Basement Waterproofing Materials and Uses

There can be some big differences in the basement waterproofing materials and the way they're used. Some will be available to the public and some may only be available to the trade. 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. Materials that you can use will be influenced by the information you collect.

The first type of basement waterproofing materials that most people seem to be looking for are simple sealants. They undertook waterproofing of the basement already; however, some areas are moist so they need restoration. RadonSeal being one of the top-end sealants treats poured concrete, mortar in block walls or stone foundations and concrete or cinder blocks.

You need to treat the whole basement, walls and floor, otherwise it's likely the water will simply find a way around the sealant. The product has a 20-year limited guarantee. The only issue to be aware of here is that the sealant, (not only this one specifically, but with all sealants)basement waterproofing sealants only protect the inside of the basement. In other words, there could be lots of water pressing against and through whatever materials your cellar walls are made of.

Other avenues will need to be explored if you have cracks in the wall. If your walls are plaster, then you can simply replace the plaster coating. All you need to do is chip away any loose material from around the crack and then fill the area back up with plaster. 

Stitching materials can be used as an alternative option. 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.

A form of concrete that is sprayed on called Gunite can be used for serious cracks in the walls or floors of the basement. You'll need special spraying equipment to do this which you can hire. The mixture ratio must be correct for the spray to fill any cracks and leave a smooth finish. However it does stick to most surfaces so it's a good option.

It has to be mentioned that the key to basement waterproofing materials are not only the substance but its proper application as well. You must see to it that there is minimal water around the basement perimeter.

So also consider:

- keeping rain gutters in perfect repair.
- grading the soil to slope away from the house on all sides of the foundation.
- grass can be seeded around the foundations once the flower beds, bushes and trees have been removed
- repairing crevices in your driveway
- there can be arrangement for surface water to be taken away from the house by installing curtain drains
- you should install dry wells for rainwater downspouts no more than 10 feet from your home.
- installing sump pumps.
- water can be routed to a floor drain through the use of interior gutters in the basement walls