How to Seal Concrete Basement Walls
In learning how to seal concrete basement walls, homeowners will need to learn a few important steps. There are several different kinds of sealants available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
The wrong choice can cost you time and money if the sealant fails to work or is of low quality and breaks down over time.
Seal your stone basement walls first by pouring a small amount of water onto the surface. Use a clothes dryer to heat up the water slightly and then drop it onto the concrete. It should instantly begin to evaporate leaving behind it’s vaporized molecules. A good mixture to use is based on salt or a waterproofing compound such as liquid silicone. Silicone water repellents are also one of the best kinds of sealants to utilize on concrete floors and walls.
Block basement walls using a knife and some sandpaper. You want to be sure that there is no moisture underneath the concrete, so if you have any cracks in your walls this step is not for you. To apply the sealant you simply cut into the cracks and apply the concrete accordingly. After the coating has completely dried you can then apply your waterproofing compound.
Once you have your base project finished you will want to learn how to waterproof and protect your finished project. One of these methods of protecting your basement involves the use of water repellents. These are designed to control the amount of evaporation that takes place in your home.
Water is absorbed into the water repellent when it makes contact with it. Another benefit to using these is that they do not permit the growth of mold or mildew that can occur with other types of water control systems. When you seal your block basement correctly with a combination of water control products you will dramatically decrease the chances of mold and mildew developing on your block foundation.
There are numerous different kinds of water repellents, you may choose from including chemical compounds or natural oils such as coconut oil. There are many people who will suggest applying a mixture of these directly to your walls in order to accomplish a complete waterproofing job.
Yes that sounds too good to be true because it is too good to be true! A professional sealant job will require coatings specially designed to adhere to and penetrate concrete and masonry blocks.
If you have issues with your asthma or allergies it is wise to check with your local home improvement contractor prior to attempting this on your own.
The easiest way to go about waterproofing your cinderblock basement is by using water repellents mixed with fine sand. The sand acts like an absorbent and when it comes in contact with the surface area of your walls the moisture is attracted into the sand and is trapped.
Most of these sand basement waterproofing compounds contain a petroleum-based preservative that prevents mold from growing on the cement and provides added protection for structural stability. These compounds are great at keeping moisture out but they cannot penetrate very far into the soil. If you are not having any luck using one of these you will need to consult a competent water control specialist to obtain a chemical that can be applied directly to the wall.
It is also possible to obtain special chemical sealants which are specifically designed for use with cinderblocks and stone bases. If you have problems with moisture getting into your home through the floor, ceiling, or walls there are a few options for sealing these areas of difficulty. One option is to create a watertight seal with a water-resistant joint compound which can be sprayed onto the affected area. If this option is not an option, you can use water repellents combined with a penetrating sealer. This last option is the best if you have cracks or large holes in your concrete foundation because the penetrating agent will eat through even the toughest composite rock.
In conclusion, there are numerous concrete basement waterproofing options available today. You must first determine your actual situation and your budget for waterproofing before beginning any project. If money is an issue you might want to consider a do it yourself project. This option will save you the most money and provide the fastest result. Consulting a professional will help you make the right decision regarding your basement waterproofing needs.
