basement wall seepage
#1
12-05-01, 02:55 PM
basement wall seepage
Question: What is a good waterproofing paint/compound for concrete basement walls? I have just purchased a house built in 1955, and in need of lots of TLC, starting with the basement. The concrete walls were painted a long time ago and the lower half of the walls have loose paint and a crumbling surface that falls off with a slight touch. The inspector describes it as "heavy efflorescence under foundation paint. Spalled concrete wall surface. Evidence of heavy water penetration in past." There does not appear to have any deep accumulation of water, i.e, no water level stain marks on walls, lally columns, etc. The inspector suggested I wire brush the wall, vacuum up the debris, and apply a wall waterproofing paint. He believes that, as well as new gutters should solve the problem. Can anyone suggest a good product that I can handle myself (an average size woman)? Also, should I put this paint to the floor as well?
#2
12-05-01, 03:53 PM
Member
Sealing basement walls
A good place to start is at www.doityourself.com/basement. There is some very basic but helpful info there. You can also do some research at home centers re: available masonry sealers. I have sealed the basements in two homes by myself and I weigh 125 lbs. You don't have to be a giant to wield a brush or roller. My basement walls had never been painted, so I did not have to worry about the product adhering to the wall. If basement walls have been previously painted,you will need a product that is compatible with the type of paint you have on your walls, i.e., latex. Masonry wall sealers are different from those used on floors.
Making sure gutters and downspouts are clear and carrying water away from the house is VERY important. Also, making sure soil around house is sloped to carry water away from the foundation. These problems are among the most common reasons for moisture problems in basements.
Get a dehumidifier going in the basement to control the humidity and prevent mold/mildew problems. Running fan(s) will improve ventilation and help control humidity problems.
Masonry sealers are not meant to stop the flow of water through your walls. Let's hope you don't have to dig and seal the exterior of your walls and install a drain system along the base of your foundation. That can be expensive.
It is very important that you protect the investment in your home by addressing the basement moisture problems. If you plan on finishing out your basement, after applying the sealing and waiting to see if you have problems, you will need to install a vapor barrier over your walls and then your insulation and walls.
You can learn more about basements at www.doityourself.com/basement.
Making sure gutters and downspouts are clear and carrying water away from the house is VERY important. Also, making sure soil around house is sloped to carry water away from the foundation. These problems are among the most common reasons for moisture problems in basements.
Get a dehumidifier going in the basement to control the humidity and prevent mold/mildew problems. Running fan(s) will improve ventilation and help control humidity problems.
Masonry sealers are not meant to stop the flow of water through your walls. Let's hope you don't have to dig and seal the exterior of your walls and install a drain system along the base of your foundation. That can be expensive.
It is very important that you protect the investment in your home by addressing the basement moisture problems. If you plan on finishing out your basement, after applying the sealing and waiting to see if you have problems, you will need to install a vapor barrier over your walls and then your insulation and walls.
You can learn more about basements at www.doityourself.com/basement.
#3
12-06-01, 10:53 PM
Re: basement wall seepage
Originally posted by MsAnnie
Question: What is a good waterproofing paint/compound for concrete basement walls? I have just purchased a house built in 1955, and in need of lots of TLC, starting with the basement. The concrete walls were painted a long time ago and the lower half of the walls have loose paint and a crumbling surface that falls off with a slight touch. The inspector describes it as "heavy efflorescence under foundation paint. Spalled concrete wall surface. Evidence of heavy water penetration in past." There does not appear to have any deep accumulation of water, i.e, no water level stain marks on walls, lally columns, etc. The inspector suggested I wire brush the wall, vacuum up the debris, and apply a wall waterproofing paint. He believes that, as well as new gutters should solve the problem. Can anyone suggest a good product that I can handle myself (an average size woman)? Also, should I put this paint to the floor as well?
Question: What is a good waterproofing paint/compound for concrete basement walls? I have just purchased a house built in 1955, and in need of lots of TLC, starting with the basement. The concrete walls were painted a long time ago and the lower half of the walls have loose paint and a crumbling surface that falls off with a slight touch. The inspector describes it as "heavy efflorescence under foundation paint. Spalled concrete wall surface. Evidence of heavy water penetration in past." There does not appear to have any deep accumulation of water, i.e, no water level stain marks on walls, lally columns, etc. The inspector suggested I wire brush the wall, vacuum up the debris, and apply a wall waterproofing paint. He believes that, as well as new gutters should solve the problem. Can anyone suggest a good product that I can handle myself (an average size woman)? Also, should I put this paint to the floor as well?
#4
12-07-01, 04:41 AM
Member
As twelvepole has said, look first at your gutters, downspouts, landscaping, and watering practices (i.e., anything that would cause water to collect in the first 6 feet around your home). Tending to these details will have 100 times more benefit than anything you can paint on your walls. In many but not all cases, these outside actions will be all you need to solve the problem.
