Guide to waterproofing basement walls

4 Steps for Effectively Waterproofing Basement Walls

In order to derive maximum advantage from the basement waterproofing systems, it is important to have an understanding of what causes moisture to occur in the basement. Basements are more prone to moisture development, mainly because the water in the soil beneath causes hydrostatic pressure to be exerted on the basement floors and walls. And this pressure can force water through the cracks, which can lead to major structural damage 

And now that you have understood the root cause, here are 4 effective steps to maximise the advantage of the basement waterproofing systems – 

Step 1 - Remove the standing water

One of the most important steps to ensure interior waterproofing of the basement is to remove all the standing water before beginning with water proofing for basement. Once the area is completely dry, you can begin to analyze the damage, if any, and select the most effective action plan, as recommended by the experts. 

Step 2 - Clean and Prepare the Basement Area

A full-proof bathroom waterproofing procedure is to choose countertops and sinks with solid surfaces like stones, that prevent water seepage. Moreover, while installing a tub or shower, invest in waterproof bathroom tiles, to ensure there is no water leakage from bathroom tiles, which is done by using strong tiling additives.

Check for moulds and efflorescence

When the water-soluble salt compounds in the masonry are pushed out by water intrusion it will cause white, powdery, crystal-like deposits on the surface. This is called efflorescence, and it must be removed before interior basement waterproofing to ensure proper adhesion of the waterproof paint.

Pro tip - A product that is extremely effective in removing efflorescence is Asian Paint’s SmartCare Damp Block 2K, a two-component, high-performance coating, which provides an unmatched solution for waterproofing basement floor, and walls, as it tackles common problems like efflorescence 

Step 3 - Seal Holes and Cracks

Once the area is clean and dry, the next step is to plug the holes or cracks in the walls with hydraulic cement, which will prevent water ingress. So if you are wondering how to seal basement walls, this is an important step!

Pro Tip - If you are wondering how to waterproof basement walls from inside, we have got you covered! Asian Paint’s SmartCare Crack sealer is an important step to seal the basement walls for waterproofing solutions. This ready-to-use fibre-based compound has the crack-filling ability for both interior and exterior surfaces. 

Step 4 - Apply Waterproofing Membrane/Coating

Once the basement is clean and dry, and all the cracks are plugged in, it is time to apply a waterproofing membrane for waterproofing basement floor. And Asian Paint’s SmartCare Bathroom waterproofing membrane is the best product for this step. This  triple-layered, tough, elastic sealing laminated film is the best solution for waterproofing the basement floor, as it is fixed below the tiles, providing long-lasting resistance to water, and alkalis.

FAQs

1. How is possible for waterproofing basement walls from inside?

The best way for waterproofing basement walls from inside is by ensuring that the cracks and holes are sealed, by using SmartCare Crack Sealer, by removing any efflorescence using SmartCare Damp Block 2K and by using a waterproofing membrane such as SmartCare Bathroom waterproofing membrane from Asian Paints online store! 

2. How is it possible for waterproofing basement walls from outside?

The best way for waterproofing basement walls from the outside is by adding a coating of waterproof paint, along with waterproof primer such as SmartCare Damp Sheath Exterior to ensure the utmost protection.

3. How to seal basement walls?

The best way to seal the basement wall is by identifying and filling cracks, removing the efflorescence, and applying waterproof paint along with waterproof primer for ultimate protection.