how do i waterproof my basement

• Buy a dehumidifier. If your basement waterproofing efforts are focused on reducing mold, underground moisture, and condensation, a residential dehumidifier can do the trick.
• Choose waterproof carpet materials. Carpeted surfaces can be affected if your basement has water control problems. Fortunately, you can take steps to protect them from leaks and standing water.
• Apply waterproof sealant to walls and floors. Cracks can sometimes appear on concrete or brick walls, allowing water to enter from the outside. ...
• Keep wooden surfaces and water separate. Dry rot can occur if water or excess moisture comes into prolonged contact with wooden surfaces and structures especially support beams and floorboards.
Look for external problems. While problems like mold, peeling paint, and dry rot can occur indoors, external factors are often part of the problem.
Contact professionals. If you find it difficult to prevent a routine leak or flood in your basement during a thunderstorm, there may be a variety of factors that may be ...
Long-term damage control. The benefits of waterproofing go beyond preventing damage and costly repairs. It also offers peace of mind.

Full Answer

How to properly waterproof your basement?

How to Waterproof a Basement?

• Buy a dehumidifier. ...
• Choose waterproof carpet materials. ...
• Apply waterproof sealant to walls and floors. ...
• Keep wooden surfaces and water separate. ...
• Look for external problems. ...
• Contact professionals. ...
• Long-term damage control. ...

What do you need to know about waterproofing your basement?

Typically, basement waterproofing can be beneficial in the following ways:

• Enhanced Indoor Air Quality: It helps improve indoor air quality by letting cool air move around your home more efficiently. ...
• Reduced Energy Costs: A dry basement can lower the humidity level in your home. ...
• Minimized Costs of Insurance Claims: Flooding is one of the sources of water damage in your basement. ...

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How do you prevent water in your basement?

How to stop water from coming up through the basement floor.

• Unclog the pipes. Make sure your gutters are clear, and if you have weeping tile, make sure that they aren’t clogged.
• Improve the grade. If it looks like the water isn’t running away from the house, you need to make sure you have a decent grade that is running the water ...
• Check the sump pump. ...
• Install a drainage system. ...

Should I waterproof my basement from the inside or outside?

One good reason for waterproofing a basement from the outside is that outside is where the water is. Water that enters a basement comes from the soil surrounding it, either below the foundation or around it. Water absorbed by soil causes the soil to expand, to a degree depending on what kind of soil is involved.

How can I waterproof my basement myself?

0:251:35How to Waterproof a Basement | DIY SquidGee Dry System - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBegin by claiming the basement floor to remove all dirt and dust. Using the seal once adhesive.MoreBegin by claiming the basement floor to remove all dirt and dust. Using the seal once adhesive. Apply a tall thick bead of adhesive to the bottom of the main. Section.

Can a basement be waterproofed from the inside?

Waterproofing a basement in the inside is a very popular option because it is done without major exterior excavation and, in some cases, can be done very quickly and economically.

What is the cheapest way to waterproof a basement?

The cheapest way to waterproof this foundation type is usually by installing an interior perimeter drain system.

What is the best product to waterproof basement walls?

When sealing basement floors and foundation walls the best concrete sealers to use are the Lithi-Tek 4500 primer followed by the Siloxa-Tek 8510 waterproofing sealer. If you are going to be installing flooring in the basement, it is best to use a moisture vapor barrier coating like the Vapor-Tek 440.

How do I stop water seeping through concrete walls?

0:112:18How to Stop Leaks in Concrete Walls - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure the edges of the crack are cut squarely or undercut hydraulic. Water stop expands as itMoreMake sure the edges of the crack are cut squarely or undercut hydraulic. Water stop expands as it hardens locking. Itself into place.

Will Flex Seal stop basement leaks?

Flex Seal Liquid is thicker than paint and dries into a strong, rubberized coating. It can also help seal out air, water, and moisture and is chemical and mildew resistant - making it a great choice for your basement walls. Start by taping off the walls you will be waterproofing with blue painter's tape.

Is waterproofing a basement worth it?

The number one reason that basement waterproofing is worth it for almost every homeowner is the reinforcement of your home's foundation. As the name implies, your foundation is the most important part of your home! It forms the basis for the stability of your home – keeping your property and family safe.

