waterproofing your basement walls.

You can protect your home from flood damage by installing a sump pump. Sump pumps will automatically remove water accumulated in the basement, and they work by pumping the water out of the house and into a drainage pipe or pit. Aside from a sump pump, you can consider a French drain that comprises several pipes laid underneath the basement.

Moisture can be very harmful to your basement and house, and these waterproofing methods would prevent a catastrophe. These methods are simple and do not require the help of a professional.