Whether hiring a contractor or deciding to do the job yourself, you will have to use one or more basement waterproofing materials to achieve your goal.
So, what materials work so well in keeping your basement safe from water damage?
Keep reading to find out!
Best Waterproofing Materials For Basements
Basements are prone to water damage, mainly because of their position in the house.
As we all know, water flows to the lowest point of any surface, and since the basement is correct at the bottom, groundwater will always try to make its way there.
To ensure your basement walls, floors, ceilings, and property are spared of water damage, you must ensure water doesn’t get in.
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Basement Waterproofing Paint
Basement waterproofing paint is not ordinary, as its functions go beyond making your walls look nice.
Even though the paints come in different colors and are manufactured by other brands, they perform the same function – To keep seeping moisture away from the surface of your basement walls.
Their coats are much thicker than regular paint and more airtight when dry.
It works by sinking deep into the pores on your concrete basement walls and drying deep inside.
This action blocks out the spaces that moisture would have used to pass through from the outer parts of the foundation into the basement.
The good thing about basement waterproofing paints is that they are cheap and easy to use. They are also easy to find, as they are being sold in any home maintenance store around your area.
It is worth mentioning that waterproof paints aren’t the ultimate solution to the water problems in your basement. They can only stop water from reaching the wall surface but cannot keep water from entering it.
Therefore, you must employ other waterproofing techniques to ensure your basement and the inner parts of the walls stay dry.
To apply the paint sealer, dip your roller or paintbrush into the container and use as many coats as necessary over your basement wall.
Make sure the wall is free of any other paint, efflorescence, or debris before applying the waterproofing paint. This is because the waterproofing color will not be able to sink into the pores of your basement walls if painted over any other obstacles.
Clean off mold, efflorescence, or paints before applying the waterproofer to ensure it penetrates deep and establishes perfect adhesion.
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Hydraulic Cement
The pores in your concrete walls aren’t the only things to be concerned about regarding basement waterproofing. You might also have some cracks in your basement walls and floors.
These cracks provide the much-needed space for groundwater to creep through and flood your basement. But not to worry, you can use a waterproofing material to seal these cracks and prevent them from happening.
This material is known as hydraulic cement.
This type of cement sets and hardens via a chemical reaction when mixed with water. The hard mass formed by this chemical reaction can seal cracks and prevent water from trickling through.
The good thing about hydraulic cement as a waterproofer is that it can patch internal and external cracks in your basement wall and foundation.
Hydraulic cement can also be used to patch up cracks in your basement floor, which is vital in preventing groundwater from coming into the basement.
To use, all you have to do is mix some of the cement with a portion of water, as the manufacturer directs (instructions on mixing can be found on the pack), then spread it across the cracks.
Ensure you apply the cement mixture immediately after you prepare it, as it only takes 3 to 5 minutes for the mix to begin to harden. Once it gets hard, you can no longer apply it, and the combination would be a waste.
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Drain Tiles
A drain tile system is the best way to keep groundwater away from your foundation.
Also known as the “French Drain,” this drainage system is built to collect water and channel it away from the foundation into the central sewer system.
As with hydraulic cement, drain tiles can also be used inside and outside the basement to keep water away.
This drainage system has a perforated pipe as its vital component. It’s typically PVC pipes pierced with holes across one side.
The pipes are set in a trench and covered in gravel (which is another important material in the drain tile system).
Other materials used in the drain tile system include a nylon filter stock. This helps to keep debris from entering the pipe.
The water that enters the drainpipe is usually channeled into the sump pump, which pumps it out of the basement.
All drain tiles perform the same function; the difference lies in the type or quality of materials used, the shape of the pipe, and the way it is placed.
Before the 50s, drain tiles were built with red or orange clay material. Fast forward to the modern-day, and drain tiles are now made with plastic or PVC pipes.
Drain tile pipes come in several shapes: rectangular, round, and square.
Laying drain tiles is hard work, as some excavation has to be done around the perimeter of the basement’s interior. Some connections also have to be made with the sump pump.
As you can see, some experience is required for drain tile installation, so you should hire a professional to do the job for you.
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Bentonite Clay
Another waterproofing material you can use to seal cracks in your basement walls is sodium bentonite, also known as bentonite clay.
It comes in a granular form and forms a water-tight barrier when applied to cracks.
Like waterproofing paint, this blockade stops outdoor water from passing through the foundation and getting to the inner surface of the basement wall, but it doesn’t keep moisture out of the internal parts of the wall.
As helpful as this waterproofing material is, it cannot be used alone to fight water penetration and damage.
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SealOnce Basement Waterproofing System
One of the most common entry points for water into your basement is where the basement wall meets the basement floor. This area is known as the cove joint and is highly prone to cracks and water seepage.
One waterproofing material that can keep water from shooting through is the SealOnce basement waterproofing system.
It is easy to use, so you won’t need a professional contractor’s help to get it done. All you will spend on the job is about 2 hours (depending on the size of the basement).
You can buy SealOnce waterproofer from any home improvement store near you.
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Downspout pipes
Downspouts are an excellent defense against roof water runoff; they collect and channel it away from your basement.
This drain system comprises one primary material – Plastic, aluminum, vinyl, or stainless steel pipes, which serve as the passageway for roof water.
Without downspouts, roof water (due to rainfall) will fall to the ground where your foundation is and begin to explore the spaces and cracks to find a way into your basement.
You can hire a contractor to install your downspouts for you. It isn’t demanding and will take about 2 hours to finish.
Things You Will Need For DIY Basement Waterproofing
If you decide to waterproof your basement yourself, then there are specific tools you will need to get the job done.
So what are they?
Paintbrush or roller: A paintbrush or roller is needed to apply the waterproofing paint across your basement wall, floor, and ceiling.
Rubber gloves: These will guard your hands against the harmful chemicals in the paint sealer. It also protects you from making contact with dangerous mold.
Goggles: This keeps your eyes safe from splashing paint. It can also protect you from flying debris while preparing the wall to be painted.
Facemask: A facemask is handy when painting, as some sealers have chemical solid scents a human wouldn’t care for.
Conclusion
There you have it, guys, the basement waterproofing materials to keep your basement free from water damage.
The material you will use depends on the leakage you are dealing with. It is better to be safe than sorry, so it’s best to use as many as possible to save stress and money in the short term.
I trust the information provided here has been helpful. Remember always to seek professional help if need be.
Thanks for reading!