Why is my basement leaking when it rains?

Basements can leak after rainfall because the soil surrounding your home's foundation becomes saturated with water. This causes pressure to build up and forces the water upwards into your basement, also known as hydrostatic pressure.

Does Drylok stop water?

DRYLOK® penetrates tiny pores in the masonry to form a watertight coating that stops leaks. DRYLOK® will stop water from penetrating the inside of masonry walls even during the most torrential downpours.

Does Flex Seal work on concrete?

Flex Seal can be used on almost every surface: wood, metal, tile, concrete, masonry, fabric, glass, plastic, aluminum, porcelain, drywall, rubber, cement, and vinyl. Plus, it won't sag or drip in the summer heat, and it won't crack or peel in the winter cold.

Should you waterproof basement from inside or outside?

The exterior waterproofing process includes excavation of soil surrounding your home and repairing the leaks using a powerful sealant. Interior basement waterproofing systems are considered better and more effective in preventing wet basements.

Is it better to waterproof a basement from the inside or outside?

Though labor-intensive and expensive to carry out, waterproofing your basement from outside provides the most efficient way of preventing water and moisture build-up around the foundation of the house.

Is interior waterproofing effective?

Interior waterproofing pumps out water that has already entered your basement, as opposed to exterior waterproofing, which keeps it out – but it's still a very effective method of keeping your basement dry and safe.

How do you waterproof a block foundation from the inside?

For the best method for sealing concrete block walls and the best cinder block water barrier, read on.Apply a Coating Directly On the Bare Wall. ... Use a Breathable / Permeable Barrier. ... Use a Weather-Resistant Elastomeric Layer. ... Use “The Pink Stuff” ... Repair Cracks and Fill Voids First. ... Install an Air and Moisture Barrier.More items...•

What is the best sealer for a basement?

For basements that experienced severe dampness and heavy water penetration, step up to an industrial-grade product, such as LastiSeal Brick and Concrete Sealer. This high-strength sealer isn’t paint, but a polyester-polymer waterproofing coating that penetrates deep into the concrete and then cures to a hard plastic film. One gallon seals 150 to 250 sq. ft. of poured-concrete walls, and 100 to 150 sq. ft. of concrete-block foundation.

How to stop water from seeping through concrete?

Sealing Cracks. There are a few different ways to prevent water from seeping through concrete cracks. For wide cracks you can use hydraulic cement, but since most cracks are less than 1/8 in. wide, I prefer using an epoxy injection system, which permanently seals hairline cracks as narrow as 1/16 in.

How to seal cracks in injection ports?

Once the ports are glued in place, use a putty knife to spread a thick coating of epoxy sealer along the crack, including over the base of each injection port. Wait for the sealer to cure, then use a caulking gun to squeeze epoxy into each port until the epoxy flows deep into the crack. Push an end cap onto the tip of each injection port, and allow the epoxy to cure the recommended amount of time (typically three to five days). Then, use a hacksaw to trim the protruding injection ports flush with the wall.

How to get rid of mold on walls?

If the walls have noticeable spots of mold, add a cup of oxygen bleach to the bucket. I prefer using oxygen bleach for killing mold and mildew, not liquid chlorine bleach, because chlorine bleach evaporates so quickly, it doesn’t always kill the spores. Plus, oxygen bleach is safer to handle and it won’t stain your clothes.

Why do people have basements?

There are many benefits of owning a home that has a basement foundation. Basements provide an out-of-the-way place to install mechanical equipment , such as the furnace, water heater, boiler, and oil tank. It’s also an ideal spot for the washer and dryer. Basements allow easy access to overhead pipes and electrical cables. And, of course, basements provide lots of valuable storage space.

How do I patch a hole in concrete?

There are several products available for patching and plugging holes in concrete, but I recommend using an old standby: hydraulic cement. Simply mix the cement powder with a little water; check the label directions, but the ratio is usually three parts cement to one part water. Mix well with a margin trowel, then press the cement into the hole, divot, or around penetration points.

What is the best way to inspect a foundation?

Regardless of whether the foundation is poured concrete or concrete block, inspect every penetration point, meaning any place where a pipe, conduit or duct passes through a hole in the foundation walls. Check the space around the penetration hole; even the tiniest gap can be an entry point for water.

