Waterproofing a Basement in 4 Easy Steps

Waterproofing a basement involves doing atogether, so if you're having leaks but are not
variety of things. You have to take certain stepssure where they are at, start looking at these
to stop areas where leaking is occurring. Injoints first.
addition, you must be proactive about repairingUsually leakage occurs because of cracks in the
areas such as cracks and holes before you getwalls and floors. It is important that you seal
started in waterproofing. Some of the things you'llthese before you go about the process of
need to do are nullify leaky floor joints and makewaterproofing. It's simple to seal them -- just use
certain patches and repairs to your basementa waterproofing compound. If the holes and
before you can completely waterproof it.cracks are larger than a quarter of an inch, you
In this article, I will show you how to do all theseshould patch them first, and then apply the mix.
things so you go about doing the job the correctSometimes pressure from the water outside will
way.be too much to simply repair the crack by sealing
Many people consider waterproofing a basementoff. Instead, you may need to divert the pressure
because there are some spots that allow leakswith a weep pipe. This will allow the water
and seepage into the basement. There are atrapped against the wall to escape. You don't
variety of reasons why cracks, leaks andneed to use it weep pipe for extended periods of
seepage occur. Usually it is a result of the housetime. Generally you can use it to temporarily drain
settling which causes the cracks. However, poorthe water pressure, which will then allow you to
craftsmanship can be blamed. Sometimes it's justadequately fill the hole and seal it.
a matter of pressure -- too much water has builtThat's really all there is to it, when it comes
up on the outside and has forced its way throughwaterproofing your basement. First it's a matter
the walls.of finding the areas were seepage occurs, and
First, you must find out where these leaks andthen fill them. Of course, you want to make sure
seepage areas are. Most often you will find theseyou know exactly how to fill them so that they
areas to be where the floor and wall joinsare properly sealed.