Hey everyone! We recently discovered that we have water seeping into our basement, especially in a section made of concrete blocks. This seems to happen after heavy rainfall and is likely due to the ground being saturated, which allows water to penetrate the walls. So far, we've installed and replaced drain downspout extenders to help redirect the water away from the house, but we're now looking to apply an interior sealant. We're considering a few different products: DRYLOK® Extreme Concrete & Masonry Waterproofer, Hydro-Seal 75, and Blue Max® Liquid Rubber Waterproofer. We want a product that's easy to apply, durable, and can be painted over on the concrete floor. If anyone has experience with these products or has suggestions, we would love your input. Thanks in advance!
3 Answers
Have you considered some questions first? Like how old is the house? Do you have a sump pump or any perimeter drains? Knowing these things can change your approach. I recommend getting a topographic map of your area to see how the water runs around your property. I’ve had success with redirecting downspouts using PVC piping to channel water away from my house; it's been a game changer for me!
First off, make sure the ground is sloped away from your foundation! Addressing that could keep things dry before you put any sealant on the walls. I’ve used DRYLOK and had good results with it myself, but I'm not familiar with the other products. Good luck!
I wouldn’t recommend just sealing it up. Water will always find a way in. It’s crucial to address the excess water first by improving your grading outside. If that doesn't do the trick, look into getting an interior or exterior drainage system set up. It’s about tackling the root of the problem!
Thanks for your input! To answer your questions: the house is over 120 years old, but the block area isn't that old—probably around 20 years old. We don't have a sump pump or perimeter drains, and there's not much grading on two sides. I'll look into getting a topographical map; sounds like a good idea!