Waterproofing Basement Walls

Although representatives from waterproofing companies may guarantee results from their product or service, it is wise to keep in mind that there is no magic solution to waterproofing basement walls. In order to save costs on unneeded repairs, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to find the cause of the leak. Knowing where the leak is coming from could save you thousands of dollars. Do some inspecting around your basement. Does the leak appear to come from plumbing condensation? Are there cracks in the walls or windows? You should be able to answer these questions before calling a professional to assist with waterproofing your basement.

One reason that basement walls may leak is because of the settling of the house. Over a period of time, house settling can cause cracks in the foundation and walls of your home. Underground water pressure may also be a culprit in basement walls leaking. It is also possible that the carpenters that built the house using too many shortcuts, resulting in poor workmanship and leaks. Regardless of the cause of the leaks, in many cases, basement walls can be waterproofed.

Nearly all leaky basements have cracks or holes in the walls. In order to waterproof your basement’s walls, these cracks and holes will first need to be repaired. If no holes or cracks are apparent, a waterproofing compound can be applied directly to the wall. Small cracks in the basement walls can be filled in with a waterproofing mix. If larger holes or cracks are present they will first need to be cleaned and patched prior to applying the waterproofing compound.