Waterproofing basement walls can be done in a number of ways, mostly dealing with the inside and outside of the wall. During construction is the best time to make sure your basement is waterproof as a waterproof membrane can be applied to the outside of the foundation. Reasons for leaks and seepage through your basement walls include poor original work, the home settling, or hydrostatic pressure from changes in the water table around your home. However with some work you can waterproof your basement walls. Always make sure you have the correct socket wrench set available. Your socket wrench sets can be used for a variety of situations. If you need help choosing a socket wrench set then find information online that can help you.

Any hairline cracks, holes, or other porous areas in them should be identified. Larger holes must be filled with mortar before they can be waterproofed but just a waterproof mix needs to be applied to smaller holes and cracks. Chisel out a dovetail when filling in larger holes as this will allow the mortar to properly take hold from the inside. An average mortar is one part cement to two parts sand with enough water to make a stiff mix.

Use an ordinary trowel when applying mortar and check there are no air holes or pockets. If the wall is leaking considerably you may need to put in a drainage pipe to a sub pump to help drain the water and before applying the mortar, use a stiff wire brush to get rid of loose particles which will help it adhere. This may only be temporary or permanent depending on the nature of the water flow. Repair any leaking floor joints in much the same way as the larger holes in the wall.

To help it adhere, chisel out a dovetail joint and provide strength and drainage by inclining the patch slanting it from the floor to the wall. After repairing the wall we are ready to apply the waterproof mixture. The mixture does not adhere to a dry wall, but will not set on a wet wall either so remove any paint and mist the wall before applying it. Take care when reading the manufacturer’s instructions since epoxy and latex waterproofing mixtures usually require you to add some water, or, an alternative would be to use your own mix of plain cement and water which should have the consistency of cream when mixed to a slurry. The mixture should be applied at the bottom of the wall with a stiff brush and spread by moving up in a right to left direction.

Every nook and cranny should be filled in. Once the wall has dried, wet the wall down thoroughly again and, in the same manner as the first coat was applied, apply a second coat of the waterproofing mixture. Always use two coats, as one coat will not do the job and may result in you having to start over again. You will find waterproofing basement walls is not as difficult as it first appeared if you use this information. Ultimately, the dry basement you have been wanting for quite some time will be ready.