Materials used to waterproof basements can differ a lot in their forms and applications. Some will be available to the public and some may only be available to the trade. Let’s check whatever the situation is and learn from it for your own home condition.

Basically, you need to keep in mind whre you reside and the amount of water that is present. So take that into consideration as this will also influence the type of materials you can use.

When most people look for basement waterproofing products they usually think of simple sealants. In other words, they have a basement that has already had some form of waterproofing applied to it and are looking to patch small damp areas up. There are top-end sealants such as RadonSeal which will treat poured concrete, mortar in block walls or stone foundations and concrete or cinder blocks.

If the whole basement including the walls and floor are not treated completely with sealant the water is likely to come back in. As it comes with a limited 20-year guarantee, this product is a practical option. Sealant is a potential problem to be aware of, (all sealants, not just this particular one)basement waterproofing sealants only protect the inside of the basement. In other words, there could be lots of water pressing against and through whatever materials your cellar walls are made of.

You may have to think of other alternatives if you have breaks in the wall. If your walls are plaster, then you can simply replace the plaster coating. Throw away loose material and refill

One other option which is available is to use a stitching material. These consist of metal staples which are literally stapled across the cracks, thus preventing or limiting further movement. The cracks are then filled with any cement that doesn’t shrink.

Gunite (a form of concrete) can be sprayed on bigger cracks in basement walls or floors. You’ll need special spraying equipment to do this which you can hire. The mixture ratio must be correct for the spray to fill any cracks and leave a smooth finish. However it does stick to most surfaces so it’s a good option.

It has to be mentioned that the key to basement waterproofing is not only the substance but its proper application as well. You must see to it that there is minimal water around the basement perimeter.

So also consider:

 

- maintaining rain gutters that are in excellent shape.

 

 

- the soil is graded so that it slopes away from the foundation of the house

 

 

- when it is time for grass seeding, clear trees, foliage and flower beds from your home’s foundation

 

 

- repairing crevices in your driveway

 

 

- there can be an arrangement for surface water to be taken away from the house by installing curtain drains

 

 

- you should install dry wells for rainwater downspouts no more than 10 feet from the interior of the property

 

 

- installment of sump pumps.

 

 

- using interior gutters to collect water seeping through the basement walls and route it to a floor drain.

 

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