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.
Steps:
Lay Out and Mark the Location of the Deck
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.
Steps:
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.
Steps:
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.
Steps:
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.
Steps:
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.