Waterproofing basement walls can be done in a number of ways, mostly dealing with the inside and outside of the wall. The best time to make sure your basement is waterproof is during construction when a waterproof membrane can be applied to the outside of the foundation. Leaks and seepage through your basement walls could result from poor original work, the home settling, or hydrostatic pressure from changes in the water table around your home. However with some work you can waterproof your basement walls.
First check the walls for any hairline cracks, holes, or other porous areas in the walls. Smaller holes and cracks will be fine with just a waterproof mix, but larger holes will need to be filled with mortar and then waterproofed. When filling in larger holes a dovetail should be chiseled out to allow the mortar to properly take hold from the inside. An average mortar is one part cement to two parts sand with enough water to make a stiff mix.
When applying mortar use an ordinary trowel and make sure there are no air holes or pockets. Using a stiff wire brush to get rid of loose particles is also a good idea before applying the mortar to help it adhere. If the wall is leaking considerably you may need to put in a drainage pipe to a sub pump to help drain the water. This may only be temporary or permanent depending on the nature of the water flow. If you have a leaking floor joint you will repair it in much the same way as the larger holes in the wall.
Chisel out a dovetail joint to help it adhere and make sure to incline the patch slanting it from the floor to the wall to provide strength and drainage. After repairing the wall we are ready to apply the waterproof mixture.
Before applying the waterproof mixture the wall should be sanded to remove any paint. Then mist the wall, as the mixture will not adhere to a dry wall, but will not set on a wet wall. Epoxy and latex waterproofing mixtures usually require the addition of some water, so be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully. You may also use your own mix of plain cement and water mixed to a slurry about the consistency of cream.
Begin applying the mixture with a stiff brush at the bottom of the wall moving up in a right to left direction. Make sure to get it into every nook and cranny. Feather the edges until the entire area is covered and let dry overnight or until the mixture does not rub off. Wet the wall thoroughly and allow it to set overnight. After the wall has dried overnight wet it down thoroughly again and apply a second coat of the waterproofing mixture in the same manner as the first. Always use two coats, as one coat will not do the job and may result in you having to start over again.
Use this information and you will find waterproofing basement walls is not as difficult as it first appeared. Better yet, you will finally have that dry basement you have been wanting for quite some time.
You can find out more about Waterproofing A Basement as well as much more information and tips on everything to do with basement waterproofing at http://www.BasementWaterproofingTips.com
A Guide To Waterproofing Basement Walls
