How To Make Internal Concrete Walls Waterproof?

Wet walls occur when excess moisture enters a house and cannot be removed, often due to factors such as floods, pipe or roof leaks, or condensation. To address these issues, homeowners can invest in drainage systems, fix cracks, replace materials, opt for water-resistant drywall, seal walls, and explore paint options. Common interior waterproofing methods for basement walls include applying waterproof coatings, installing drainage systems, and using silicone masonry caulk.

To waterproof basement walls from the inside, use hydraulic cement to fill visible cracks and holes, address window well leaks, and apply a masonry waterproofing product to bare interior surfaces. Silicate concrete sealant can be applied using a roller or spray-on application after cleaning dirt, oils, paint, and other materials.

Prime the substrate (surface) with 1 coat of PermaFlex® (240 sq ft per gal). If the walls are damp with seepage from outside but not actively leaking, an elastomeric waterproofing coating can be used. For concrete walls, waterproofing membranes and dimple drainage boards are also necessary.

There are three main ways to waterproof your basement: sealants or epoxy, interior drainage systems, and exterior waterproofing. Learn how to waterproof basement walls from the inside and consider the source of the moisture, cleaning and prepping walls, sealing leaks, and applying waterproof coatings.

How do you keep moisture from coming through concrete walls?

Concrete sealers, repellents, and coatings are essential tools to prevent moisture damage to concrete surfaces. Concrete is porous, absorbing water easily, making it susceptible to mold buildup. This is especially true in residential and commercial buildings, where exterior walls, basement walls, and outdoor walkways are exposed to humidity and rainwater. Cracks and crevices in concrete can also attract rainwater, creating breeding grounds for mold growth.

Proper moisture control is crucial, and concrete masonry units (CMUs) are more effective for waterproofing than poured concrete. Managing condensation and mold buildup in concrete masonry walls is simple with proper tips.

How do you seal inside concrete?

To seal your concrete floor, remove any existing sealer, use an etching solution to open up the concrete, apply a thin coat of sealer using a sprayer or roller, let the first layer dry, and apply a second coat in the opposite direction. Sealing a concrete floor is crucial for its strength and long-term condition. It’s easy to apply and offers numerous benefits. For more information on preparing and sealing a concrete floor, check out our article. If you need concrete for your project, call our team at 0800 859 5371.

How to waterproof an inside wall?

Damp internal walls are a significant issue for homeowners, causing an unpleasant musty smell, chill, and reduced heat insulation. Mold growth, unsightly appearance, and potential respiratory complications are also common issues. Damp can cause structural damage, especially to timbers, and permanent damage to plaster, paint, and finishes.

Signs of damp on walls indicate an underlying damp problem, such as condensation, building faults, leaks, or bridging of an existing damp proof course. Addressing and fixing these issues is crucial before redecorating the room. The root cause of the damp must be treated correctly before considering internal damp proofing options. A professional should be consulted to ensure the problem is resolved. Once damp proofed, a more habitable and comfortable living space can be achieved.

To address damp issues, remove old plaster and deteriorating surfaces, cut a damp proofing membrane to size, place it on the wall, neatly fold it around the corners, drill, and secure it to the walls.

How to stop moisture from coming through a concrete wall?

Masonry cream is becoming an increasingly popular choice among homeowners seeking to safeguard their natural brickwork without compromising its aesthetic appeal. Once dry, the coating created by the penetrating agent forms an invisible, water-repellent barrier on brick, stone, or concrete walls.

Should you seal interior concrete walls?

To waterproof basement walls, apply a high-quality waterproof paint like DRYLOK White Extreme Waterproofer to the interior of the walls. This product comes premixed and is applied like a coat of paint, filling all surface holes and allowing it to dry completely before applying a second coat. A 5-gallon container covers about 500 square feet of wall.

