Basements have always been an effective solution for extra space for any complex, apartment, office building, or even home. But would you like to visit there? Well, you won’t if it stings with the dampness and evolved bacteria.

Also, it could be a bad option for storage or making any living space. That’s why proper basement waterproofing is a necessary thing to do. So, here we have simple basement waterproofing ideas and tips for you that will help you build a leak-proof basement.

Step 1: Know the Causes! Why It Happens?

Before moving ahead, it’s important to understand what’s causing trouble behind you. The basement is submerged in the ground, which makes a common sense of catching moisture. But besides that, there could be other reasons, such as:

• Poor drainage system and gutters
• Water accumulation around the base of the building
• Centripetal slope around the building
• Cracks in basement floors and walls
• Strong tree roots around the basement

Analyze such reasons and cases that are causing moisture and try to eliminate them first.

Step 2: Clean and Dry

If your basement already has that smelly atmosphere or is embedded with standing water. The very first thing you need to do is to eliminate all the standing water before performing any further operation. Grab your bucket, use the mop, and wipe it down. You can also rent out a gasoline-powered water pump, dehumidifier, or wet-dry vacuum to make your work easier.

Make sure to power off your basement to ignore any in-house electric accidents. Also, you must’ve noticed some white, salty, or powdery accumulation on the walls. It is generally found on the visible wet wall areas. (Commonly called as efflorescence)

Before applying any waterproofing paint or adhesion, you should remove them as well, along with the old paint or coating. You can use Vinegar White Distilled Vinegar, muriatic acid, or any commercial chemical for it. You can get help from waterproofing companies as well.

Step 3: Remove Those Pesky Molds

Poor ventilation often creates favorable conditions for the molds to evolve. Wear protective gear, including gloves, a mask, and safety goggles, to avoid exposure to mold spores. You can find them in the dampest areas.

Remove any items in the basement that have been heavily affected by mold and cannot be salvaged, such as cardboard boxes, paper, carpeting, and insulation. Seal these items in plastic bags before disposal to prevent the spreading of mold spores.

Scrub hard surfaces like walls, floors, and concrete with a solution of water and detergent. You can also use a good commercial mold cleaner or mold-killing solution like hydrogen peroxide or vinegar.

If there are areas with mold that are difficult to reach or clean (e.g., inside walls), you can encapsulate the mold by painting over it with mold-resistant paint or primer.

Step 4: Cover Up All the Cracks and Holes

After doing all the cleaning work, it’s time to move to the action. Start looking for all the cracks and holes and plug them up. For waterproofing basement walls from the inside, you can find these stubborn cracks on walls, corner lines or edges, and tile joints.

Use effective waterproof sealants such as hydraulic cement, which is a dry cement that gets harder with the interaction with water. It has been used since the Roman Empire. What sets hydraulic cement apart from normal cement is it doesn’t shrink after getting dry but expands.

You can spread or spray it. It consists of a mixture of limestone powder, calcium silicates (Belite, Alite Celite, Brownmillerite), clay, or gypsum.

As the Hydraulic cement expands, it gets deep into the cracks and covers them instantly. You can use gloved fingers or a putty knife to apply it to the target area. Make sure you apply the fresh mixture within 3 minutes as it will begin to set. You can also use epoxy crack injections and other basement waterproofing products.

Waterproofing basement can be a hectic and time-consuming task, let experts help you. You can look up for the best waterproofing companies near you and have a peace of mind that your home and family is safe.

Step 5: Apply Coating

So, you’ve done your cleaning job and filled all the clogs & cracks, now what? Well, it’s time to get to the climax: apply another layer of waterproofing all over the basement. Choose a great waterproof paint with a waterproof sealer.

You have to coat your basement waterproofing a minimum of three times for good results. To cover 75 – 100 square feet of your walls, you need a minimum of one gallon of paint with waterproofing agents. There are other key factors you need to keep in mind, such as temperature, timing, and quality.

The temperature of the atmosphere should be at least 10°C or higher while applying water proofer. For recoating, wait for 2 – 3 hours and avoid touching the fresh surface for an hour. (If you don’t want any fingerprints or future cracks on your wall)

Also, make sure that you’re using high-quality waterproof paint.

Bottom Line: Where You Can Find the Best Basement Waterproofing Solution?

I hope this guide helps you waterproof your basement like a pro. But if you need a professional to do this job for you at an affordable cost, you can contact Basement Waterproofing Solutions (BWS Dry). As one of the top waterproofing companies in Harrisburg (PA), we see our client’s satisfaction as our first priority.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Basement Waterproofing

What are the three methods of waterproofing a basement?

The three popular methods of basement waterproofing are interior basement waterproofing, exterior basement waterproofing, and drainage management.

What is the best waterproofing method for a basement?

Interior basement waterproofing is the best waterproofing method for a basement.

How can I waterproof my basement myself?

Yes, you can do basement waterproofing if you’ve good experience in it or the leakage is just too minor. However, it’s better to consult with good basement waterproofing companies or experts.

What material is used for basement waterproofing?

Epoxy crack injections, interior French drains, admixtures, synthetic emulsion polymer, and liquid-applied membranes (LAMs) are some materials used for basement waterproofing.