Musty smell, mold, mildew, and efflorescent are the major signs that there is a prevailing water issue in your basement.
Water problems in the basement can lead to respiratory-related challenges that include allergies and nasal blockage.
If not addressed early enough, water issues in the basement can lead to the degradation of the walls, thereby placing your house at risk of structural collapse.
Among the many ways of dealing with water issues in the basement, basement waterproofing interior walls is the most effective.
Waterproofing of the interior walls of a basement is a simple DIY task. This article focuses on how to waterproof the interior walls of a basement effectively.
Plan for the Project
Basement Walls Waterproofing Services
The success of any project relies heavily on effective planning, and this one is no different. When preparing for this task, buy all the tools and materials needed to do the job. A Ladder, wire brush, power washer, waterproofing material, trowel, chisel and a vacuum are among the few items you will need to do the job. Now that you have the right materials, it is advisable to open basement windows to avoid inhaling the musty air that would make you sick.
Inspect for Prevailing Problems
This step involves examining walls and the floor for water issues. Sweating, efflorescent, mold, water, and mildew are the signs you should be on the lookout for when executing this job. Be sure to look for cracks in the walls, as these are the major causes of water problems in the basement.
Prepare the Walls
After identifying underlying problems in the interior of your basement wall, it is now time to prep the wall for waterproofing. Using a chisel and a mallet, remove debris along all the cracks. Then use a vacuum to blow off dust and any remaining debris in the cracks. Then by the use of a power washer, clean dirt and grime off the walls. For stubborn stains and mosses, you can mix water with a mild portion of the concrete wall cleaner of your choice. Then give the wall at least 24 hours for it to dry completely.
Repair the Foundation Cracks
Before adding a sealant to the cracks, spray them with a light shower of water to ensure the sealant adheres to the wall material properly. By use of a trowel, spray the hydraulic cement mixture into the cracks, starting with the top, and going downwards. Hydraulic cement is the best sealant for the interior walls of a basement since upon getting into the cracks; it expands thereby covering all the spaces to achieve a perfect seal. Give the cement 4 hours for maximum expansion. By use of a putty knife, remove the excess cement from the wall surface.
Apply Waterproof Coating
When choosing a waterproofing material for your basement wall, there are several options to go with, depending on the style and material of your wall. From waterproof paint, and resin to silicate-based water proofers; an effective solution for all styles and designs exists. Upon adhering to a wall, these form a protective layer that prevents water from penetrating to the interior of your basement. Depending on the user instructions, these are applied by use of a roller, paintbrush, or sprayer. Allow the first coat to sit for a day before applying a second coat for maximum prevention. The wait period allows for better adherence between the two coats and wall material to achieve maximum protection.
Install a Vapor Barrier
Although most waterproofing materials have a long warranty, they are also prone to wear and tear, over time. The only way to be sure that moisture seepage will not bother you is by installing a vapor barrier. Typically, a vapor barrier is a plastic sheet that acts as a reinforcement for the waterproof to combat moisture problems. However, even with all this effort, humidity is still a challenge when it comes to the issue of a wet basement. Installing a dehumidifier is the only effective solution to humidity buildup in the underside. In addition to elimination, it also prevents the buildup of humidity that contributes to a wet basement.
There you have it, the simple DIY process of waterproofing the interior walls of a basement. However, as easy as it seems and sounds, you will still find some people who cannot perform the task due to various reasons for instance tight work schedules. This is where the services of a professional basement contractor come in handy. In addition to delivering timely services, they will also produce exemplary results that will guarantee you timeless service.