Waterproofing basement walls can be done in a number of ways, mostly dealing with the inside and outside of the wall. During construction is the best time to make sure your basement is waterproof as a waterproof membrane can be applied to the outside of the foundation. Reasons for leaks and seepage through your basement walls include 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. Always make sure you have the correct socket wrench set available. Your socket wrench sets can be used for a variety of situations. If you need help choosing a socket wrench set then find information online that can help you.
First check the walls for any hairline cracks, holes, or other porous areas in the walls. Larger holes must be filled with mortar before they can be waterproofed but just a waterproof mix needs to be applied to smaller holes and cracks. Chisel out a dovetail to allow the mortar to properly take hold from the inside when filling in larger holes. One part cement to two parts sand with enough water to make a stiff mix makes an average mortar.
Make sure there are no air holes or pockets and use an ordinary trowel when applying mortar. If the wall is leaking considerably you may need to put in a drainage pipe to a sub pump to help drain the water and before applying the mortar, use a stiff wire brush to get rid of loose particles which will help it adhere. Whether this situation is temporary or permanent is dependent on the nature of the water flow. Repair any leaking floor joints 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. Once the wall has been repaired it is time to apply the waterproof mixture. Remove any paint and mist the wall before applying the waterproof mixture as the mixture does not adhere to a dry wall, but will not set on a wet wall either. You could use your own mix of plain cement and water which should have the consistency of cream when mixed to a slurry or you may prefer to purchase a waterproofing mixture take care when reading the manufacturer’s instructions since epoxy and latex types usually require you to add some water. Use a stiff brush to apply the mixture at the bottom of the wall and move up in a right to left direction.
Fill in all hard to reach areas. The next morning, wet the wall down thoroughly again and apply a second coat of the waterproofing mixture in the same manner as the first. If you use one coat instead of two you may have to start over again as this will not do the job. Waterproofing basement walls is not as difficult as it might first appear if you use this information. Ultimately, the dry basement you have been wanting for quite some time will be ready.
