Waterproofing your basement is a great way to lower your utility bills and also protect your family from the harmful effects of mold, mildew, and bacteria. Due to these benefits, several homeowners are now taking steps to waterproof their basements from the inside. While some prefer to go for professional waterproofing in Los Angeles, others prefer DIY.
While DIY may be a little challenging, especially when you have no prior experience, with a little careful planning and research, you should be able to handle the basics.
Meanwhile, this article will discuss five simple steps that you can take to waterproof your basement walls from the inside.
Step One: Remove All Standing Water and Ensure the Area is Dry
Once you’ve identified the source of your water problem, it’s important to remove any standing water and dry out the area. This will prevent leaks from coming from the floor and can also help prevent future problems. The best way to do this is with a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
Step Two: Clean and Prepare the Area
To waterproof the basement walls, you have to first clean and prepare them. You need to remove all debris and dust that might settle on the wall surfaces. You also need to remove any oil stains or dirt residue from your walls.
If you have a layer of peeling paint on your basement walls, it is also important to remove it before you waterproof it. To remove any old paint or other coatings, use a wire brush, chemical stripper, or sandpaper.
Step Three: Seal Holes and Cracks
If your basement walls are leaking, you’ll want to seal all holes and cracks before waterproofing. This will prevent water from getting into the walls and causing damage.
Fill any holes with hydraulic cement, using a trowel to fill any cracks or holes in the floor or walls. Remove excess cement immediately and wait until it dries completely before moving to the next step.
Step Four: Seal Windows and Doors Openings
Space around doors and windows are common ways water gets into your basement. Therefore, you must ensure the basement has a tight seal around the windows and doors; you can do this with caulk or expanding foam and follow the instructions on the product. This will not only keep water out of your basement but also prevent mold growth inside.
Step Five: Apply Waterproof Coating
Once you’ve completed the above steps, the final step is to apply waterproof coatings. Waterproof coatings help to prevent water from seeping through and causing damage to your basement.
The best thing about these coatings is that they are easy to apply and give you a long-lasting effect. However, be sure to choose the right product. When applying a waterproof coating, allow it to dry for at least 24 hours.
Causes of a Wet Basement
There are several reasons why a basement might become wet. A few of the most common causes of a wet basement include:
• Cracks in the foundation
Cracks in your house’s foundation can be caused by many things, including water damage from a leaky pipe or a crack in the wall. They can also be caused by other structural issues like settling and poor drainage. If you have any cracks or gaps in your foundation, it’s important to get them fixed as soon as possible.
• Inadequate Or Improper Drainage
A poorly designed or installed foundation may allow water to collect on the floor. This can lead to moisture problems in your home, especially if the soil in your basement is compacted and the water cannot drain from it easily. A clogged gutter can also prevent rainwater from passing through properly into your sewer system, which could eventually lead to flooding within your basement.
• Insecure Basement Doors Or Windows
A basement door that is not properly secured can allow water to enter the basement during heavy rain and snowfall. Water can also seep through the cracks and crevices in the door or window frame. This allows water to accumulate in the basement and cause problems such as mold growth and damaged foundation walls.
Sealing up basement wall penetrations is no easy task. It can be tricky to identify every hole as you go about your day-to-day life in the basement. However, it’s still a job that can easily be done for a few weekends, especially if you follow the steps above and focus on it while you’re home.
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