Basement Waterproofing Materials and Uses
Posted on Monday, March 1st, 2010 at 10:07 amThere can be some big differences in the materials and the way they’re used with basement waterproofing systems. The general public may be able to purchase some, while other will only be for professionals. Let’s take a look at what is around and how you can apply it to your home situation.
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. So take that into consideration as this will also influence the type of materials you can use.
When most people look for basement waterproofing products they usually think of simple sealants. They did waterproofing at the basement already; however, some areas are moist so they need restoration. There are top-end sealants such as RadonSeal which will treat 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. The only issue to be aware of here is that the sealant, (all sealants, not just this particular one)as water weeping can be avoided from the inside part of the basement. This means there could be a number of water pressing against and through whatever other stuff the basement walls are created with.
If you have cracks in the wall, you may need to consider other options. If your walls are plaster, then you can simply replace the plaster coating. Throw away loose material and refill
One other option which is available is to use a stitching material. These consist of metal staples which are literally stapled across the cracks, thus preventing or limiting further movement. The cracks are then filled with any cement that doesn’t shrink.
More serious cracks in the walls or the floor of the basement can be filled with Gunite, a form of concrete that is sprayed on. The special spraying equipment that is required can be rented. The spray that results fills cracks, giving a smooth finish, provided the correct mixture is obtained. But it is still a good choice, because it adhere to most surfaces.
Finally, it needs to be said that basement waterproofing materials are not the ultimate solution. You must see to it that there is minimal water around the basement perimeter.
Some things to try:












