Needless to say, waterlogging in the basement is one of the worst nightmares in your home. Because it can cause serious damage to the wall and your home will end up being unprotected. If you don’t know how to waterproof a basement properly, worry no more, I am here today to tell you about this. There are lots of ways to make your basement waterproof.
However, a perfect waterproof sealant can protect your basement from water-logging. But, you should know how to apply it correctly. With that said, today I am here with this comprehensive guide to tell you everything that you need to know to waterproof the basement.
Why you should waterproof a basement?
There are some hidden natures of foundations and basements. Waterproofing your basement will ensure some unseen improvement so that you will feel more comfortable while being in your house.
Needless to say, basements are the riskiest areas of a house that are more prone to water damage. There are many reasons you should waterproof your basement. I am trying to explain those below.
1. Reduces the risk of flooding
If you can reshape the water that interacts with your home, I am pretty sure you can potentially reduce the risk of flooding in your house. A properly waterproofed foundation is capable of redirecting water from your house.
This will ensure that your house will be free from unexpected water. I know nobody expects any leaks during home plumbing. But, it is a bitter truth that home plumbing leaks are kind of common occurrence.
Unfortunately, it is so difficult to avoid those unexpected leaks during plumbing. But, these leaks could be dangerous and can lead to basement flooding in any adverse situation. Therefore, to save your house from flood and all those water-related problems, you need to waterproof your basement.
2. Keeps the basement dry
Wouldn’t this be awesome to get a basement that is free from waterlogging and remain always dry? Of course, it is. Perfect foundation waterproofing can give you this excellent facility in your basement while preventing the entrance of unexpected water.
This will create an excellent opportunity to use your basement as storage or even a recreation place. So, a waterproof basement can relieve you from that unexpected damage from floods, leaks, or moisture.
3. Reduces moisture
You won’t like any extra warm environment in your home during the summer; trust me. But, moisture in a home can make your home feel even warmer which is unexpected.
Besides, it causes oxidation on metal objects, ruin your paper products and damage many other valuables. So, you don’t expect any extra moisture in your basement and overall home.
Here comes the necessity for waterproofing the foundation. A waterproofed basement reduces the number of moistures in your basement which in turn makes your home more comfortable.
4. Protects Your Home
Undoubtedly, you need water in your home for many reasons. But, you need it in a controlled way. If water enters your home in an uncontrolled way, it can damage your home, especially the basement.
Water in the basement can cause serious damage to walls, and overall the structure of your home. Water along with mold will make your favorite home unprotected. So, you need to waterproof your basement carefully to protect your home from unexpected damage from water.
Best Basement Waterproofing Sealer Review
You want to know how to fix the leaky basement wall, right? Or maybe you want to know how to stop water from seeping through basement walls. All right. I am going to explain everything to you.
First of all, you should know what the best basement waterproofing method is. For instance, a good waterproof sealant can make your day shiner.
Now, what is the best sealant for basement walls? I know, it’s quite challenging to find the best basement waterproofing sealant, given that all those cheap products are out there.
Don’t worry anymore. Here are five best sealers to make your basement waterproof.
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1. Drylok 275 Masonry Waterproofer
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If you are seriously worried about water leakage and the safety of your basement, I would like to recommend this awesome product. Drylock 275 masonry waterproof will work like magic to prevent waterlogging in your basement.
It will provide you with this assurance that it’s going to stop unexpected water. This excellent product can withstand 10 pounds of PSI which is equivalent to a 22 feet high wall of water.
Besides, it can give you protection from radon gas penetration. Let me tell you another important feature of this product. You’ll see most of the ordinary paint simply adheres to a surface.
But this can’t be forced off by incoming water pressure. However, Drylock can penetrate the pores on that surface to create a strong bonding to the masonry which will act as an impenetrable barrier.
Moreover, it has a breathable film which won’t trap moisture in the masonry. You can easily apply it by using a brush or roller. Undoubtedly, with all these cool features this product could be a great option for waterproofing your basement.
Key Features
- Breathable film
- Low-odor formula
- Complies with all current VOC
- Withstands 10 pounds of hydrostatic pressure
- Easy application
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2. DIY Leaky Basement Wall Crack Repair Kit
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Wouldn’t this be awesome to have a permanent, user-friendly foundation crack repair at such a low cost? Of course, it is. This DIY leaky basement repair kit has everything to solve your basement repairing problem smartly.
If you are a DIY homeowner and worrying about water entering the crack, this product could be a great option for you. Its low viscosity feature helps you to inject it directly into the cracks.
When you inject it into the crack, the magic begins immediately. The two-component Emercole metro 102 polyurethane can expand up to 20 times its initial volume.
That is how it repairs the crack and prevent that from water. You don’t need to drill into concrete to apply this repair kit. Honestly, the standard caulk gun can excellently do the job for you.
Since 1987 this product won the heart of consumers by providing low-pressure concrete repair service. I believe, with all these excellent features this repair kit can give you the ultimate solution to waterproof your basement.
Key Features
- Low-pressure concrete crack repair
- Features low viscosity polyurethane
- Has standard caulk gun
- No drilling required
- User-friendly
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3. Armor SX5000 WB DOT Approved Concrete Sealer
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With years of experience and expertise, Foundation Armor always provided us with quality products. If you are worried about that unsealed concrete, paver, brick, stucco or natural stone surfaces, please don’t worry anymore, as the Armor SX5000 WB has everything to waterproof the basement.
You can use this excellent product on the interior, exterior, vertical or horizontal concrete, brick or even on pavers. You will be happy to know that this sealer is approved by DOT. Use this sealer on the crack and you will be stress-free for 10 years.
Even after using it, the surface will be looked like before. In two coats, 1 gallon of this sealer will cover up to 100 FT2. In other words, one gallon of this product will easily cover up to 200 square feet per coat.
However, to get the best performance, we recommend using two coats at least. Basement walls or floors, wherever the crack is this excellent sealer will waterproof your basement tremendously.
Key Features
- Water-based and breathable sealer
- Approved by DOT
- High area coverage per coat
- Can be used in interior & exterior surface
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4. Liquid Rubber Waterproof Sealant
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Liquid rubber waterproof sealant is an excellent product that will help you to prevent the entry of water in any crack in your basement or roof. You can use this product for waterproofing flat or metal roofs, sloped roofs, basements or even concrete.
The most interesting part of this product is you can apply it so easily; I would say easier than painting. All you need is a brush or roller and you are all set to go. This waterproofing sealant has no solvents or harmful odors.
I must say this water-based sealant is highly ecofriendly and it’s safe to use in your basement. I bet this high quality and nature-friendly product will help you a lot when it comes to waterproofing your basement.
Besides, unlike many sealants, this product is non-flammable and you can feel safe while using it. Maybe you are facing problems with all those ugly cracks in your basement. Now, you want to save money on contractors and do it by yourself.
It’s pretty much okay and you can easily DIY it when you have Liquid rubber sealant. Honestly, now a waterproofing basement is not a problem at all with this wonderful sealant.
Key Features
- Water-based and environment friendly
- Safe to use
- Easy application
- No solvents or VOC
- Non-flammable
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5. Lastiseal Brick And Masonry Sealer
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Let me show you an all-purpose sealer that can do almost everything that you need to do as a DIY enthusiast. It prevents water penetration and you can become stress-free when it comes to waterproofing the basement.
Spray, roll or brush, you name it! Now with Lastiseal, you can use any of these for waterproofing the basement. If you are worried about waterproofing any area which is foot-traffic prone, this could be a great option for you.
Besides, the breathable feature of this product doesn’t trap moisture on the surface. It also reduces unsightly efflorescence. The Lastiseal brick & concrete sealer is non-toxic and non-hazardous, so it’s safe to use for household works too.
With all these excellent features this product can help you in your basement waterproofing work.
Key Features
- Water-based sealer
- No odor & non-toxic
- Non-flammable
- Waterproofing ability
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6. Randonseal Concrete Foundation Crack Repair Kit
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Wouldn’t this be awesome to have a sealant that doesn’t need any drilling to repair a crack? Yes, of course. Randonseal concrete foundation repair is another excellent product in our list that’s going to help you to waterproof your basement.
It is designed with the advanced low-pressure injection method that eliminates the need for drilling. Are you still worrying about hairline cracks? Well, don’t worry anymore, the low-viscosity feature of this repair kit will make your day at the basement.
You can use a standard caulking gun to inject which means you don’t need to have any special tool for using this sealant. This product can give you a permanent solution to the water seepage problem.
We all know that it will take huge money to hire a waterproofing contractor to repair a crack. Now, with this awesome Randonseal repair kit, your basement waterproofing will be easier and inexpensive.
Key Features
- Easy application
- No drilling required
- Low viscosity
- Can repair hairline cracks
- How much does it cost to waterproof your basement?
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How much does it cost to waterproof your basement?
There are many tasks involved in the waterproofing process of your basement. Generally, waterproofing includes planning process, preparation, and application of sealers to the foundation, applying cement to walls, setting up a sump pump and doing other necessary things.
So, the estimated waterproofing cost should include the cost of all these steps and processes. The average cost for waterproofing your basement can start from $1920 and it can increase up to $6320.
If we consider the cost per square foot, then it could be between $3 and $9 for labor and material cost. However, if you need to do only interior basement repairing without any excavation, it will cost you around $5oo to $1500.
