How can we water proof our basement from the outside.
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We have recently had water seep through the block walls and up the concrete floor which we had put dry loc on years ago
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https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-waterproof-basement
Hi April!
You'll have to walk around your entire home on the outside and check for any cracks in the foundation, no matter how small and patch them with two layers of cement. While you're walking around see if there are areas around where the ground seems to retain water more than others. You could have a drainage problem outside of the home and water is seeping in thru the block wall. If it is a drainage problem even water proofing the outside won't help because water has to have a place to go and it will go where it wants if not directed.
First, check for standing water after a rainfall. Check your gutters, it's possible that they need to be fixed or replaced. Check your downspouts and make sure they are still connected. Get extensions for the downspouts. If that doesn't help, you can try painting flex seal on your inside or outside walls. We live at the at the beach in NJ and when Sandy hit, there was a businessman that used it to save his store. The surrounding stores were all damaged while his store remained dry.
Best way is to have a french drain installed around the perimeter of the house. Has to be installed at ground foundation level. Another option is have a french drain installed around the perimeter on the inside. Tendas to be cheaper.
Grade the ground away from the house build it up at the house if you have to, run downspouts at least 5 feet away from the house.
I would use a rubber waterproofing like Blue Max, and be sure to move the dirt away from the foundation before applying. You should also check gutters and downspouts are working properly in moving the water away from the house. Sometimes its as simple as adding extensions to the downspouts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6doxs8r2byI
If you have a bad area, you might also put in a French Drain. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=676rrMgkF8Q
be sure to get city to mark utility lines before starting.
We did the french drain and it works very well! Good luck!
pump like sump pump