I have two cracks in my basement wall.....?

Question

They are "slow leaks" when it rains. How extensive and expensive is it to fix these before we try to finish our basement? is there a DIY that works?

Answer 1

most leaks like what you are describing are caused by something wrong outside, like gutters clogged, downspouts emptying out near the foundation, missing gutters or downspouts, landscaping sloped towards the house, or rain water running under a slab of concrete like a patio, porch or driveway. you might try looking at that before you attempt to fix the cracks inside.

Answer 2

If the basement wall is made out of concrete you can buy a bag of concrete and a large bucket at any home depot store and then you can start by mixing it slowly but with less liquid so that it remains more thick, then use a flat blade to smooth it out on the exterior once the cracks have been filled.

Then I would suggest if your basement has a problem with water leaking into it, or moisture to use a water proof epoxy like Top Secret Coatings TS-100 primer and coatings to protect against future water damage to prevent mold.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Is this wall concrete? How is the drainage on the surface? Be sure to do everything you can to make water drain away from the foundation when it rains.

As far as the cracks I like SikaSwell S-2 or Vulkem-116. For your situation the Sika product would probably be better though.

http://www.sikaconstruction.com/con/con-prod-app-ws.htm

Answer 4

use drylock its a sealer, and will work on concret