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Nothing is worse than entering your basement only to find water covering the floor. This type of problem is something that needs to be taken care of sooner rather than later. Fortunately, the solution is simple as long as you know how to waterproof a basement. This guide will provide you with the steps you need to take to not only repair leaks but prevent water in your basement.
Water in your basement can be troublesome and, at times, defeating. Any moisture that seeps into your basement can encourage mold, rust and has the potential of ruining possessions. You may feel like stopping and preventing the water, or waterproofing, can be too much of a challenge. However, waterproofing can be easy with the right tools. The effort you take to repair and prevent moisture in your basement will most certainly pay off in the long run. -
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Featured Video: Waterproof Your Basement
In this HGTVpro video, Ed Del Grande, who is a master plumber/contractor, describes the three "killer G's" which can cause water in your basement. The "G's" consist of grading, gutters and groundwater. He emphasizes the importance of extending your gutter so that water does not travel back down towards the basement. The grading is the slope of the land going away from the house and he explains the ideal grading for any home. Groundwater should be controlled with drain pipes, such as the French draining system.
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Step 1: Find the Source
You cannot successfully prevent leaking or seepage in your basement unless you are well aware of the source of the water and how it is coming in. Water can sneak through cracks in the wall, especially if the house is old or beginning to settle. There may also be poor workmanship in the foundation of the house. Water pressure can also build up outside and end up forcing water through open spaces in the walls. You can detect where the water is coming in by looking for moisture on the walls or where the walls and floor meet. If you do not see any moisture but do have water seeping into your basement, look at the walls for dry mud or residue that may give you some clues.The majority of basement moisture problems are the result of water run off problems on the exterior of your home. If you gutters are full of leaves and debris, your downspouts are in poor working condition or you live on hill and rainwater is being directed towards your home, it is very simple for water to build up and find its way into your basement.
If the water is coming in through the foundation or floor, it may be necessary to install a sump pump.
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Step 2: Repair Any Cracks in the Walls
Cracks in your basement walls can be easily repaired. For cracks that welcome water through the walls, you will need to chisel and open them up. The proper technique for opening the cracks up are to undercut them and make them inside of the opening wide than it is at the service, or "dovetail" it. The purpose of this technique will allow the concrete the harden, expand and become locked inside the opening. When you open the crack, you will need to clean the area with a stiff brush and water. Hydraulic cement should be used and mixed according to instructions. Using gloves, roll the cement into a ball. The area that needs to be patched should then be dampened and then you can apply one layer of cement (within 1/2" of the surface) into the crack. Once that layer has dried, you can then press a second layer that will match the surface of the wall. -
Step 3: Waterproof the Walls
After the cracks have been repaired, you can then waterproof the walls with waterproof paint or a latex waterproof mix. You can also use a homemade mixture that consists of cement and water and should be the consistency of cream.All waterproofing mixes should either be applied based on the manufacturer's instructions or you should apply it with a stiff brush and in a circular motion. Be sure to cover every pore in the wall.
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Step 4: Hire a Professional
Since waterproofing your basement can be somewhat of a challenge in many cases, it may be necessary to hire a professional. A professional will consider all exterior and interior causes for the moisture in your basement and will take all of the necessary steps to repair and prevent leaking. -
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Resources Powered by Google
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How to Waterproof a Basement | Video | Basement & Foundations ...
In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva solves soggy basement problemsthisoldhouse.com -
How to Waterproof your Basement
Learn how to waterproof your basement; watch a video containing techniques for creating a drainage trench and installing a sump pump.ronhazelton.com
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