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Waterproofing Your Basement

It may not be the first thing on your to do list, but waterproofing your basement is an important step towards preventing mold growth and water damage in your home. Following these few simple guidelines will help ensure your basement stays dry.

Sealant

The first type of material for waterproofing that most people think of is a sealant. RadonSeal is one of the best sealants on the market and has a limited guarantee of 20 years. When applying this or any other kind of sealant, it is important to make sure the walls or floors are not wet or damp and that no surfaces have paint adhering to them. If they do, the sealant will not stick.

Repair

Before applying sealant, all cracks, both large and small, should be repaired. Drylok Fast Plug or Xypex are good products to use for masonry cracks. They are waterproofing materials rather than sealants. A larger crack should be cleaned out and filled with a mixture of sand, cement, and water to make a very stiff mortar. This will form well to the sides of the crack, if they are clean.

Sump Pump

Sealants can't do the job alone, so if the problem you have is a persistent one, you may have to install a sump pump. You may also have to make sure water does not pool around the outside of the basement. Downspouts should carry water at least 10 feet away from the basement wall, and the soil should slope away from the building.

Water

Having a dry basement will keep your furnishings and appliances from being ruined. Likewise, mold will not have a chance to grow. When it is time to sell your house, a dry basement will increase its value. Regular inspection of your basement for water problems, and addressing them when found, will keep a small problem from becoming a major one.