Can I Seal My Basement From the Inside?

If you’re struggling with moisture issues in your home, you’re probably wondering about ways to seal your basement. You might ask, can I seal my basement from the inside? Let’s take a closer look at different ways to seal your basement, and the pros and cons of each.

Can I Seal My Basement From the Inside?

There are a few different techniques you might use to seal your basement from the inside. There are also ways to seal your basement from the outside, which we’ll discuss in the next section. First, how can you seal your basement from the inside?

Painting

Many people use paint to try and seal their basement from the inside. This is a particularly popular DIY method for sealing basements. Though paint can create a layer to stop moisture from getting through, this is only a temporary solution.

Paint can’t withstand the hydrostatic pressure that builds up against the walls and floor of the basement. Furthermore, if the moisture problem is severe, paint is unlikely to help. If you see puddles, dripping, or visible water forming on your basement walls or floor, the paint will quickly deteriorate.

Filling Cracks

If water is coming through noticeable cracks in your basement, filling the cracks can be one way to seal your basement from the inside. This solution can work if the cracks are not too thick. However, it’s important to completely fill the cracks, not just cover up the cracks with sealant.

A topical sealant will only partially fill the cracks. You’ll need a stronger materials and application method to completely seal the cracks. Professional polyurethane injection uses brass packer ports and an injection machine to fill the cracks completely. This will prevent moisture from entering the crack at all.

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French Drains

Drain systems, such as French drains, are one of the most reliable ways to waterproof your basement. If you’ve previously had severe issues with basement moisture, such as flooding, French drains are an optimal solution. French drains filter water away from your walls and floor and towards a drainage point, usually to a sump pump.

Sealing Your Basement From the Outside

There are also ways to seal your basement from the outside. In general, these methods are more effective than sealing your basement from the inside, with the exception of french drain systems. To understand why, consider how your roof functions; though there are varying layers of sealing materials on your roof, the best line of defense is the outermost layer, the shingles. Exterior basement sealing works in a similar manner, repelling the moisture from the outside. So, what are some methods to seal your basement from the outside?

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Outdoor Drains

Outdoor drains work similarly to French drains, except they are installed on the outside, around the exterior walls of the basement. These drains also take in the moisture and water, and expel it at a drainage point. Outdoor drainage systems take in water before it gets into the home, so this is a very effective way to prevent moisture in your basement.

Outdoor Sealing

Outdoor sealing and drains are often used in tandem to completely seal the basement against moisture. During this process, professionals dig trenches around the basement. When placing the drains, sealing sheets are also placed around the exterior of the basement walls. This creates an extra protective layer which repels and prevents moisture from entering the space.

There are many ways to seal your basement, from the outside and from the inside. If your moisture problem is not severe, it can be effective to seal your basement from the inside using polyurethane crack filler or French drains. However, exterior basement waterproofing is generally more effective, since it actually prevents water from accumulating around the basement.

If you’d like to know more about waterproofing solutions, we can help. With a free consultation, you can get an expert opinion about the best and most affordable options for basement waterproofing.