How to Waterproof a Basement
A well-maintained basement starts with proper dirt and mildew cleaning. If you often find mold and a musty smell in your basement, then maybe water’s finding its way down there. Don’t worry about this too much, though, because there are easy ways to waterproof your basement.
What You’ll Need:
Shovel
Waterproofing mix
Putty knife or trowel
Chisel and hammer
Safety gloves
Sump pump
Check The Landscapes And The Outside Of The House
The edges of your home may be the main cause why there’s always water in your basement. Do a thorough check of the area around the house, especially the edges. Make sure the ground isn’t sloping towards the foundation. If it us, shovel it, so it will be elevated. Add dirt, that slopes away from the foundation. A one to two inch slop for every foot is good, and must extend at least ten feet outwards.
Aside from the edges, make sure there aren’t any landscaping elements that cause water to fall to the basement. Bushes, trees and flowers must be one foot away from the foundation.
Repair All Cracks And Holes
Holes and cracks on walls play a huge part when you get moisture in the house. Here are a couple of tips to remember.
Using a waterproofing mix, repair hairline cracks (those that are smaller than 1 /8 inches). Larger cracks may require cleaning and patching. Wear safety gloves while handling these chemicals.
If water is seeping through the wall, apply some mortar to it, using a putty knife or trowel. If the outside pressure causes water to go through the wall, chip a dovetail groove with a chisel, then hammer along the entire crack’s length. Fill it with the mortar mixture afterwards.
Paint The Basement With Waterproof Paint
If you haven’t tried waterproofing your basement before, this is a great option. There are numerous types of paint available today that can surely help you out. Make sure you follow the instructions given by the manufacturer.
Check The Sump Pumps
Sump pumps should always be in good working condition, properly draining water away from the house. If possible, attach it to a portable generator or a battery backup, so you’ll be ready if a power failure occurs. For areas that are prone to flooding and heavy rains, install another sump pump as a backup.
Maintain The Gutters And Downspouts
If your gutters and downspouts work properly, the problem will be lessened. Check that yours are working well, and aren’t clogged. If they are, clean out the debris within them. It’s also a good idea to install wider spouts and gutters, so they won’t easily become clogged. Also, check that the downspouts release the water five feet or more from the house’s foundation.
Avoid Condensation
If moisture gathers on the walls, basement floors and cold water pipes, it means you need better ventilation. Get a dehumidifier and make sure the basement gets appropriate sunlight in the summer. Insulate the cold water pipes. Use air conditioning in hot months and heater during cold seasons.
Basements can turn modly and musty, but with proper maintenance and waterproofing, this won’t be a problem at all. Follow these tips, and you’ll surely have a water-free basement in your home.