waterproofing basement walls

Waterproofing Basement Walls

Waterproofing walls is a two step process which involves repairing basement wall cracks and sealing basement walls. If you repair basement wall cracks and seal your basement walls, you will have effectively prevented the intrusion of water, radon, insects and the growth of mold and mildew.

Waterproofing Basement Walls - The Benefits

If you are planning on finishing your basement, waterproofing your basement walls is crucial. If you don't waterproof your basement walls before finishing your basement, you will be faced with having to repair your basement walls - whether next year or 10-15 years down the road. All basements will eventually allow for moisture (which is associated with the growth of mold and mildew) or water seepage (which will ruin your insulation and walls).If you aren't planning on finishing your basement, waterproofing your basement walls helps to prevent the intrusion of water, insects, and radon. Further, by controlling or eliminating moisture, you prevent the growth of mold and mildew which can be dangerous to your health and the health of your family.

Waterproofing Basement Walls - How To

The two primary steps in waterproofing basement walls is to: 1) repair all basement wall cracks2) seal basement walls with a waterproofing

sealer

Repairing Basement Wall Cracks

The first step in waterproofing your basement walls is to repair basement wall cracks. The preferred DIY basement wall crack repair method is to use a high pressure hydrophobic concrete repair kit. This solution is easy to use and more forgiving than epoxy repair methods. Epoxy should only be used if you also need a structural repair. As with any foundation problem, it is also safest to contact a foundation repair expert with any questions you may have.

Sealing Basement Walls

Once all cracks have been repaired, you want to use a waterproofing sealer. Foundation Armor manufactures over 35 concrete sealers. The most common for use on basements are the Armor S1000 and the Armor S2000. Both sealers penetrate deep into the concrete and chemically react to form a crystalline barrier within the pores. This barrier is designed to reduce the penetration of water and moisture. Learn more about Foundation Armor concrete sealers.

Preventative Waterproofing

If your basement does not currently have any water or moisture issues, the Armor S1000 or Armor S2000 concrete sealers are great for preventative waterproofing. They waterproof through densification so if water or moisture becomes present, the sealers will work to reduce the penetration. Because the sealers fill in the pores with a permanent crystalline barrier, Radon levels will also be reduces as well.

Visit Us!

Learn more about Foundation Armor’s professional grade line of concrete sealers, concrete coatings, concrete cleaners and

concrete repair products by visiting FoundationArmor.com or by calling

1-866-306-0246.