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Waterproofing/Sealing my Basement Walls.?
In the planning stage of finishing my basement. Right now, planning and laying out water/moisture preventive measures.
My house was built in 1994. I live in Tennessee. I'm not sure of my state and local codes, but would it stand to reason that more than likely the outside of my basement has been sealed with a membrane of some sort? I've noticed on new houses being constructed, any walls that will be beneath ground has some blue coating on it. My house was built 16 years ago, but I'd imagine in 94, surely such codes existed and were followed. Should I check for myself?
Also, any tips or advice that usually goes unseen when it comes to basements? I'd greatly appreciate it. TIA.
Brandon
4 Answers
- mactruckLv 61 decade agoFavorite Answer
I recommend sealing the inside walls with Dryloc, especially if you're going finish your basement. Also, you have a sump pump? It will be helpful to make sure the ground is graded for water runoff away from the house.
I've used dryloc for my friend's basement that had leaks in the walls. I used hydraulic cement to patch the leaks first then painted the walls with Dryloc, (purchased from Home Depot, but available at Lowes or home centers and hardware or paint stores). It's been a year now without any leaks. Good stuff. If yours is dry now then it won't be much trouble.
She has a high water table in her area too.
The alternative for her was to reseal the outside of the walls but excavating is very costly to have a contractor to do the work.
- 1 decade ago
I would bet your basement is sealed, but It never hurts to check, and you would only need to dig down a foot or so to see if it is. I think the old stuff was Black not blue. Also, it is always a good idea when finishing the basement to add an interior sealer. It just paints on, and if the walls ever do leak from the outside, the inner seal will still protect your house. Another good idea is a floor drain if one doesn't already exist.
- ?Lv 45 years ago
If the only moisture is on the wall then you can likely stop the problem by applying a coat of Thompsons water sealer. You can find it at any home improvement store such as Home Depot or Lowes. The source of the moisture should be dealt with as well. Likely source would be leaking gutter or downspout. If you have moisture on the floor you will probably need to install a french drain inside the wall to carry the moisture out of the basement.
- Anonymous7 years ago
You would go with American Dry Basement Systems which has provided all types of waterproofing solutions.
Source(s): http://www.americandrybasementsystems.com/