Basement water seepage occurs when there is no obvious visible source. It is usually indicated by dark areas on the floor or block. Movement of water through porous block by capillary action is the most common cause.
You may not have flaky cracks or visible puddles, yet still have dampness and moisture. The moisture can seep completely through the concrete, masonry, or wood walls and floor of the basement through capillary attraction. Most homes will vent this moisture, but it can be trapped inside if there is insufficient airflow resulting in increased humidity with its associated problems.
SHEETROCK
The loose soil next to the foundation due to construction back fill will absorb a disproportionate volume of water relative to the undisturbed soil beyond this construction back filled area. The water that caused this problem is almost always the result of poor drainage or poorly maintained gutters. To assure that the basement is and will stay dry, you should: eliminate groundwater as much as possible through the use of swales and appropriate grading, eliminate roof runoff through proper gutters and spouting, and provide for overflow in time of heavy rains.
If your masonry surface is damp but there are no obvious leaks, then a sealer is a good idea. A variety of sealers are available varying from polyurethane to chemically active powders to specialized latex paints.
Floors and walls can be sealed with heavy-duty polyurethane. The floor must be grease-free and clean. Any cracks and small holes should be primed with one coat of urethane first, which will fill them.
Also available is a type of product, which contains a catalyst that triggers a reaction between water and dormant chemicals already in the concrete, Sold under the brand names of Xypex's Hi-dry. It consists of a powdered blend of cement, sand, and a chemical catalyst. You mix the powder with water and brush the mixture on the interior of your unpainted poured concrete or concrete block basement walls. It penetrates and fills concrete pores. It does not work on smooth finishes.
Another excellent waterproofing sealer is UGL's Drylok white masonry waterproofing paint made by United Gilsonite Laboratories for waterproofing interior below grade masonry walls. It will work on cinder and concrete blocks, stucco and brick. Walls can also be treated with bitumen latex emulsion (tar) if you plan to use sheetrock or drywall over them, but this is a messy job. When using these products insure good ventilation and be sure to shut off the furnace and any other pilot lights and open flames. You may want to go to http://www.basementwaterproofinginfo.com for a more detailed explanation of seepage for a variety of situations and related problems and their solutions.
Basement Water Seepage
George Jenney
SHEETROCK
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