Leaking Basement Foundation

A leaking basement can make it difficult to use your extra lower-level space.

A few different problems could be causing your basement foundation to leak. When too much water from rain or melting snow and ice start to build up around the outside of your home's foundation, the odds that it will eventually make its way inside greatly increase. Holes or cracks in your basement foundation will also obviously cause a leaking problem. There are a few do-it-yourself techniques you can use to help stop this problem.

Things You'll Need

• Paint roller
• Waterproof coating
• Polyurethane masonry caulk
• Hydraulic cement

Instructions

1. Use a paint roller to apply a waterproof coating. This type of product can be bought at home improvement stores by the gallon, just like paint, and can stop condensation issues with your basement walls and foundation.

2. Slope the ground outside away from your foundation by at least one foot. This might require adding more soil. This prevents water runoff from leaking through the foundation and into your home.

3. Check your gutters and downspouts. They should take water runoff far enough away from your home that the water does not accumulate around the foundation.

4. Look around the inside of your basement for any cracks or holes in the foundation. Measure each one you find. Those that are ¼ inch or larger will require a different repair method from smaller cracks.

5. Seal smaller cracks with polyurethane masonry caulk. Be sure the area is clean and dry before applying the caulk.

6. Seal larger cracks using hydraulic cement. Again, the area needs to be clean and dry. The cement will expand as it sets and will effectively stop the leaking problem.

References

• "This Old House" magazine; Drying Out a Wet Basement; John. D. Wagner