Waterproofing basement walls from inside is one of the most effective ways to keep water from entering your basement.
Unlock the secrets to a dry, worry-free space. Find clever ways to strengthen your foundation from the inside out, keeping water at bay and your home safe. Explore this article to learn about waterproofing basement walls from inside.
Since your basement sits below ground level, water is a familiar spot to pool naturally. Some basements leak more than others and will need a sump pump, french drain, and wall waterproofing.
Without proper waterproofing and drainage, moisture can become trapped against your foundation walls which will cause significant structural damage over time. Not only will waterproofing prevent further water damage and a wet basement, but it will also save you money on costly repairs for mold and mildew accumulation.
Waterproofing basement walls from the inside is a simple process that anyone can do with essential tools and this guide. This article explains why waterproofing basement walls from the inside is necessary and what materials you have to use.
Effective Waterproofing basement walls from inside
Waterproofing basement walls from inside has to fulfill a few criteria to be effective:
- The waterproofing solution needs to prevent water from penetrating through the wall.
- Prevent mold growth inside walls.
- Can’t damage drywall or impact load-bearing walls.
Don’t let waterproofing methods like paint fool you; they will not work long-term.
The waterproof solution must be non-toxic and safe for pets and children if you live in your home. So that means no harsh chemicals or primers with formaldehyde, solvents, or silicone. These can all damage your health and the environment.
You also don’t want waterproofing methods that will impact your home’s structural integrity. If you damage the load-bearing walls in your basement, it could cause a collapse, creating even more problems than before waterproofing was done.
How To Waterproof Basement Walls From The Inside
Use a waterproofing primer: Use a waterproofing primer to the wall from the interior by creating a waterproof barrier between your foundation and any porous materials like drywall or concrete. The waterproof primer coats both sides of the border to create a watertight seal. You won’t have to worry about mold or mildew growth on the walls again!
Use waterproofing paint: This solution is similar to painting your wall with primer. Waterproof paints use additives and special waterproof resins to make a chemical bond between the paint and the wall. The waterproofing additive creates a membrane that prevents water from penetrating the wall. Some products like Flood Coat can be painted directly onto
Seal holes and cracks: Like waterproofing basement walls from the inside, sealing your foundation’s holes and crevices will help prevent water from penetrating through the cracks. An excellent waterproof sealer can create a waterproof membrane that lasts for years.
Add additional drainage inside and outside: If your basement receives lots of water, adding drainage can help get rid of that water. Installing waterproofing inside your basement will only go so far. Drainage systems work best when installed together to prevent future problems like mold growing inside your walls and foundation caving in over time.
We recommend installing a sump pump in your basement and gutters on your roof to help prevent water from draining into your basement. You can also attach waterproof fabric or a white pond liner near the foundation walls to direct water away from the home.
Why Waterproof Basement Walls?
Waterproofing basement walls from the inside is essential because, as mentioned above, waterproofing basement walls from the inside is the most effective way to keep water out of your home. The average cost for waterproofing a single basement wall starts at $300 and can be done by yourself with little hassle.
If not appropriately waterproofed, rain water pooling around the foundation of your house will cause significant damage. Mold and water damage can cause thousands of dollars, so it is best to waterproof basement walls as soon as possible.
Moisture that gets into the insulation of your house can degrade it over time, creating more work for you down the road. A waterproofing solution prevents this, prolonging the life of your insulation.
Here are some signs that waterproofing needs to be done:
- Water leaking through cracks in the walls
- Mold growth inside walls
- Water pooling at the base of the wall and in corners
- Floor buckling in the basement
Basement Waterproofing Costs
It’s critical to remedy any leaks in your basement as soon as possible, but every homeowner worries about cost. This article will assist you in determining the price of basement waterproofing for your residence.
Some DON’TS
- When the basement has standing water, AVOID doing wall repairs.
- DON’T forget to address window well leaks.
- DO NOT use sealer on efflorescence or painted walls.
- DON’T forget interior drainage solutions.
For more details, check some waterproofing Dos and Don’ts.
When to call a professional?
Calling a professional waterproofing expert in your region may provide peace of mind if you need more clarification about the extent of the damage and whether you can effectively solve the water issues yourself.
Many waterproofing service providers offer a complimentary examination to inform you of the damage amount and the price of the necessary repairs. Let a contractor handle the job if they discover that your property has extensive basement leaks that have caused significant structural damage or that your basement needs foundation repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about DIY basement wall waterproofing by checking out these frequently asked questions.
Do waterproof paints work?
No waterproof paint will not effectively waterproof your walls because it will be penetrated by water within a few months. Waterproof primer is better, but they both have the downside of being toxic, so you should try to use something else that won’t damage your health or the drywall.
Can a basement wall be waterproofed from the inside?
Basement walls can be waterproofed from the inside by waterproofing methods like waterproof paint and waterproof foam. Although both products will waterproof your basement walls from the inside, they will not last as long as exterior waterproofing methods.
What is the best product to waterproof basement walls?
The best product to waterproof your basement walls is Liquid Rubber Concrete Foundation. It is very effective and affordable for any homeowner.
Is it better to waterproof a basement from inside or outside?
Waterproofing basement walls from the inside is much more effective than waterproofing them the outside. This is because finished basements will also act as waterproofing for your home, but waterproofing our exterior foundation wall still serves a purpose.
How much does waterproofing basement walls cost?
The price of waterproofing basement walls can vary depending on the method used. Although waterproofing paint is cheap, it will not last very long. A waterproof foam can easily last 20 years, and waterproof sheetrock is the most durable option for waterproofing basement walls.