What is the best way to waterproof a foundation?

Install a waterproofing membrane. A heavy coat of the membrane, an asphalt-modified polyurethane material, can be troweled or sprayed on to seal the foundation wall against water from the outside. Elastomeric membranes are made of modified asphalt and exhibit great waterproofing characteristics.

How to stop water from leaking in a wall?

If you have detected these issues, apply a coat of hydraulic cement to the walls to stop the leakage. Hydraulic cement will expand as it is curing and with its chemical properties, it will fill in the cracks and voids reducing the probability of leakage.

What drainage system is required to be installed at or below the area to be protected?

Drainage tiles, gravel or crushed stone drains, perforated pipe, or other approved systems or materials shall be installed at or below the area to be protected and shall discharge by gravity or mechanical means into an approved drainage system.

Where to install French drain tile?

Install the French drain or weeping tile. The pipe, 4” could be used, must be installed at the base of the footing weeping the water level below the basement floor. It is a good practice to install cleanouts, to provide easy to access for maintenance purposes.

Can basement waterproofing cause damage?

Updated November 20, 2019. Basement waterproofing can lead to many problems due to insufficient or poor waterproofing. Seepage can cause extensive damages if it is not addressed properly. Sometimes you will try to apply a coat or any other product in the basement when the actual problem comes from the outer walls.

Can cement be used on concrete?

Cement based sealants are easy to apply and can be used over concrete and masonry surfaces. This type of sealant will harden and will close the concrete pores. In case a hairline crack was not fixed in the previous step with hydraulic cement, it will be covered in this procedure.

Can you backfill with limestone?

Don't use limestone to backfill. Limestone will reduce drainage capabilities and could clog all drainage structures. Use gravel instead.

Where to apply waterproofing mix?

Apply the coating at the bottom of the wall, which is where the water pressure is likely to be greatest. Brush the waterproofing mix to the top, then move back to the bottom, slowly applying additional layers of the mixture. Brush the waterproofing mix only over the area where seepage or leakage is a problem.

How big of a crack can you fill with waterproofing?

You can usually fill hairline cracks with a regular waterproofing mix; however, cracks larger than 1/8-inch should be cleaned and patched before you apply the waterproof mix.

How to make a cement plug?

Make a cement plug from the mortar mix. Roll the plug into a cone shape that is slightly larger than the hole. Roll the plug of cement in your hands until it begins to stiffen. Then place the small end of the cone-like plug in the hole where the pipe was removed and tamp it into place.

How to fix a crack in a cement wall?

Force the mixture of mortar cement into the crack with an ordinary trowel or putty knife. Doing so should correct the problem; however, if outside pressure is forcing water through the wall, the problem is often extremely difficult to correct.

How long does it take for a cement plug to dry?

It can be tamped just like a cork in a bottle. Hold the cement plug in place with your fingers for 5 minutes, allowing to set. Place a heavy object over it while it sets to allow plenty of time to dry before the plug is exposed to the full water pressure.

What to do if water is still coming through a weep pipe?

If water is still coming through the pipe with considerable force, leave the weep pipe in place and run the water into a sewer drain with a hose.

Why do basements crack?

There are three basic causes of seepage and cracks in basements. First, the original workmanship may be poor. Second, the house may have settled, causing cracks in either the floor or walls. Finally , water pressure from the outside may have accumulated and forced water through the walls. Such leaks are easy to detect.

How to get rid of water in basement?

Working in a flooding basement increases the risk of electrical shock or electrocution. Turn off the power to the basement, and then use a utility pump (with extension cords that reaches an upstairs outlet) to get rid of the water. The pump will discharge the water to the surface of your yard via a garden hose.

Where to put waterproof membrane in basement?

A waterproof membrane is often installed on the outside of the basement wall , and the system also requires putting in a buried sump pump where water will collect and then be pumped to the surface. This is strictly a job for a foundation contractor, but it could greatly reduce basement water problems.

What happens when a basement is wet?

Humid, damp, or downright wet basements can result in peeling paint, mold and mildew growth, rotted wood, and damage to stored items. While builders take steps to waterproof basements during construction, over time a house can settle, creating cracks in the basement walls. When the soil outside becomes saturated, water can seep through these cracks.

Why do basement walls feel wet?

