The basement is one of the most ignored parts of a home, this is unsurprising with infrequent use of this area. But in reality, your basement is one of the most important rooms in your home, and it needs proper care and attention. It is saying by Aaron Goucher that the issues of the basement should not neglect (Warwick, 2022). Thus, by fixing the small or initial issue you might save from fixation on huge issues related to the waterproofing basement’s walls.

What causes the walls of the basement soggy, leaking, and cracked? The answer is moisture, Yes! the presence of humidity and moisture in the air during rainy seasons. During the spring season, the exterior walls of the home have to absorb a high level of humidity, which will further transfer to the interior walls. When this moisture or water travels through masonry, the interior of walls is affected.

After you notice the venture of waterproofing your basement, the next stage is to take some measures in order to identify the waterproofing of basement walls? It means that before investing an amount in repairing walls, the best practice is to check the area of damage by attaching aluminum foil. This is a simple technique in which you have to attach a sufficient piece of aluminum foil to the cracked surface of walls. The function of aluminum foil is to lock moisture and odor. Thus, by observing the moisture on the surface of the foil, the homeowner has to alert for investing an amount for renovation. Besides all of these facts, if you think desperately about how to fix basement walls from the inside, don’t worry, you are reading the correct article. In this article, you will explore 3 best ways to elaborate on how to waterproof basement walls from the inside

Refilling the Gaps and Cracks

In the rainy season, a small crack inside the basement walls will cause of entering a flood in the basement. It is suggested by Volodymyr Barabakh that for filling the cracks and gaps in the basement walls, the best practice is to first remove the flooding water (Warwick, 2022). Afterward, with the application of hydraulic cement, the homeowner is able to seal the gap. The benefit of using this type of cement is that it provides adhesion to the cracks of walls with the properties of water-resistantly. 

The point of consideration is, “what is the difference between the functioning of hydraulic and non-hydraulic cement. The significant variation is that in the hydraulic type of cement, the power will more harden when it connects with water. Whereas, in the case of non-hydraulic cement, there is a need for dry conditions from external sources that will strengthen the gaps. On the other hand, the use of hydraulic cement does highly recommend with a mixture of water to refill the gaps. Thus, the blockage of water and moisture in basement walls will take place by applying hydraulic cement. 

After the blockage of holes and cracks from the basement walls, it is next goal is to apply waterproof paint. The basement waterproofing specialist said that the layer of waterproof paint should be thick as the homeowner has to fill all the pores in the wall.

Masonry Waterproofing Product

With the advancement in the building’s material, the cavity walls have the chance of being affected by external moisture and water. As these types of walls don’t consist of waterproofing qualities, this may lead to the loss of structure’s integrity of your home. Not only hydraulic cement but there is also another option to adopt for strengthening the gaps through refilling, and that is the application of masonry waterproofing materials. Masonry waterproofing product is the water repellent sheet that provides protection to your walls from the exterior design. Depending upon the condition of the interior walls the best practice is to apply these water repellent sheets with or without waterproof façade creams. It is studied that with the application of masonry waterproofing sheets with façade sealants, the walls will absorb less amount of moisture for the next 30 years. Additionally, the other benefit of this practice is that there is a strong capacity for the breathability of basement walls through this waterproofing material. 

Besides this, it is evident that if the traditional methods of applying water repellent fail, then the advanced treatment is applied, which is Remmers Color Flex. This Color Flex has the consistency same as that of paint which provides a firm strength to the cracked surface. Not only this but also this paint fixes the smallest crack of 0.3mm specifically for the old basement waterproofing walls. 

Modified Drainage System

With the accumulation of water inside the basement, there are high chances of complications after damaging of building or property from any corner. In case of any kind of damage, there is an availability of insurance claims. Through this, the adoption of a drainage system in the basement is the best waterproofing practice. This is because the accumulated water will drain through PVC pipes known as Drain Tile. Additionally, in terms of the drainage system, a much more saver practice that can apply is the footing of huge pipes with respect to the perimeter of the basement (also known as the French Drain System). Afterward, this area is called a clear water zone. Also, with the installation of the French Drain System, the problem of water dribbling will solve. The function of all these types of drainage systems is to discharge all the water out with the assistance of an electric pump from the basement. To avoid the foundation’s damage from the exterior structure, there is a type of drainage system called the Footing Drain. This system allows all the rainwater to drain through a storm drain. Thus, it does conclude from the entire research study that the types of drainages are protecting the lives of humans by covering the issues that occurred through landscaping. 

QUICK FAQs

Q1: How much does waterproofing a basement cost? 

The accumulation of water in the basement looks unclean and produces a bad smell. It is recommended to spend an amount of money to save human lives. The estimated cost of the basement waterproofing services is range from $2,250 to $7,063. 

Q2:Does basement waterproofing increase home value? 

The basement is the most essential component of the home. The entire structure of any house is dependent upon the walls of the basement as it reinforces to home’s foundation. Basement waterproofing of the house is a universal task that increases the market value of your home. This is because provides the availability of an extra drainage system in your home. 

Q3: How to fix the leaking basement wall? 

You can opt for the best 3 ways to fix the leaking basement wall, as defined in the above sections of this article named refilling the gaps and cracks, masonry waterproofing product, and modified drainage system. However, the other adoptable methods are the application of waterproof paints and the Liquid waterproofing membrane method. These two methods also provide effective results.