If you’ve noticed or smelled the telltale signs of water infiltration in your basement, it’s time to consider waterproofing. While various methods exist to remove existing water, the most effective approach is to prevent it from entering your basement in the first place.
This guide will focus on how to waterproof basement walls, but first, it’s important to understand how water enters your basement and how to identify if your walls are the primary source of the problem.
Signs You Have Water Infiltration in Your Basement
Water infiltration can manifest in obvious and subtle ways:
Obvious Signs:
- Puddles or standing water on the floor.
- Wet stains on walls or floors.
- Visible mold or mildew growth.
- A musty, wet odor, often caused by replicating mold spores.1
Less Obvious Signs:
- Efflorescence: A white, powdery substance left behind on walls as water evaporates, indicating mineral deposits.2
- Warped or buckled walls, especially noticeable with exposed framing.3
- Peeling or bubbling paint on walls (in finished basements).
- Signs of deterioration, such as rust on metal supports or rot on wooden beams.4
- Chipping or cracking in the concrete itself over time.
How Water Gets Into the Basement
Identifying the entry point of water is crucial to determining the appropriate waterproofing solution. If you can’t pinpoint the source, it’s challenging to know if simple wall waterproofing will suffice or if more extensive measures are needed.
Common entry points and contributing factors include:
- Cracks in the Foundation: These are direct pathways for water.5 If present, they must be repaired before or in conjunction with other waterproofing efforts.
- Poorly Sealed Windows and Doors: Water can seep in through gaps around basement window and door frames, a problem that wall waterproofing alone won’t solve.6
- Water Rising from Under the Floor: If water appears to be coming up from beneath the basement floor, especially after heavy rain, this indicates a different issue, often related to hydrostatic pressure or an elevated water table, and requires a distinct solution like an interior drainage system and sump pump.
- Suboptimal Grading or Drainage: If your landscaping doesn’t effectively direct water away from the foundation, water will accumulate around the house and eventually seep into the basement. This can be due to:
- The land sloping towards your home.
- Clogged or improperly installed gutters.
In situations where the entry point isn’t clear or the problem seems complex, having a professional, such as Erie Home, conduct an inspection is highly beneficial to pinpoint the source of the water.7
Steps to Waterproof Basement Walls
If you’ve determined that the primary source of water is directly through the basement walls, here are four steps for DIY waterproofing:
Step 1: Prepare the Area You’ll Be Working In
- Move any furniture, stored items, or other belongings away from the walls to create a clear workspace.
- Clean and thoroughly dry the walls. It’s often helpful to clean one day and allow everything to dry completely before proceeding the next day.
- Ensure proper airflow and ventilation by opening basement doors and/or windows if possible.
Step 2: Plug Any Holes or Cracks You Can See
- Carefully inspect the walls for any visible cracks or gaps. Even if you’ve had a professional inspection, a thorough visual check is important.
- Remember that water can travel; the visible sign of water might be downstream from the actual entry point.
- Use a suitable cement or epoxy-based product to repair any openings. Hydraulic cement is often used for larger holes or active leaks due to its quick-setting properties.8
Step 3: Seal Windows and Doors
- While focusing on the walls, it’s a good practice to address potential leaks around basement doors and windows as well.
- Inspect around door and window frames for any cracks or gaps.
- Apply caulk to seal any identified leaks.
Step 4: Apply a Waterproof Coating
- Once the basement is completely dry, holes and cracks are plugged, and windows and doors are sealed, it’s time to apply the waterproof coating.
- Purchase a high-quality waterproofing sealant specifically designed for masonry.9
- Apply multiple coats as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Adhere strictly to the recommended drying and curing times between coats.
- Always use personal protective equipment (gloves, eye protection, respirator) to avoid skin or eye contact and inhalation of fumes.
- Ensure the basement remains well-ventilated during and after application until the curing period has passed.
- Once dry and cured, you can move your items back into place and enjoy a more waterproofed space.10
Final Thoughts
While DIY waterproofing can be effective for straightforward issues where you can precisely identify the water entry point, it’s important to recognize its limitations. Simply waterproofing walls and caulking windows often isn’t enough for more complex or pervasive water problems.
For comprehensive solutions, it’s highly advisable to contact a professional service like Erie Home for a free evaluation. Their basement waterproofing services typically include:
- A 25-year warranty with a free inspection after the first year.
- Handling of foundation repairs.
- Sump pump installation.
- Drain installation (e.g., French drains).11
- Encasement (vapor barriers/linings).
- Addressing air quality issues that can result from leaky basements.12
Waiting can lead to more severe and costly problems.13
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is water seeping into my basement after rain?
This is typically due to poor drainage. If rainwater isn’t effectively directed away from the house, hydrostatic pressure can build up, forcing water into the basement through the floor and walls.14 Professionals like Erie Home can install French drains or implement other measures to prevent this.
How do I stop water from coming up through my foundation?
Water rising from the foundation can have several causes:
- Improper Yard Grading: The yard might not be sloped properly, causing water to sit against the foundation and seep through.
- Clogged Gutters: Clogged gutters can overflow, directing large volumes of water against the side of the house.
- Improper Drainage: General poor drainage around your home.
Experts, such as those at Erie Home, can diagnose the specific issue and suggest an effective solution.15
Is a little water in the basement normal?
No, getting even a little water in your basement is not normal or healthy.16 Any water intrusion creates conditions for mold growth, can lead to foundation issues, and cause other types of damage to your property.17 It’s crucial to address any water infiltration promptly to mitigate these risks.
What is the best way to waterproof basement walls?
The best way to waterproof basement walls is to consult a professional. They can conduct a thorough inspection, accurately identify the source of water infiltration (which might not be obvious to a homeowner), and recommend the most effective and long-lasting basement waterproofing methods tailored to your home’s specific needs. Effective solutions often involve a combination of approaches, including state-of-the-art sump baskets, vapor barriers, and proven drainage systems.
Can a basement be waterproofed from the inside?
Yes, a basement can be effectively waterproofed from the inside.18 Common interior waterproofing methods include:
- Drainage systems (e.g., interior French drains) installed beneath the floor to collect and direct water.19
- Sump pumps to remove collected water.20
- Applying waterproof sealants or installing waterproof membranes or barriers on interior walls and floors.