Steps
11
Difficulty
Expert
Time Required
4Days
Estimated Cost
What You Need for This Project
Inspect Your Home
One
Check for Cracks in Your Walls
Take a walk around your basement and check for any cracks in the walls. Remember to pull any furniture or décor away from the wall for a thorough assessment.
Two
Check for Proper Drainage in Your Eavestrough & Downspouts
Any improper drainage of your eavestroughs and downspouts can lead to water saturation near your home's foundation, which can cause issues with your foundation and a leaky basement. Foundation repairs can be costly, so it is important that the ground around your house slopes away from your foundation. Look for excessive water spray during rain, and when it is dry, look for eroded earth directly underneath your gutters, or peeling paint on siding or fascia.
Note: If you notice your foundation has a crack in it, contact professionals as soon as possible.
Install Proper Drainage Systems
One
Unclog Your Downspout & Eavestrough
Carefully remove your downspout and eavestrough. Clean out any debris from the downspout, using a power washer or auger. If there is any damage to the cage, replace the screen.
Two
Install a Downspout Extension
If you notice that your downspout is not long enough, or angled incorrectly for efficient drainage, it is a good idea to add an extension.
- Measure the diameter of your existing downspout to make sure it is the right size.
- Stretch out the downspout extension until it is fully extended.
- Take the side that fits around your existing downspout and slip it around the pipe.
- Use a gutter elbow to secure it in place.
Repair Any Cracks in Your Basement Walls
One
Open the Crack
Using a sledge hammer and chisel, open the crack. Undercut the inside of the surface (make the inside of the crack larger than the outside) so that as the hydraulic cement cures, it will expand and become "keyed," or locked, in place in the crack. If you are fixing a crack in a block wall, do not go deeper than ¾ inch or you may burst into the hollow part of the block. Use a brush to clear away any dust and debris.
Two
Mix the Cement
Mix the hydraulic cement as per the instructions on the label. It is important that you have all your tools ready, as hydraulic cement hardens very quickly (about three to five minutes).
Three
Fill the Crack
Dampen the area with a spray bottle. With a trowel, fill the crack with the hydraulic cement to within ½ in. of the surface. After the first layer dries, smooth in a second layer to the right height to match the surface you are repairing. If water is entering through the crack at the time you are making the repair, trowel in the hydraulic cement and hold it in place with the trowel or some other flat surface for five minutes while the cement hardens.
Seal Your Basement Walls & Floors
One
Clean Basement Walls & Floors
Before you apply any sealant, it is important to clean your basement walls and floors with a mild detergent and stiff brush. Remove any dirt, dust, grease, and loose mortar.
Two
Etch Your Walls
In order for the sealant to stick to your basement walls, you have to etch your walls with an etching compound.
Note: These compounds can be caustic, so follow the directors on the package and make sure you are wearing safety googles and rubber gloves.
Note: These compounds can be caustic, so follow the directors on the package and make sure you are wearing safety googles and rubber gloves.
Three
Apply Sealant to Walls
Use a sprayer or roller brush to apply the sealant to the walls. Allow the sealant to dry for a couple days before moving on to the next step.
Four
Apply Polyurethane to Floors
If your basement floors have a smooth finish to them, you can apply the polyurethane with a roller brush. If your floors are rough, it is best for you to apply it with a broom. Run the sealant a couple of inches up the walls around the perimeter of the floor to ensure a good seal where the floor and walls meet. Apply three or four coats, recoating according to the product application instructions. Then allow the floor to dry for several days before using it.
Keep Your Basement Dry With a Sump Pump
Stay ahead of flooding with a sump pump. It pumps out water that collects in the sump basin and dispenses it outside.
How To Terms
Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes, and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors, or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures.
Jump to:
- Inspect Your Home
- Check for Cracks in Your Walls
- Check for Proper Drainage in Your Eavestrough & Downspouts
- Install Proper Drainage Systems
- Unclog Your Downspout & Eavestrough
- Install a Downspout Extension
- Repair Any Cracks in Your Basement Walls
- Open the Crack
- Mix the Cement
- Fill the Crack
- Seal Your Basement Walls & Floors
- Clean Basement Walls & Floors
- Etch Your Walls
- Apply Sealant to Walls
- Apply Polyurethane to Floors
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