Waterproofing basement walls can be done in a number of ways, mostly dealing with the inside and outside of the wall. The best time to make sure your basement is waterproof is during construction when a waterproof membrane can be applied to the outside of the foundation. Poor original work, the home settling, or hydrostatic pressure from changes in the water table around your home could result in leaks and seepage through your basement walls. It is possible to waterproof your basement walls with some work. Of course make sure you have the correct socket wrench set available. The socket wrench sets can be used for many things. If you need help choosing a socket wrench set then find information online that can help you.

Hairline cracks, holes, or other porous areas in the walls need to be checked out. Smaller holes and cracks will be fine with just a waterproof mix, but larger holes will need to be filled with mortar and then waterproofed. Chisel out a dovetail when filling in larger holes as this will allow the mortar to properly take hold from the inside. One part cement to two parts sand with enough water to make a stiff mix makes an average mortar.

When applying mortar use an ordinary trowel and make sure there are no air holes or pockets. To help the mortar adhere, use a stiff wire brush to get rid of loose particles before applying it 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. Whether this situation is temporary or permanent is dependent on the nature of the water flow. Repair any leaking floor joints in much the same way as the larger holes in the wall.

To help it adhere, chisel out a dovetail joint and provide strength and drainage by inclining the patch slanting it from the floor to the wall. After repairing the wall we are ready to apply the waterproof mixture. Before applying the waterproof mixture the wall should be sanded to remove any paint – then mist the wall, as the mixture will not adhere to a dry wall, but will not set on a wet wall either. The manufacturer’s instructions should be read carefully since epoxy and latex waterproofing mixtures usually require you to add some water, but you could also use your own mix of plain cement and water which should have the consistency of cream when mixed to a slurry. Use a stiff brush to apply the mixture at the bottom of the wall and move up in a right to left direction.

Fill in all hard to reach areas. The next morning, wet the wall down thoroughly again and apply a second coat of the waterproofing mixture in the same manner as the first. If you use one coat instead of two you may have to start over again as this will not do the job. Waterproofing basement walls is not as difficult as it might first appear if you use this information. Ultimately, the dry basement you have been wanting for quite some time will be ready.