Sometimes the only problem with your basement waterproofing is poor drainage.  For example, if you have a lack of gutters to allow run off that can cause a problem.  If the soil around your home doesn’t slope away from your foundation that can be a huge issue with water seepage.  It could even be as simple as a poorly placed drainpipe that doesn’t take the water far enough away from the house.  Remember that all water should be directed at least five feet from the foundation of your home.  All of these fixes are pretty inexpensive and may fix your problem.

You should also check the foundation for cracks and holes.  This can also be a problem with letting water into the basement.  Even small cracks should be chiseled out to ¾” deep and then patched.  The smallest crack can still let in water.  You should also check the floor of the basement and repair and cracks there too.

If none of this solves your problem then the key to good basement waterproofing is a quality waterproofing coating.  One thing to note is that no coating will prevent water problems if the block walls aren’t sound.  So if there seems to be a recurring water problem then it might be wise to make sure there’s no structural damage to the block walls first.  But if the walls are just fine, then there’s no reason to not buy a waterproofing coating and get to work.  The first thing to do is brush away any look material, dirt, or grease from the area.  You should also get a really good quick drying cement to patch any cracks or holes.  Providing the smoothest and most secure surface will help the waterproofing coating work best.

Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions very carefully.  Probably the most frequent error is not applying the coating at the spread-rate that the manufacturer suggests.  This is a very important step that can’t be overlooked.  If the coating is too thin, the entire basement waterproofing project will fail.  If you have excessive water getting in, a second layer may be necessary.

Some products try to use the terms waterproofing and water-repelling as the same thing.  They’re not the same thing.  Water-repelling coatings are for above ground concrete.  It will temporarily repel water but isn’t designed to work in sub-ground environments but waterproofing coatings are.  Water enters a structure differently when it’s introduced above ground as opposed to below ground.  Just like you wouldn’t use a pair of scissors as a steak knife, you shouldn’t be using basement waterproofing material that just isn’t made for that purpose.

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