How to Waterproof a Basement with Mortar

by DoItYourself Staff

Having provision of a waterproof basement in a home is becoming an option for homeowners because this gives extra space to make into a visitor's bedroom, a work place, or an entertainment corner. Hiring a professional to waterproof the basement is costly. If a homeowner is savvy with home improvements, doing the waterproofing of a basement can easily be done.

Materials Needed:

Epoxy or latex for waterproof mixture
Garden hose with spray nozzle
Mortar

Step 1- Covering up Cracks

Cracks seen around the basement area that are very small (just about 1/8 inch) should be repaired using a waterproofing mix. The larger cracks should be cleaned and patched. Working gloves are recommended for use, as some chemicals are used in the mixture.

Step 2- Preparing the Mortar Mix for Filling

With a consistency of one part cement and two parts fine sand, make the mortar to fill in cracks and holes. Mix the materials with the right amount of water to come up with a reasonable stiffness on the mixture consistency. With a putty knife, apply the mortar into the cracks where water seems to seep through the wall.

Step 3- Chipping Process

Chip off the broken areas where bigger holes are seen. After chipping, fill in with the mortar mix, and with a trowel, smooth the area.

Step 4- Filling the Cracks

A weep pipe should be inserted into the wall if water is trapped outside against the wall and has difficulty escaping. The cracked part where the weep pipe was installed should be filled with the mortar mix. Let the mortar mix fully dry.

Step 5- Readying for Waterproofing

Take out the pipe, cover the hole, and through the mortar mixture, make a cement plug by shaping the mixture into a cone that is bigger than the hole. The smaller end of the cone should fit the hole and hold it in place. The plug should be held for some few minutes until set. The basement is now ready for waterproofing.

Waterproof the Walls and Floor Step 1-Basement Wall Preparation

Using a gardening hose, set this to fine spray and wet the basement walls. Dampen the walls, creating no standing water on the surface prior to adding the waterproofing mix.

Step 2- Applying the Mixture

The walls and floor should be treated with epoxy or latex waterproof mixes. A mixture of plain cement and water made into a cream consistency may also be an option. In a circular motion, rub this mixture onto the wall to fill up the pores. Begin applying the mixture from the bottom part then leading to the top. Additional coats may be applied.

Step 3- Wetting the Area

Dampen the wall or floor area again after the coating dries up. Wet completely and let stand for a couple of hours. The lower area should be wet using a garden hose once the wall parts have dried. Apply the second coat of the mixture onto the basement.