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Most ways of waterproofing basement walls deal with the inside and outside of the wall. The outside of the foundation can have a waterproof membrane applied to it during construction so this is the best time to make sure your basement is waterproof. Poor original work, the home settling, or hydrostatic pressure from changes in the water table around your home could result in leaks and seepage through your basement walls. You can waterproof your basement walls with some work.Hairline cracks, holes, or other porous areas in the walls need to be checked out. Fill in large holes with mortar but smaller holes and cracks will be ok then apply a waterproof mix. When filling in larger holes a dovetail should be chiseled out to allow the mortar to properly take hold from the inside. An average mortar is enough water to make a stiff mix with one part cement to two parts sand.Use an ordinary trowel when applying mortar and check there are no air holes or pockets. Using a stiff wire brush to get rid of loose particles is also a good idea before applying the mortar to help it adhere because if the wall is leaking considerably you may need to put in a drainage pipe to a sub pump to help drain the water. The nature of the water flow may mean this is just temporary or it could be a permanent measure. Leaking floor joints and larger holes in the wall should be repaired in much the same way.Begin by chiseling out a dovetail joint to help it adhere and provide strength and drainage by inclining the patch slanting it from the floor to the wall. The waterproof mixture can be applied once the wall has been repaired. The mixture does not adhere to a dry wall, but will not set on a wet wall either so remove any paint and mist the wall before applying it. You could use your own mix of plain cement and water which should have the consistency of cream when mixed to a slurry or you may prefer to purchase a waterproofing mixture take care when reading the manufacturer’s instructions since epoxy and latex types usually require you to add some water. Apply the mixture at the bottom of the wall using a stiff brush, moving up in a right to left direction.Feather the edges until the entire area is covered and let dry overnight or until the mixture does not rub off. After the wall has dried overnight wet it down thoroughly again and apply a second coat of the waterproofing mixture in the same manner as the first. If you use one coat instead of two you may have to start over again as this will not do the job. You will find waterproofing basement walls is not as difficult as it first appeared if you use this information. Even better, you will have that you have been wanting for so long, a dry basement.
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Basement Walls
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Steve Millerman is a specialist in construction. If you want more information about construction, visit http://marisia.com/construction.