How to Waterproof a Basement
by Admin
Posted on 16-02-2025 01:59 PM
Where to begin. We would always get a bit of water on the basement floor from heavy rains so we stored eveything on tables. In 2009 we experienced major flooding where the culverts that carry the river next to our home where blocked with a beaver dam (we live in beaver bank, ns canada) and the river eventually surrounded our home.
The hydrostatic pressure filled our basement through the joint at the floor & footings and also a few floor cracks, the pressure was also strong enough that the water actually came in through the floor drains destroying the check balls that were supposed to stop the water!after speaking with local contractors on how to fix the problem, they all decided that their suggestions probably would not work due to the fact that the water outside and inside our basement was at the same level.
What is the Best Basement Wall Sealer?
Interior waterproofing methods ensure no digging or heavy machinery usage.
It mainly deals with sealing cracks with waterproof material. So, it’s time to fix the cracks you identified in step 1. Use a caulk gun with a permanent concrete crack sealer to fill any gaps. If you have wide cracks, you might need basement wall crack plugs to prevent water seepage. When you have filled the cracks and the sealant has dried off, it’s time to strengthen your waterproofing. Use any of the following types of interior waterproofing to secure your walls further:
concrete waterproof coating
it’s a simple basement wall waterproofing technique where you administer thick cement-like coats to the walls.
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/basement-waterproofing-cost/
Cove joint: when pouring the basement floor, the builders intentionally leave a small gap between the floor and the wall. This is called the cove joint, and it should not be sealed. It’s there to allow water to seep when the hydrostatic pressure is high. If you seal it, water could come up through the floor even if you’ve waterproofed it. Radon: before waterproofing, check your basement radon levels with a home test kit. If the levels are higher than four picocuries per liter, apply a product like radonseal. It blocks moisture as well as radon and is the only sealer you need.
Radon: before waterproofing, check your basement radon levels with a home test kit. If the levels are higher than four picocuries per liter, apply a product like radonseal. It blocks moisture as well as radon and is the only sealer you need. It’s also a good idea to coat the walls. Leaks: don’t waterproof the floor if you have active leaking. Call a pro to evaluate the situation and make recommendations. Author
a properly sealed basement is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of your home and protecting your belongings from water damage. In this article, we will discuss the importance of sealing your basement walls, the factors to consider when choosing a basement wall sealant, and explore the various types of sealants available. Next, we will then delve into the world of liquid rubber sealants, explaining why they are often considered the best choice for basement wall sealing, and how to apply them. Finally, we will compare liquid rubber to other popular basement wall sealants and provide tips for maintaining a well-sealed basement.
Find the moisture or source of the leak in your basement. Water and moisture have several sneaky ways of seeping into your walls. Once you’ve done this, you’ve won half of the battle. Check for things such as pipe leaks and make note of any wet areas after a heavy rain. Wet basement walls can cause humidity levels to rise around the house, create foul smells or even mold and mildew growth. To avoid this domino effect, make sure your basement waterproofing efforts are done correctly and with the most reliable products the first time. Don’t forget to check for other sources of leaks besides just the walls.
Once you see water, you’ll want to know where it’s coming from. If you can’t identify the entry point, it will be challenging to determine whether you simply need to waterproof the basement walls or if other basement waterproofing measures are necessary. For example, if there are cracks in the foundation, they must be repaired. Otherwise, water will continue to flow into these areas. Water can enter the basement through poorly sealed windows and doors, and waterproofing the walls won’t help this type of problem. If the water is rising up from under the floor after heavy rain, this is a separate issue.