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, and 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 preven 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 cracks, and 2) seal basement walls with a waterproofing sealer.
Repairing Basement Wall Cracks To Waterproof Basement Walls
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.
Looking to purchase a basement wall crack repair kit? Try one of our Foundation Armor kits:
Sealing Basement Walls To Waterproof Basement Walls
Once all cracks have been repaired, you want to use a waterproofing sealer. Foundation Armor manufactures 6 professional grade sealers, 3 concrete sealers and 3 brick and masory sealers. The sealers penetrate into the concrete and chemically react with the free lime and calcium. This reaction forms a crystalline barrier within the pores of the substrate. This barrier, once dry, stops water migration up to 100 PSI, vapor migration up to 0.015 WVT, reduces radon, prevents the absorbsion of harmful chemicals, and more.
Learn more:
Concrete Sealers:
Armor S1000
Armor S2000
Armor L3000
Sealer Comparison
Brick & Masonry Sealers:
Armor SB1000
Armor SB2000
Armor LB3000
Sealer Comparison
Applying the above sealers is a fast, simple process. You dilute the sealer with water and apply 1-2 coats with a garden sprayer. Let dry 24 hours and never apply the sealer again – Foundation Armor sealers are lifetime sealers – guaranteed.
