5 Steps to Waterproof your Basement

Posted by vivek choudhary on December 7th, 2021

Best waterproofing company carries premium products to waterproof your basement. Depending on your level of expertise and the issues you are experiencing on your property, it may be appropriate to hire best waterproofing company to do the work. This article is intended as a guide for the DIY\'er.

Before you bet into waterproofing your basement, you should understand why it might be wet in the beginning place. Because most basements are below grade (ground), they are more predisposed to accumulating excess condensation and bearing water damage. Here are some of the more common reasons why you may end up with a wet basement:

• Cracks in your house\'s foundation are a surefire way for water to drain in through your basement walls and floors.
• Basement doors, windows, and window wells that aren\'t protected are separate paths for water seepage.
• Imperfect drainage is a vital cause of a wet basement. When rainwater is not correctly pointed away from your home, it will sit at the house\'s foundation and leak into the basement.
• Improper drainage can happen from a poor drainage system, improperly installed or clogged gutters, or even sloping around your home. If your land is sloped toward your home, water will run toward and accumulate around your house\'s foundation.

Step 1: Clean the Area

First, you\'ll want to clean up the areas you\'ll be basement waterproofing. Many of the waterproofing products listed below will only work if applied directly to the substrate, so they must be removed if any existing coatings are on the surface, wall, or floor. Old paint can be removed with a wire brush, sandblaster, or other methods. Wash the walls of dirt and dust using a scrub brush and warm water with a little bit of dish soap.

If you see any mold, you can add bleach into the solution (1 cup of bleach per gallon of water). However, first, check the ingredients in your dish soap and do not mix bleach with any products containing ammonia! Rinse the walls with warm water after washing them, and let everything dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Plug Holes

Use a hydraulic cement block to plug any apparent holes and large cracks for any holes. Hydraulic cement seals cracks and holes in masonry and prevents water from flowing through them, even under pressure. Fast Plug will set and harden very quickly, in 3-5 minutes, so have a plan before you start! Use a trowel to smooth the cement before it sets. 

Step 3: Fill Cracks

Fill more minor cracks with wall crack repair products India.

Step 4: Seal Openings

Use caulk to seal doors, windows, and window wells. We recommend an elastic sealant, which is waterproof and flexible.

Step 5: Apply Waterproof Coating

After your holes and cracks are sealed, use a waterproof coating on your basement surfaces. Water proofer is an excellent product guaranteed to protect walls and floors against hydrostatic pressure and water seepage. Water proofer also comes in white and gray, but these two can only be used on walls and not on floors. Apply the concrete sealer with a quality nylon bristle brush or 3/4\" nap roller, and make sure to work it into the masonry pores. Proper coverage and a minimum of two coats are required to warranty waterproofing. Read all manufacturer guidelines and instructions before applying.