How to Repair Basement Waterproofing
- 1). Determine why the basement is leaking. Most of the time the problem is a drainage issue from either the gutters on the house or the grading around the house or both. If the water is not draining away from the house properly it will accumulate around the foundation and seep through the basement walls. This is especially true if you have cement block walls which are vary porous and allow water to easily seep through. Fix this problem first before water proofing the basement. Usually this simply requires repairing the gutters or doing some grading around the edge of the house to channel water away from the foundation.
- 2). Clean the inside of the outside walls of the basement by scraping off any loose concrete or other previously applied products. It must be clean, dry and free of any foreign matter, including dirt and mold. Use a wire brush and scraper to do a thorough job.
- 3). Mix and apply Drylok Fast Plug or a similar product to any cracks or holes in the basement walls. Following the directions mix the Drylok with water, but only mix a little at a time because it sets up quickly. Apply it and smooth it with a putty knife. This can be used along the joint where the walls and the floor meet as well, if they have separated leaving a space for moisture to get in.
- 4). Paint the basement walls with waterproofing paint after allowing 24 hours for the Fast Plug to set up and dry. Apply three thick coats to seal the basement walls. Use a paint brush for the application to make you don't miss any spots. Once the waterproofing paint is applied you should not have any moisture leaking into your basement from the outside.