5 Tips for Waterproofing a Basement Partition Wall

Waterproofing a partition wall protects it from moisture and water infiltrations. Damp conditions create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria which cause allergies or asthma attacks. Walls that are waterproofed will last longer, thus increasing the value of your building or home.

Waterproofing materials will resist the creation of hydrostatic heads. Heads happen when water infiltrates next to your foundation and starts building in pressure. Once the pressure reaches a high enough level it will start causing cracks in wall. Waterproofing is only effective on walls that have not yet been exposed to these problems. Here are few things to keep in mind when you are waterproofing a basement partition wall.

Fix Any Wall Cracks

No amount of insulation or waterproofing will help your basement partition wall if it is already damaged. Before applying waterproofer, repair existing cracks. Use compound to repair plaster or wall board. If you’re dealing with big, gaping cracks, use a wood piece or plaster to act as the bridge and hold the compound in place. Fixing wall cracks will tremendously increase the effectiveness of waterproofing.

Waterproof Paint

Just painting a wall with waterproof paint won’t waterproof it, but finishing the job with it will make your sealant more effective. Remove any dirt and old paint residue from the walls. Apply the waterproof paint according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Choose the right type of paint for the material you are using. You can also use waterproof paint when you have minor infiltrations.

Use CWM

Crystalline waterproofing material is a substance that can penetrate concrete to offer waterproof of your partition wall. If your wall is made of concrete, use a chisel to scrape and make a few holes. Remove as much of the top coating from the wall as you can.

Apply hydraulic cement over the entire surface. The cement will dry quickly, so make sure you move fast. Once you have applied the cement and it is still wet, add CWM over it with a large brush. Doing so extends to the wall beneficial waterproofing properties.

Fix Outdoor Inclinations

Having the soil around your house at the basement or higher level adds extra moisture. Inclination of the soil directions the flow of the rainwater. If the water flow is directed to your house, water will penetrate your basement. That can be a problem even with perfect waterproofing. It should be dealt with by removing the soil. If you are not able to remove the soil, consider building a small dam wall.

Hydraulic Cement

Hydraulic cement is specially made to harden in wet conditions. Coating walls with hydraulic cement is the best way to make them waterproof. Hydraulic cement expands as it dries as opposed to normal types of cement which shrink. The expansion removes any microscopic holes, thus making your partition walls waterproof. Hydraulic cement is great on its own, but is generally used in combination with CWM and waterproof paint.