Wet and musty basement walls are one of the most irritating things about house maintenance. However, it's not too hard to troubleshoot and fix the problem. DIY techniques and some quality products can make the job easier. We are here to help you find the best way to waterproof basement walls.
While there can be many reasons for wetness or moisture, waterproofing basement walls can be done in many ways.
Generally, these walls capture moisture from puddles, floods, etc. However, since they are built at lower levels, the dampness remains longer. Hence, it causes peeling paint, mildew growth, and, worst of all, weakening walls.
So, how can you ensure basement wall waterproofing? This post will look at some of the most effective methods to find the best way to waterproof basement walls. Moreover, we will answer some critical questions about the best way to waterproof basement walls.
Step 1 – Stopping Water From Reaching Your Wall
First up, you must prevent the source of water from reaching your walls. But how do you do that? Start with a visual inspection of the walls to determine:
- Cracks in the walls – Cracks allow moisture to penetrate the basement through the walls. Once identified, mark the cracks with chalk or painter's tape.
- Wet spots – Identifying wet spots is a slightly longer procedure, but it's pretty simple. Take an aluminum foil and stick it to a suspected wall surface.
- If the aluminum foil collects condensed vapors on the outside of the foil surface, the internal part of your basement is quite humid, and that's the source of water penetration.
- If the aluminum foil collects water on its inside, the water seeps through from outside the basement walls. It indicates that the soil outside your basement is heavily moist and needs to be addressed. So, instead of waterproofing your walls, it's better to remove the source of moisture from outside the basement walls.
Step 2 – Prep Your Walls
Now, it's time to prep your walls. Here, you must remove any debris and loose attachments, dirt, and cobwebs from the wall's surface. You might notice some white effervescence on the walls, which accumulates due to salty content in the water.
Step 3 – Interior Waterproofing
Interior waterproofing methods ensure no digging or heavy machinery usage. It mainly deals with sealing cracks with waterproof material. So, it's time to fix the cracks you identified in step 1. Use a caulk gun with a permanent concrete crack sealer to fill any gaps.
If you have wide cracks, you might need basement wall crack plugs to prevent water seepage. When you have filled the cracks and the sealant has dried off, it's time to strengthen your waterproofing.
Use any of the following types of interior waterproofing to secure your walls further:
- Concrete Waterproof Coating
It's a simple basement wall waterproofing technique where you administer thick cement-like coats to the walls. You can apply the coating with a natural fiber brush when they dry off. However, these coatings only work on non-painted surfaces. - Waterproofing Paint
Acrylic paint formula with waterproofing capabilities can prevent water leakages, thereby making your walls impenetrable for a long time. You can either spray, brush or roll waterproof paint on the walls. In addition, you can paint over a previously painted wall, and it's ideal for minor waterproofing jobs. - Use Plastic Panels and Sheets
Plastic panels don't stop the water from reaching the walls. However, when combined with the drainage system, they direct the water to run down the plastic panel and into the draining lines. Hence, they can limit the damage to the interior walls. - Silicate-Based Concrete Sealer
It's also known as the mineral sealer. This concrete sealer provides a transparent finish, which is most suited to virgin concrete walls. Silicate chemicals react with the concrete to form a waterproof surface and prevent water from penetrating through minor gaps.
Best Way to Waterproof Basement Walls on the Exterior
Exterior basement wall waterproofing is your best bet if you want to get rid of moist walls. It's a time-consuming and destructive procedure, but it is more than satisfactory.
However, exterior waterproofing is also the most expensive of all methods. In exterior basement wall waterproofing, you must excavate the area around the walls. It's important to excavate down to the depth of the wall.
Then, apply a waterproof coating to prevent water from penetrating through. Once again, you can use any of the materials used for interior waterproofing. Also, you can use membrane-topped drainage panels to protect your walls from the outside.
While basement waterproofing may seem like a DIY job, it's best to use professional services for long-lasting results. MoistureLoc provides top-quality basement wall waterproofing services to keep your home's basement nice and dry all year.
Some FAQs for Basement Walls Waterproofing
Now that you know the top methods to secure your basement walls, it's time to answer some common questions people often ask about waterproofing.
What is the cheapest option for basement waterproofing?
The cheapest option for waterproofing is interior waterproofing with acrylic paint. At times, fixing the cracks with a sealant can do the job.
How do you waterproof an old basement?
An old basement may require a new concrete plastering job. That way, you can get rid of all the cracks and start fresh. At the same time, make sure to stop any external sources of water leakage.
Act Before It's Too Late!
Water penetrations are quite troubling because they weaken your basement walls. So, taking the right preventative steps at the right time can help secure your basement walls for longer. Contact MoistureLoc to speak to one of our experts about waterproofing your basement today.
