is there an easy way to waterproof my basement? some water leaks in through the window on the unfinished side?

Answer 1

Sounds like a drainage problem should be addressed first--why is water getting to the window on the outside, other than when rain is blowing against it? Check around the outside of that window, see if the lay of the land around the window is diverting the water runnoff against the window, or if a bush or other plant has grown up and caused the water to divert. If the window is below grade, (ground level) there should be a barrier to block the water and other debris from getting to the window.

Yes, you probably need to caulk around the outside of the window, but first find out why the water is even getting over to the window in the first place, may be a simple fix with a shovel or you might need to alter the grade of the soil around the house. If it is warm, you might try using a hose and spraying the side of the house, to see how the water drains.

Answer 2

Technically, there is NO such thing as completely "waterproofing" a basement, fdn wall, etc. even though some products are called that. There is still a chance of leaking and condensation. However, if you know that water is specifically leaking through a window, it sounds like it is a problem with a poorly installed/flashed window. Windows need to be very carefully installed and, more importantly, flashed. To fix this, consult a mason or the contractor/construction company that installed your window. If it's an older home, contact one of the above and inform them of your problem.

Now, if it is your whole foundation/basement system that is leaking, you may want to consider putting new drain tile in your home. This can be done one of two ways: one - excavating around your foundation wall and installing the gravel bed and drain tile or two - cutting away on the interior side of your fdn wall and installing a moisture control/weep system (basically drain tile) (www.masonrytechnology.com)

Hope these ideas were helpful.
Mena
Architectural Building Technologist

Answer 3

You could put in those plastic basement window covers that keep dirt and water away from basement windows, available at most big hardware stores (Home Depot, Menard's, Lowe's). They come is standard basement window casing sizes or you order them custom fit if they don't have the size and shape on hand that you need. It's what we did, along with "Dry-Lock" Basement wall paint, which seals the bricks and keeps those dry as well.

Answer 4

BASEMENT TO ME IS SOMETHING UNDERGROUND. SOUND LIKE NOT MOISTURE BARRIER UNDER THE SLAB AND NO WATER PROOFING ON EXTERIOR WALL BELOW THE GROUND TABLE. CAULKING/FLASHING WINDOW DOES NOT SOUND LIKE A MAJOR PROJECT. SEALING CONCRETE FROM THE INSIDE SOUND LIKE A WASTE OF GOOD MONEY FOR A SHORT TERM SOLUTION. IF MOISTURE/WATER WANT TO COME IN IT WILL FIND ITS WAY. PROPER EXTERIOR GRADING AWAY FROM THE WALLS AND DIVERTION OF THE DOWNSPOUT ARE THE CHEAPEST COST TILL U FIND IF IT WORKS. OTHER THAN THAT BIG EXPENSE COMING

Answer 5

Find some good caulk at the home depot and seal up around the window?

Answer 6

best way is to fix the ground drainage outside...slope dirt away from house