The Dos And Don'ts Of Basement Waterproofing

Every monsoon repeats the same cycle, breezy and fresh at first but soon it unleashes its humid and wet side that directly affects our exterior walls and our homes. Ads for products that claim to waterproof your home, including basement walls may pique your interest at this time of the year. These days the market is flooded with waterproofing products, no pun intended, and it's pretty easy to get your hands on high quality products that will quickly get the job done. If you want to figure out how to fix a damp or musty basement, You've come to the right place. Whether it's a quick DIY project you've decided to take on or a full time contractor’s job, there are some ground rules to waterproofing that need to be kept in mind before you begin.

These simple Dos and Don'ts are for you to follow to get a perfectly waterproofed basement that won't be affected by pouring rains, seepage or musty smells.
Here's what you should DO:

• You may start to wonder: Can a basement truly be dried out? Is sealing the walls enough? It might be, but you need to determine whether the moisture is coming from outside or whether the high humidity is condensing on the cool walls of your basement to make sure you're making the right decision. Do confirm the source of water that leads to leakage and that’s where you can begin your process of waterproofing.
• A fracture in a basement wall can let an inch or two of water in during a wet season and sometimes more, but before you try to fix the crack make sure the area you are working in is completely dry. There is a higher chance of electrical shock or electrocution when working in a flooded basement or a basement that has pools of accumulated water.
• Use hydraulic cement to fill cracks in leaky walls for efficient basement waterproofing. When hydraulic cement is applied to cracks, it is pressed into place with gloved hands or a putty knife. Hydraulic cement contains additives that help it to expand and set quickly. In order to create a watertight bond, hydraulic cement pushes itself deeply into fractures and crevices as it grows. Make sure you only use as much quantity as you need instead of using more as it is easier to blend that way.
• Always use a combination of different products like Dr. Fixit Bitufix, Dr. Fixit Pidiproof LW+ for integral waterproofing compound. This method prevents corrosion in steel bars and provides the best waterproofing for materials such as plaster and concrete. Additionally, it contributes to making mortar more workable, which lowers rebound loss, resulting in time and financial savings.

Here’s what you should NOT DO:

• Often before beginning a project we tend to forget the basics. Before you start waterproofing your walls, don't forget to seal the windows as well as walls to prevent any water coming inside.
• With the multiple options available in the market, don't hesitate to try out different options to get the result you desire. Damage control can be done with other options too, like Acrylic paints on walls.
• Check the Dr. FixIt Waterproofing price list for the best products and offers and only pick the products you need.
• Don’t apply sealer on painted walls. Scrape layers of old paint off before using your sealers.
• Don't let water settle around your home. Wet basement walls can occasionally be remedied quickly and simply. But in order to prevent water from seeping into the basement, eliminate foundation plantings like bushes and flowerbeds that require watering.

With these basic guidelines, your basement waterproofing will be a quick and cost effective job that will keep your house and walls protected for a long time.