But, if you need large extensive repairs it may cost more money than the above estimation.
What is the best basement waterproofing method?
First of all, the basement waterproofing has its complications. It can lead to many problems if the waterproofing is not sufficient. You have to follow the correct method when it comes to waterproofing the basement.
Because a simple water seepage can cause serious damage in your basement and overall home. Therefore, you need to know the best basement waterproofing method to do it properly.
With that said, I am here today with a step by step guide to show you how to seal basement walls. So, without any further delay let’s see how can you correctly waterproof a basement.
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Step-1: Dig around carefully
This should be the very first step of waterproofing your basement. You must dig it carefully. You will dig all of the basement’s outer boundary down to the foundation base.
Now, you should use the right product when you are waterproofing the basement. There is another important consideration you should keep in mind. Any types of drainage tiles, perforated pipe, or other necessary systems should be installed under the area that you are going to waterproof.
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Step-2: Check for any cracks
A simple crack can alter the entire situation. So, when you complete the excavation, you should check for any cracks that are vulnerable to water seeping.
You should be prepared with a coat to stop the leakage if you find any of it. A perfect coat or cement can fill the cracks and stop the leakage to prevent waterlogging.
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Step-3: Apply The Sealant
A waterproof sealant is the most important thing when you want to seal the basement properly. A coat of cement-based sealant could be the best solution for external walls.
This kind of sealant is easy to apply and you can use those over concretes as well. You want to close those concrete pores, right? You can do it with the appropriate sealant.
Besides, if you are worrying about hairline crack, honestly speaking a hydraulic cement can do the job for you here.
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Step-4: Apply a Membrane
The next step is applying a membrane. Yes, you need to install a waterproofing membrane. In this case, spray the membrane on the foundation wall carefully. It will prevent the entry of water from the outside.
You can find some elastomeric membranes which are modified asphalt and capable of waterproofing the basement. Let me tell you a great feature of this kind of membranes.
They can easily move to seal any new cracks on their surroundings. Waterproofing your basement is highly possible. But, you need to make sure that you are using the right product for that purpose.
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Step-5: Carefully Install The Drainage Mat
At this stage of waterproofing your basement, you are due to install a drainage mat. However, you have to make sure that your mat has molded dimples. A drainage mat is important; trust me. Because its material creates an air gap between the wall and itself.
This allows the moisture to travel to the drain structure. However, you have to be careful that it should be cut to the exact foundation depth so that it can erase those lateral pressure against the foundation.
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Step-6: Install The Weeping Tile
So, this is the last step. Don’t do any kind of mistake at this stage. Now, it’s time to install the French drain or weeping tile. You can install a 4-inch pipe at the base of the footing.
It will weep the water level below the basement floor. You don’t want any kind of hassle in your maintenance work. That is why install cleanouts which will end the waterproofing process perfectly.
What You Should Avoid
To do the whole waterproofing process properly you should avoid doing the following things.
- Never use tar, because it becomes brittle and will not last long.
- Never use any plastic materials because they can’t prevent moisture.
- Never use any limestone because it will reduce drainage capabilities and mess up everything.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why do basements leak?
Answer: There could be many reasons for basement leaks. For instance, it could be any of the following reasons.
- Gutters, downspouts, and other drainage systems
- Soil grade
- Cracks in the basement
2. Can I waterproof the basement from inside?
Answer: Certainly you can. Sometimes, waterproofing basement walls from inside can solve the water-logging problem from poor soil drainage. But, you have to use the best sealant for waterproofing it properly. Knowing how to fix a leaky basement wall from inside will give you some extra shot here.
3. Is waterproofing a basement worth it?
Answer: Of course, yes. You need to waterproof your basement for many reasons. And needless to say, your investment in this waterproofing process is worth it. Because, it reduces the risk of flooding, keeps your basement dry, reduces moisture and overall it protects your home from unexpected water. But, you need to know how to waterproof a basement properly.
4. How Long Does Basement Waterproofing Last?
Answer: It depends on the types of waterproofing methods. You’ll find some temporary solutions. You can also find some kind of waterproofing method that lasts more than 10 years. However, you have to apply them correctly.
5. Does basement waterproofing paintwork?
Answer: In a general sense, yes. However, it would be a temporary solution. Because waterproofing paint can’t compete with the hydrostatic pressure of the groundwater forever. Therefore, eventually, you will need another waterproofing paint to serve your purpose. However, always choose the best basement waterproofing paint to get the best result.
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Final Words
A waterproof basement in your home can bring you the ultimate happiness. Because unexpected water in the basement can lead to serious damages to your dream house.
Even it can leave your house at the risk of flooding badly. However, if you know how to waterproof a basement properly, you have nothing to worry about.
I hope, this comprehensive guide helped you a lot to know everything about waterproofing your basement.