Waterproofing the Basement Walls

Causes of Wet Basements

Waterproofing the basement walls is a good way to seal up any holes or cracks that may let water into your house. Waterproofing basement walls also help to keep moisture levels down and prevent mold growth.

Waterproof basement walls can reduce the risk of flooding and other problems caused by water intrusion. Several factors can contribute to wet basements.

Cracks

Cracks in concrete walls or floors allow water to seep through the wall and gather at the bottom of your home. This is particularly common in older homes that have not been maintained properly over the years.

Unsecured Entry Points

There may be doors or windows that do not close properly or have gaps where rainwater can enter the home. This will cause water damage due to leaks from above or from below when it rains heavily outside. Your home may also be built on a slope so that water flows down towards your home from above, causing flooding.

Inadequate Drainage

If there are cracks or other openings in your basement walls, water will flow into these holes instead of draining away properly, leaving behind dampness on the walls.

Poor Drainage System

This applies mostly to newer homes but can also happen with older ones if they do not have proper drainage systems installed when they were built or if they fail due to age or wear and tear over time.

How to Waterproof Basement Walls

Waterproofing your basement walls is essential in preventing flood damage to your home. A waterproof basement will help keep your home safe from water damage and structural damage caused by water seeping into the basement walls.

A waterproof basement wall is a great investment for your home, as it can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and prevent costly mold growth.

Remove Standing Water

The first thing you need to do is remove standing water from the basement floor. This may seem simple at first glance, but it can be quite challenging if there is a lot of water in your basement. You may need to hire a professional contractor to help with this task because they have the equipment needed to remove large amounts of water quickly and efficiently. Once all the standing water has been removed from your concrete floor, it’s time to start preparing for waterproofing!

Remove Efflorescence

Efflorescence is mineral deposits that form on concrete surfaces when they come in contact with moisture from groundwater or rainwater. It looks like white powder on your concrete walls and can be removed with muriatic acid or other cleaning products. Removing efflorescence will improve your sealant's adhesion and make applying waterproofing products to your concrete walls easier.

Clean the Basement

The first step in waterproofing your basement is to clean it. You don't need to scrub down every corner, but you want to remove any dirt, grime, or mold hiding in the cracks and crevices of your basement walls.

Clean the walls with mild detergent and water. If you have stubborn stains on your wall, try using a commercial degreaser before moving on to step two.

Remove Old Paint

If there's old paint on your basement walls, it needs to come off before you can apply the new waterproofing coating. The best way to do this is with a heat gun or an orbital sander. Heat guns are better for removing thicker coats of paint, while orbital sanders are better for finer coats of paint that may have been applied more recently.

Plug All Holes

After cleaning up the walls and removing all old paint, it's time to plug all holes and cracks in the concrete with cement sealer or caulking compound. This will help prevent moisture from seeping through small openings in your basement walls later down the road when there's already water inside them!

Reseal All Openings

Reseal all the openings in the wall. These include cracks, gaps, and holes around pipes, electrical outlets, and light fixtures. Also, include vents that might let water in or out of your basement.

Apply Waterproof Coating

Once you've sealed all the openings, apply a waterproof coating on the walls' exterior surface. This coating should be thick enough to prevent water from seeping through but thin enough to allow moisture vapor to escape through evaporation. An asphalt-based coating is a good option that comes in several colors and textures depending on what look you want for your basement walls.

Tidal Wave Response

The key is to prevent water from entering your basement in the first place, as this is by far the easiest and most affordable approach. This can be accomplished with rock-solid waterproof basement walls that prevent the water from penetrating your basement. If you already have water damage, the first thing you need is Tidal Wave Response for water damage removal, then restore and prevent any future events.