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It is very important the before you waterproof your basement that you should repair holes and cracks. By repairing holes and cracks in your basement you can ensure that when you waterproof your basement that it will keep out all the water.
Here are some steps you can take in order to repair the holes and cracks in your basement before waterproofing.
∗ If there are not any holes in your basement walls then you can apply the waterproofing compound directly to the walls. But if you do find holes or cracks you have to take care of them before you waterproof.
∗ Generally you will be able to fill in hairline cracks by using a regular waterproofing mix. But cracks that are longer than 1/8" should be cleaned and then patched before you start to apply the waterproof mix.
∗ You can buy a special type of epoxy and latex cement formula in order to mortar smaller repair jobs, as well as brushing it on as a type of waterproofing coating. But if the repair job is bigger you should mix your own mortar so you can patch and repair holes before applying the waterproof coat.
∗ You can make mortar for filling holes and cracks to repair cracks or holes in both cement walls and concrete blocks. You should mix one part cement and two parts fine sand with enough water to make the mortar stiff.
∗ If the water is seeping through the walls in your basement you can force the mixture into the crack by using a trowel or a putty knife. This should fix the leak. But if it is the case where the pressure is forcing the water through the walls it can be a harder problem to fix.
∗ If this is the case where the water is seeping because of pressure you have to chip out a detailed groove for the entire area of the length of the crack. You can use a chipping chisel and a hammer, as well as a cold chisel, in order to make a detailed groove. You have to make a dovetail space to provide an area where the mortar will hold.
∗ By doing this incorrectly it may cause the mortar to fall out of the area you are repairing when it becomes dry.
∗ You can repair holes that are in concrete or concrete block wall in the same way. You should chip out the broken area by making a dovetail space. Again, this will provide a holding edge so the new mortar will stay in place.
∗ When the faulty cement that is around the edge of the hole is completely chipped away you can then fill the hole with the mortar mix.
∗ Now put the mortar in the hole you just cleaned up, and then smooth it out by using a trowel. Make sure that you press all of the mortar in all parts of the hole. Make sure you do not leave any air pockets.
After the mortar is dry and you have repaired all the cracks and holes in the basement walls you are ready to waterproof your basement.
Author: Jason Green
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