The 5 Best DIY Methods for Waterproofing Your Basement

As a homeowner in the US, one thing that’s likely to strike fear into your heart is the mention of wet basements. A study conducted shows that 60% of all homes in the US have wet basements. Once you enter your basement and notice dampness and a musty odour, perhaps it’s time to prioritise combating the water problem before significant damage occurs to your home. Wet basements might result from moist basement walls, water puddles, or even flooding during the rainy season.

Damp basements are likely to result in rotten wood, mould growth, peeling paint, and severe damage to stored items. When it comes to waterproofing basements, you can opt to save money by deciding to roll up your sleeves, getting down into the basement, and installing the basement waterproofing products suitable for combating that particular basement problem.

Read along to understand the various waterproofing products and the methods you can use to fix your wet basement.

Fill Cracks with Hydraulic Cement

If you already noticed dampness in your basement, it’s advisable to first establish the source of the moisture. If the wetness is from the walls, it might even be snowmelt that’s seeping from the outside through leaks in the foundation.

Trying to patch the wall with regular cement won’t completely stop all the water from getting into the basement. And that’s when hydraulic cement, one of the basement waterproofing products, comes into the picture.

Hydraulic cement contains additives that make the cement to expand and harden exceptionally quickly. All you need to do is clear the surface of the foundation and all the debris that might hinder the cement from bonding. Proceed to get rid of all loose particles on the foundation and then use a trowel to slather the cement on the surface.

Whisk the Water Away Using Gutters

If your house doesn’t have gutters, you can opt to install them to solve the basement leaking problem. You can use gutters as a basement waterproofing product that directs water away from your foundation. They catch rainwater and whisk it away via downspouts. To further direct rainwater from your home’s foundation and away from the basement, attach horizontal drain extensions that are 1.2 meters long to the downspouts.

Insulate your Basement Walls

When looking for basement waterproofing products, you can consider insulating the walls as an ideal option. Installing basement insulation is one way to prevent condensation from occurring in the basement. You can get foam tongue-and-groove insulation panels and fix them yourself. However, ensure you don’t insulate in places where the water might seep in as it might increase the growth of moulds.

Ensure You Have Suitable Windows

Make sure any windows in the basement are suitable and watertight. Any gaps or cracks around the window can cause dampness and condensation. You could consider egress window installation for basement which not only gives you an easy way out of your home, but also allows emergency personnel an entry to rescue you and your loved ones.

Use Dehumidifiers

When the humidity outside is very high, it can be a significant problem for your basement as condensation is likely to take place. However, you can work on this by using a dehumidifier to reduce the level of humidity. To avoid labor-intensive dehumidifiers that require you to drain them once, you can opt for those that allow you to hook up a hose that’s able to reach the floor drain.

Apply a Waterproof Concrete Sealer

Concrete waterproofing coatings are thick coatings that are cement-like, and once they dry, they adhere to concrete and masonry walls. You have to apply the coat using a dense brush with Tampico bristles made of natural fibre. For an attractive finished look, swirl the brush at the final stage of the application. It’s advisable to note that waterproof concrete sealants can’t be applied to previously painted surfaces, so ensure you check the label.

Now that you know how to combat a wet basement, you can proceed to follow the given tips to guide you if you opt to do it yourself. There’s nothing to slack you back when you want to purchase basement waterproofing products because companies such as Sani Tred provide you with products that are scientifically proven to work permanently.

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