Basement Waterproofing – Items & Purposes

Basement waterproofing materials can vary significantly in their forms and their uses. The general public may be able to purchase some, while other will only be for professionals. Let’s assess the situation and see how we can apply it to your home.

First of all though, you need to be aware that the area you live in also affects the amount of water that’s likely to be around. Materials that you can use will be influenced by the information you collect.

The first type of basement waterproofing materials that most people seem to be looking for are simple sealants. Their basement has previously had waterproofing done to it, so they are simply wanting to patch up some small damp portions. RadonSeal being one of the top-end sealants treats poured concrete, mortar in block walls or stone foundations and concrete or cinder blocks.

You have to coat all of the basement walls and the floor with sealant or else the water will still seep in around the edges of the treated area. As it comes with a limited 20-year guarantee, this product is a practical option. There is only one issue here and that is that the sealant, (all sealants, not just this particular one), will only prevent water seepage on the inside skin of the basement. Putting this another way, there can be a large quantity of fluid pushing against and through the materials from which the cellar walls are constructed.

If you have cracks in the wall, you may need to consider other options. Plaster wall can be can be repaired by replacing the plaster coating. All you need to do is chip away any loose material from around the crack and then fill the area back up with plaster.

Stitching materials can be used as an alternative option. These consist of metal staples which are literally stapled across the cracks, thus preventing or limiting further movement. Cement that doesn’t shrink is used to fill in the cracks.

Gunite (a form of concrete) can be sprayed on bigger cracks in basement walls or floors. For this you can hire the needed special spraying equipment. The spray that results fills cracks, giving a smooth finish, provided the correct mixture is obtained. However it does stick to most surfaces so it’s a good option.

Ultimately, it must be remembered that basement waterproofing materials are not the final, only or the best solutions. In addition, you should be making sure there is as little water as possible getting into the ground water.

Some things to try: