Keeping Your Basement Dry
There are a number of ways of waterproofing basement walls, mostly dealing with the inside and outside of the wall.
A waterproof membrane can be applied to the outside of the foundation during construction so this is the best time to make sure your basement is waterproof. Leaks and seepage through your basement walls could result from poor original work, the home settling, or hydrostatic pressure from changes in the water table around your home. It is possible to waterproof your basement walls with some work.
First check the walls for any hairline cracks, holes, or other porous areas in the walls. Larger holes will need to be filled with mortar and then waterproofed but smaller holes and cracks will be fine with just a waterproof mix. Chisel out a dovetail when filling in larger holes as this will allow the mortar to properly take hold from the inside. Mortar is usually one part cement to two parts sand with enough water to make a stiff mix.
When applying mortar use an ordinary trowel and make sure there are no air holes or pockets. Using a stiff wire brush to get rid of loose particles is also a good idea before applying the mortar to help it adhere because if the wall is leaking considerably you may need to put in a drainage pipe to a sub pump to help drain the water.
This may only be temporary or permanent depending on the nature of the water flow. Leaking floor joints and larger holes in the wall should be repaired in much the same way.
Help it adhere by chiseling out a dovetail joint and make sure to incline the patch slanting it from the floor to the wall to provide strength and drainage. We are ready to apply the waterproof mixture after repairing the wall. Sand the wall to remove any paint, mist the wall then apply the waterproof mixture while the wall is not dry but is not so wet that it will not set.
Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully as epoxy and latex waterproofing mixtures usually require the addition of some water, or alternatively you may use your own mix of plain cement and water and this should be mixed to a slurry about the consistency of cream. Start at the bottom of the wall and apply the mixture by moving up in a right to left direction, using a stiff brush.
Every crook and crevice should be filled in. Once the wall has dried, wet the wall down thoroughly again and, in the same manner as the first coat was applied, apply a second coat of the waterproofing mixture. Two coats are necessary as as one coat will not do the job and you may have to start over again.
It is not as difficult as it might first appear to waterproof basement walls by putting this information to use. More importantly, you will finally have that dry basement you have been wanting for so long.
You can find more home improvement ideas like using electric radiant flooring along with furniture for your basement like air bed sofas. Then of course you can learn how to lower your utility bills.

