Weeping walls render a basement uninhabitable, strip a home of valuable square footage and create a breeding ground for potentially harmful mold, mildew and fungus. Fortunately, you're not the first to battle basement seepage---a broad range of materials and methods offer a solution for every skill level and every budget. So, don't let weeping walls bring you to tears---get in there, get wet and get it done. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Fill small cracks and holes in the basement walls with modified crack filler.
2. Load a tube of crack filler into a caulking gun. Squirt crack filler into holes and across the length of cracks. Use a putty knife to spread and smooth the crack filler. Press the knife to the wall's surface to push crack filler into indentures.
3. Fill cracks larger than 1/8 inch with mortar. Combine mortar mix and water in a bucket and incorporate until blended. Scoop mortar mix from the bucket with a pointing trowel. Press the trowel against the wall, forcing the mortar mix into the crack. Spread and smooth the mortar mix by gently running the trowel along the crack.
4. Enlarge a large crack with a chisel. Hold a hammer in your dominant hand and place the chisel's point against the wall on either side of the crack. Position the chisel so that, when struck, it will chip away from the crack. Do not hold the chisel at a 90-degree angle to the wall and do not angle the chisel toward the crack. Angling the chisel toward the crack creates an undesirable "V" notch groove, while angling it away from the crack creates a desirable dovetail joint. Swing the hammer against the chisel's butt to chip out cement. Repeat along an entire side of the crack and then along the other.
5. Clear debris and dust from the joint, using a soft-bristled brush. Fill the enlarged joint with mortar mix. Smooth and press the mortar mix into place with a pointing trowel. Allow crack and hole repairs to dry until stiff.
6. Apply waterproofing compound to the basement's walls, using a stiff-bristled brush. Begin at the joint between wall and floor and work your way to the top of the wall. Wipe the compound across small areas of the wall's surface in a stiff, circular motion. Take your time and watch your work to ensure that you completely cover the wall and its joints. Allow the waterproofing compound to dry overnight.
7. Apply a second coat of waterproofing compound.
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