Sealing or waterproofing my inside foundations walls

Marie
by Marie
I want to know if I should waterproof my basement walls before framing up and sheet rocking. If so, what should I use? I don't get any water in my basement (one of the very few homes in my neighborhood, but I want to be sure that I don't put in all this work and something happens). Also, do I need to frame up over the concrete?
  17 answers
  • Pauline Sodermark Pauline Sodermark on Jan 27, 2016
    Definitely put waterproofing material on the cement walls. Paint and hardware stores sell it. It's very thin textured and can be rolled on with a paint roller. Personally, I would first paint it on the places in the cement wall where the form ties went through before rolling the waterproofer over the whole wall. It would be a good idea to do the cement floor as well. Even if you don't get water in the cellar there is usually still some moisture that comes through the cement. Your second question I cannot answer.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jan 27, 2016
    I would defiantly seal the walls and the floor. Over time moisture could be a problem. Better safe then sorry.
  • Here is a link to check out and try this first to make sure you do not have any moisture problems. I would also make sure the water always runs away from the house with the ground sloping away from the house. This is very important. Gutters should always be cleaned and directed at least 5 foot or so away from the house. If there are no moisture problems, then you can proceed with remodeling your basement. As far as framing, yes, you usually frame the walls and add the sheetrock or other materials because you want to insulate and vapor barrier as well especially if this is going to be a living space. I would check out This Old House and other similar sites for ideas on finishing a basement. good luck
  • Leah Leah on Jan 27, 2016
    Depending on what part of the country you live in, it would be in your best interest to use a product on your foundation walls to help prevent mold, mildew and water seepage.
  • Marie Marie on Jan 27, 2016
    Other than using hydro cement and doing the entire foundation is there a sealer?
  • Funnygirl Funnygirl on Jan 27, 2016
    Yes there is a paint I bought many years ago for that purpose.it works well if you do not have a major problem.I would paint the walls first.
  • MARY MARY on Jan 28, 2016
    What kind of foundation do you have stone, block,
  • Pgl Pgl on Jan 28, 2016
    Always Always water proof......moisture levels change with seasons ,weather changes unnoticed roof problems sewer line, water lines trees coming down . It is a job to water proof But it is a bigger job to repair water damage that could have been prevented.
  • Johnchip Johnchip on Jan 28, 2016
    Waterproofing is always a good idea, but...it never really works if you have any serous outside water issue, "Water runs wild and free". and will pressure itself to the inside if it wants. The only sure proofing is to have the outside sealed, trenched drained and done right. Interior french drainage will do the trick, but it is only a trick, as the water has won.
  • Kathryn Wyant Kathryn Wyant on Jan 28, 2016
    There are several products you can find where you buy your paint. Lowes, Home Depot and Ace have them. They are a little expensive but worth every penny. I used Kilz for our cinderblock basement and we have not had any mold or mildew or leaks in our basement since I painted it.
  • Diana Deiley Diana Deiley on Jan 28, 2016
    Absolutely, but seek the advise of professionals. Great question.
  • Lee Govan Lee Govan on Jan 28, 2016
    I cannot stress enough, the importance of water proofing your home. We run a small business in New Zealand, the product we use comes from Canada and is Aquron 2000. It sprays on and looks like water, and is absolutely environmentally friendly. It reacts to the lime in your cement, once any moisture touches it, it turns into a jelly, filling the porous holes in your cement stopping water ingress. You should be able to find the product on the net, or email sales@markhamglobal.co.nz and I am positive that they will send you a link in your area. We have been using their products for 20 years in housing and commercial construction, and,have never had a failure yet. This will also come with a lifetime guarantee. You can watch videos explaining how it works at www.markhamglobal.co.nz. the follow the link to CPT2000.
  • Arts Be Crafty Arts Be Crafty on Jan 30, 2016
    I work for a basement waterproofing company. Waterproof painting products are useless. Concrete is porous and water will find a way through. Water comes into a basement when the ground outside is soaked, either from a rainy season or melting snow. (Hydro-static pressure) Waterproof paint will eventually peel. Outside waterproofing (french drains) are the old fashion way to waterproof. Now the perferred method is an interior drain (waterguard) and sump pump. Again, concrete is porous, Cinder blocks fill with water and if the pressure is enough, it leaks in. You can read the science behind this here; http://www.quality1stbasementsystems.com/basement-waterproofing-nj.html
    • Cindy Hagemann Cindy Hagemann on Jan 30, 2016
      @Arts Be Crafty She said her basement does not get water in it - so sealing it to prevent excessive moisture is always necessary.
  • Cindy Hagemann Cindy Hagemann on Jan 30, 2016
    You should always seal the walls and floors of a basement before covering - even if it is not currently an issue, but to prevent future moisture issues. And yes, absolutely frame up your sheet rock from the concrete and you can add another moisture barrier before adding the sheet rock too such as plastic or foam insulation - lots of options out there if you live in the US. http://www.seal-krete.com/waterproof-your-basement.html
  • Duv310660 Duv310660 on Feb 08, 2016
    Basement seepage can be different from year to year depending on a number of factors including home renovations. My advice would be to check that you have adequate weeping tile outside your walls to draw moisture away from the sides of your home.
  • George Thomas Marie George Thomas Marie on Aug 04, 2016
    I think that you should definitely seek the help of a professional. Are you in Michigan/Indiana/Ohio? StayDry® Basement Waterproofing does a pretty good job. You can get more information on their informational website. basementwaterproofingmi.com
  • Rick Rick on Sep 28, 2016
    Certainly do everything you can by checking gutter downspouts making sure as much water is diverted away as you can & not puddling next to the foundation. Hydro-Seal 75 waterproof coating is the best, tested to 40 PSI. It is an easy to mix water base epoxy that goes on like paint with rollers and brushes. It is odor free, dries fast for 2 coat application in one day. Great for floors and walls and it gives the basement a beautiful painted look. Also if finishing over the basement stay away from sheet vinyl flooring or vinyl tile and stay with materials that will allow some vapor transmission