How to Apply Hydraulic Cement to Damp Basements

Damp basements in buildings can cause structural damage and endanger your health by causing allergies. Water seeps in through the walls of your basement and results in formation of molds and rust. Water leakage is caused by cracks in the basement floors and walls. You can use hydraulic cement to prevent such issues as it is a water resistant product. By following the directions below, you can apply hydraulic cement by yourself without much difficulty.

Step 1 – Take Appropriate Precautions

Hydraulic cement dries very quickly. Therefore, mix only a small amount for each application. Hydraulic cement is also caustic, and the dust it produces can cause irritation. You must wear a dust mask and gloves while you are working with it. Work in a well-ventilated area, but as basements are hard to ventilate, use large fans to create a crosswind. If you are using acids to remove debris from the surface, follow all the necessary precautions.

Step 2 – Preparing the Surface

First of all, you must prepare your surface for application. Wash the walls or floor to remove the loose mortar, dirt, mold, grease and other debris. To kill the mold, use a mild detergent with an added capful of bleach in the water. To remove the white powdery substance called efflorescence, use muriatic acid with a wire brush. If the surface has oil-based paint, you must remove the paint as well.  

Step 3 – Preparing the Cracks for the Application

Before patching, open up the crack with a hammer and chisel. While you are making the crack, remember to undercut the crack in such a way that the crack’s inside opening is wider than the opening of the surface. This is important as it will help in locking in the hydraulic cement inside as it becomes hard. Once you have opened up the crack, clean it well by using a brush to remove any possible pieces of concrete or dust.

Step 4 - Preparation of the Hydraulic Cement

Mix up a small amount of hydraulic cement with water in a bucket. You must carefully follow the instruction on the packaging for the proper mixture and consistency. Use a trowel to combine and mix up the cement and water in the bucket.

Step 5 – Application of the Hydraulic Cement

Before the application, use a spray bottle or water to dampen the crack as cement will adhere better to the wet surface. Next, apply a layer of the hydraulic cement into the crack in such as way that the cement is about ½-inch below the base of the crack surface. Use a trowel to apply another layer of the cement to the crack. Smooth the layer, and let it dry for 24 hours before proceeding to paint the surface. Later, paint the surface with the desired hue.