How to waterproof a basement wall

Nobody enjoys having a wet basement. You can handle some waterproofing yourself, but hiring a professional is your best option if you have a serious water issue. Basements frequently have moisture since they are below grade and close to the water table. This can be a big problem for anyone seeking to finish their basement because moist environments are bad for plasterboard, flooring and interior painting.

Even those who leave their basement unfinished run into this issue. Standing water can make areas of the basement unusable and dampness encourages the growth of unhealthy mould.

If you have a moisture problem in your basement, you undoubtedly want to know what your best options are so here are some options about how to waterproof a basement wall. 

Unlock the secrets to a dry and secure basement with our foolproof guide on how to waterproof a basement wall.

1. WHY SHOULD YOUR BASEMENT WALLS BE WATERPROOF?

Even when constructing a basement on a tight budget, waterproofing shouldn’t be overlooked. However, if you believe that existing basement walls need to be waterproofed, act quickly. Do not disregard basement difficulties, advises Olshan Foundation Repair’s Aaron Goucher.(opens a new tab). While a professional may advise you that nothing is urgent or essential, it is still better to be informed than to act carelessly or erroneously. As with most things in life, it’s best to take care of a minor problem now rather than a huge one later. As opposed to waking up to a flooded basement, it is more convenient to plan your budget, schedule the repairs on your schedule, and choose the best firm to help you.

2. DO YOU KNOW HOW TO WATERPROOF BASEMENT WALLS?

There are steps you can take on your own to waterproof basement walls. “You do have a few helpful options for smaller or emerging wet basement issues, but as with any home improvement project, be mindful and realistic of your DIY capabilities,” advises Aaron Goucher. It’s crucial to keep in mind that these do-it-yourself fixes won’t do much to shield your house from growing hydrostatic pressure, which is the result of water pressure that is building up against your walls and getting worse over time, he continues.

3. How to waterproof a basement wall? 

Following are some steps about Hoe to waterproof a basement wall:

• Employing Gutters

The secret to waterproofing your basement is to divert water away from the house’s foundation. Installing gutters is the best way to improve the drainage system around your home, which is why it is so important to do so. The gutters divert water away, preventing it from collecting at your home’s foundation. Installing gutters and 1.2-meter-long horizontal downspout extensions can help divert water away from the excavation ring and towards a more suitable area. If you currently have gutters, you might think about cleaning them frequently to prevent clogs.

• Employing Gutters

The secret to waterproofing your basement is to divert water away from the house’s foundation. Installing gutters is the best way to improve the drainage system around your home, which is why it is so important to do so. The gutters divert water away, preventing it from collecting at your home’s foundation. Installing gutters and 1.2-meter-long horizontal downspout extensions can help divert water away from the excavation ring and towards a more suitable area. If you currently have gutters, you might think about cleaning them frequently to prevent clogs. 

• Clear the area of any standing water and make sure it is completely dry

 Once the area is totally dry, you may assess the damage and decide on the best course of action. Any water left standing could conceal a leak coming from the floor rather than the wall, necessitating a different remedy.

• Clear the area and get ready

The best results are achieved on clean, dry, and grease-free surfaces. Use a wire brush to thoroughly remove all dirt, filth, and any loose or damaged masonry before going on

.

• Caulk windows, doors, and window wells to reseal them

It’s always a good idea to conduct a complete perimeter inspection of the house before beginning a waterproofing project. Window wells are frequently used as water entrance points, so it’s crucial to properly seal them. Expandable foam or silicone caulk are both options. 

• Put a waterproofing layer on

The walls can be sealed with an elastomeric waterproofing coating if they are damp from outside seepage but aren’t actively leaking. Most products can be applied by hand using a brush, roller, or spray.

Remove efflorescence and use hydraulic cement to fix any fractures before continuing. Use a wire brush to remove it or use a solution like muriatic acid to dissolve it. Additionally, you must dry the walls, which may call for a heater, a fan, or even both. A solution like Drylock covers 75 to 100 square feet per gallon and costs around $50. For proper sealing, you typically need two or three coatings, costing around $500 to cover 300 square feet.

• Things to refrain from doing while waterproofing 

When waterproofing a basement, you should stay away from the following: 

• Never use tar. Tar will eventually become incredibly brittle and break.
• Avoid waterproofing your basement walls with plastic. Peeling of the plastic-like substance will allow moisture to enter.
• Don’t backfill with limestone. Limestone might clog all drainage systems and restrict drainage capacity. substitute gravel. 

Say goodbye to dampness and hello to peace of mind! Discover innovative techniques and expert tips to shield your basement from unwanted moisture, leaks, and potential damage. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a novice homeowner, our step-by-step instructions will empower you to conquer the waterproofing challenge with confidence. From selecting the right materials to mastering effective sealing methods, we’ve got you covered. Don’t let water infiltration ruin your basement’s potential – take control of your space and transform it into a safe and habitable area. Dive into our comprehensive guide now and make your basement a fortress against the elements

• Exterior water resistance

If you suspect there are significant cracks or flaws in your concrete foundation or if you have groundwater pooling around your property, we advise consulting a contractor or landscape architect before doing any exterior waterproofing work. Before digging up your yard, you might try some simple do-it-yourself remedies.

• Avoid placing shrubs or flowerbeds that need watering too close to your home.
• Maintain clean, free-flowing gutters to keep water moving away from your home. See our article on gutter guards to learn how to properly safeguard your gutters. The Best Gutter Guards for Gutters Protection.
• If your patio or pathway slopes inward towards your home, this may cause water to collect near the foundation. The slabs may need to be re-leveled in order for them to drain away from the house rather than towards it. 

• Use a sealant

All exterior walls should be sealed with a cement-based sealer. Applying cement-based sealants to concrete and masonry surfaces is simple. The pores in the concrete will be sealed off by this type of sealant as it hardens. If a hairline crack wasn’t filled up with hydraulic cement in the previous phase, it will be in this stage.

• Put a Membrane on

Install a membrane for water resistance. The membrane, a polyurethane polymer made to resemble asphalt, can be trowelled or sprayed on to seal the foundation wall against outside water. Elastomeric membranes have excellent waterproofing properties and are comprised of modified asphalt. The ability of elastomeric membranes to bend and move to make room for new cracks when they appear is one of its most significant advantages. Use a waterproofing product in place of a potentially problematic damp-proofer product.

4. Finding the Source of the Moisture in Your Basement

One foot of aluminium foil, taped to the interior of the basement walls, should remain there for 24 hours.  If there is condensation on the foil’s exterior, your basement has a high humidity level. Instead of using waterproofing materials, fix it with a portable room dehumidifier or a whole-house humidifier system.

The soil around your home may be naturally damp due to a high water table or inadequate soil drainage if the foil has condensation on the inside surface (near to the wall). Waterproofing your basement walls may be helpful in that situation. You can attempt to remedy the issue by waterproofing only your inner walls. Or, for a better option—though more expensive—you might waterproof your external walls.

5. How long does waterproofing on basement walls last?

Usually at least ten years, although it also depends on how much hydrostatic pressure the surrounding groundwater exerts on the wall.

You’ll likely need to put in a drain, regrade the area surrounding the foundation, or, in extreme circumstances, dig out the foundation and put in a waterproof membrane if your coating fails too soon. Hopefully, it won’t ever get to that point. But if it does, it’s best to leave it in the hands of an expert.