Do not apply sealer over painted walls or efflorescence. If you or a previous owner painted the basement walls, remove the paint before applying sealer, which only adheres well to bare masonry. Effluence, or white deposits on concrete walls subject to constant moisture, should also be removed before applying sealer with muriatic acid.

To keep water away from your basement, remove foundation plantings and flowerbeds that require watering, inspect and repair gutters and downspouts, and grade your yard away from the foundation at a minimum of a 2 percent slope. Consider having an exterior drain tile system installed, which can cost $10, 000 or more and requires excavating soil around the outside of the basement to install a perforated drain at the footing level. A waterproof membrane is often installed on the outside of the basement wall, and a buried sump pump is pumped to the surface.

Additionally, consider installing a drainage channel beneath the floor inside the basement. This drain is similar to the exterior drain tile but located just inside the basement walls. New walls are built on the inside of the drain, preventing residual water from seeping through the old basement walls. This job is typically done by a foundation contractor and costs around $5, 000.

How to waterproof a concrete wall from inside?

To waterproof concrete walls from the interior, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the substrate by ensuring it is clean, dry, and free of previous products, foreign matter, and loose or crumbling material.
2. Prime the substrate by applying a coat of PermaFlex® (240 sq ft per gal).
3. Patch the surface with a coat of PermaFlex®, then apply a topcoat of 1 coat.
4. Topcoat the wall with 1 coat of PermaFlex®, covering 240 sq ft per gal.

In summary, waterproofing concrete walls from the interior requires a thorough preparation process, including preparing the substrate, priming the surface, patching, and applying a topcoat.

What can I use to stop water coming through walls?

Water ingress, or penetrating damp, occurs when water penetrates through walls or brickwork from the outside. It can cause health issues and can be caused by various factors such as leaks, leaky pipes, or improperly installed windows and doors. To prevent water ingress, regularly inspect your home’s structure, seal windows and doors with weatherstripping, check your roof for broken materials, and seal wall cracks and holes with a suitable sealant like silicone. Treatments like masonry creams and waterproof membranes can help address this common issue.

Can I waterproof a wall from the inside?

If a foil test confirms water seepage in basement walls, remove existing paint and seal the interior with a waterproof product. This creates a watertight bond, preventing water seepage. Gutters and downspouts channel water away from the house, maintaining structural health. If you lack gutters or sump pumps, consider adding them. If already installed, fasten metal or plastic extensions to capture runoff or excess water and drain it away from the base.

Does interior concrete need to be sealed?

Concrete sealers are essential for maintaining and enriching the color of concrete, whether it’s integral, stain, dye, or color hardener. They can add sheen, block dirt, oil, grease, and chemicals, and make the surface easier to clean. They also prevent wear and tear from high foot and auto traffic areas.

To choose the right sealer, consider your state’s requirements on volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Sealers with higher VOC levels may not be legal in your state. Acrylic-resin-based sealers are the most common, cost-effective, and often blended with epoxies, polyurethanes, or silicones to improve performance and water resistance. They come in many forms, with some performing significantly better than others.

A less expensive, lower-performing sealer, such as styrene-acrylic, may yellow and degrade when exposed to sunlight or extreme weather conditions. The best type of sealer is a pure acrylic resin sealer that will last longer without yellowing.

How to stop water seeping through a concrete wall?

To prevent water seeping through concrete walls, waterproof the exterior with a waterproof coating or membrane or install a drainage system. Install a sump pump in the basement or foundation to remove excess water and prevent further damage. A sump pump is a device that pumps water out of the area when the water level rises above a certain point. If you’re unsure about how to stop water seeping through concrete walls or if the problem is severe, consider seeking professional assistance from Drainage Contractors or Basement Waterproofing Companies in London Ontario. A qualified contractor can help identify the source of the water and recommend the best course of action to address the issue.

What is the cheapest way to waterproof a wall?

The most cost-effective method for waterproofing a basement is the application of a waterproof paint coating. This can be completed for a relatively low cost per square foot.