Most ways of waterproofing basement walls deal with the inside and outside of the wall. The outside of the foundation can have a waterproof membrane applied to it during construction so this is the best time to make sure your basement is waterproof. Poor original work, the home settling, or hydrostatic pressure from changes in the water table around your home could result in leaks and seepage through your basement walls. You can waterproof your basement walls with some work. Have your socket wrench set available. Your socket wrench sets can be used for many things. If you need help on how to choose a socket wrench set then find information online that can help you.
Hairline cracks, holes, or other porous areas in the walls need to be checked out. Smaller holes and cracks will be fine with just a waterproof mix, but larger holes will need to be filled with mortar and then waterproofed. Chisel out a dovetail when filling in larger holes as this will allow the mortar to properly take hold from the inside. One part cement to two parts sand with enough water to make a stiff mix makes an average mortar.
Use an ordinary trowel when applying mortar and check there are no air holes or pockets. It a good idea to use a stiff wire brush to get rid of loose particles before applying the mortar to help it adhere because if the wall is leaking considerably you may need to put in a drainage pipe to a sub pump to help drain the water. 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.
Chisel out a dovetail joint to help it adhere and make sure to incline the patch slanting it from the floor to the wall to provide strength and drainage. Once the wall has been repaired it is time to apply the waterproof mixture. Remove any paint and mist the wall before applying the waterproof mixture as the mixture does not adhere to a dry wall, but will not set on a wet wall either. You could use your own mix of plain cement and water which should have the consistency of cream when mixed to a slurry or you may prefer to purchase a waterproofing mixture take care when reading the manufacturer’s instructions since epoxy and latex types usually require you to add some water. Use a stiff brush to apply the mixture at the bottom of the wall and move 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.