Even structurally sound basement walls can absorb water from the soil and transfer it to the basement interior, making the walls feel wet. As the water from the walls evaporates, the air in the basement becomes more humid. A high-quality dehumidifier will help remove ...

Why do basements get wet?

Because they’re built below grade, basements tend to take on water. You may notice moist basement walls from time to time, water puddles here and there, or—worst case scenario—flooding during the rainy season. Humid, damp, or downright wet basements can result in peeling paint, mold and mildew growth, rotted wood, and damage to stored items.

Why do basement windows leak?

Window wells are a common source of basement wall leaks because they tend to retain water if a proper drainage system wasn’t installed beneath the well when the house was built. This can lead to water pooling around the bottom of a basement window and then seeping in.

How to test for moisture in basement?

To conduct a simple condensation test, dry an area of the wall with a rag and then attach a one-foot square piece of aluminum foil to the wall with duct tape. Peel off the foil after 24 hours and check how the underside of the foil feels. If it is wet, water is seeping through the wall from the outside. If dry, the moisture is originating elsewhere in the basement, most likely from a basement shower—easily remedied by installing a vent fan in the bathroom to direct steam outdoors.

How much does it cost to waterproof a basement?

The surest way to waterproof your basement walls is a full-scale exterior waterproofing solution. It’s also the most expensive — often $15,000 to $30,000 .#N#Exterior waterproofing involves excavating all around the house to the full depth of the foundation walls, then installing a waterproof coating or membrane topped by drainage panels. The panels provide an easy path for water to flow down to an exterior French drain at the bottom of your foundation. From there, water flows by gravity — or with the aid of a sump pump — away from your foundation to another part of your property, or into a storm drain.

How to find moisture in basement?

How to Find Out What’s Causing the Moisture. Tape a 1-foot-square piece of aluminum foil to the inside of your basement walls, and leave it in place for 24 hours. If there’s condensation on the outside of the foil, you have high humidity in your basement.

What is waterproofing coating?

Concrete waterproofing coatings: These thick coatings are cement-like; once dry, they adhere permanently to concrete and masonry walls. You apply the coating with a heavy brush made with tampico bristles — a natural fiber. Swirl the brush at the final stage of application to give the wall an attractive, finished look.

How much does a 1 gallon can of water proof paint cost?

Applying a silicate-based sealer with a brush, roller, or sprayer is easy enough for a DIY project. A 1-gallon can is $40-$50 and covers 200 sq. ft., but you’ll need at least two coats. Waterproofing paint is an acrylic formula, not all that different from ordinary wall paint.

How much does a sump pump cost for a basement?

A sump pump moves water out of your basement. The entire system is $3,000-$5,000 for a 20-by-20-foot basement room.

Can you paint over water proof paint?

Waterproof paint is fine for DIY application. You can apply it over painted surfaces, and paint over it once it’s cured (1 gal./$35).

Can you paint over concrete sealer?

The sealers soak in and chemically react with ingredients in the concrete or brick, forming a hard, waterproof surface. Because these are penetrating sealers, they can’t flake off or peel, and you can paint over them (but check the label first).

Why do you need to waterproof your basement?

Deciding to waterproof your basement is a key step in making your home a safer, healthier place. It will help you avoid insect infestations and potentially dangerous mold, as well as protecting your home’s structure from damage.

What to do if you find mold in basement?

If you find mold in your basement, clean it up right away and get started on waterproofing.

How to tell if a basement wall is bowed?

Bowed walls can be difficult to notice. The easiest way to identify them is to check the alignment of your basement wall, especially after heavy rain.

Why does my basement swell?

Your basement’s integrity has a lot to do with the soil that surrounds it. Soil absorbs moisture, so it tends to swell after rainfall, then contract. That puts pressure on your basement walls.

Why are there bugs in my basement?

Many kinds of insects prefer to live in dark, damp areas; if you’ve got bugs moving in, it may mean your basement is damp.

Why does my basement have white streaks?

When water evaporates off of a moist concrete wall, it leaves behind salt and other minerals on the concrete’s surface, resulting in those white streaks . If you see them, it’s time to waterproof your basement!

What does it mean when you see water stains on your floor?

Water stains on the floor indicate that water is seeping up through your foundation– and if it’s happened once, it’s going to happen again.