Waterproofing a basement?

[totallyfrazzled]

Originally Posted by mambwe

Does anyone know of any reputable waterproofing companies that I can call?

The company I used (Harbor) has been in business a long time and has a good reputation. A quick Google shows that they are in East Meadow but service all of Long Island as well as Queens. They don't charge for the estimate, so what can you lose by calling? They also offer a guarantee plus a service contract if you want it. Harbor Basement Waterproofing Inc. - Home

[DeadPool1998]

Originally Posted by kicksave

I agree with KB...fixing a leak from the inside is actually doing more harm than good. Check gutters and pitch of your soil next to house..water must drain away.

It wouldn't do harm to seal the inside. It may help with moisture issues, such as humidity. But it won't seal the basement from standing water. Hydro-static water pressure will work it's way through the concrete.

[Kbinspections]

Originally Posted by DeadPool1998

It wouldn't do harm to seal the inside. It may help with moisture issues, such as humidity. But it won't seal the basement from standing water. Hydro-static water pressure will work it's way through the concrete.

I have to disagree, by sealing the inside walls, it trapps the moisture in the foundation which can rot sill plates and can damage the concrete foundation.

[jcarb]

Please be advised this is old technology used tar dries and cracks it is not a permanent solution .There are so many more superior products on the market such as membranes which are applied by trowel or even with roller grade which is rated fifety years and dries to wall like rubber that when you pull on it . it snaps back to the wall. Its been 7 months by joe water proofs standards see him in 7 yrs when his basement is totally finished and mold is growing behind the wall! Thats typically what happens to the home owner that takes a cheap route they end up paying later or perhaps its you who just bought the house and there problem was never disclosed and you are left footing the bill .

[tiberiusP]

Originally Posted by Kbinspections

I have to disagree, by sealing the inside walls, it trapps the moisture in the foundation which can rot sill plates and can damage the concrete foundation.

I just want to re-ask regarding the above. I am re-doing our previously refinished basement b/c for that crazy storm we had. I took out and removed all the old drywall and found a few cracks that emanated from the windows.

I am going to dig out the foundation wall & plan to seal and tar the outside and then grade away properly.

But on the inside, I can see they tried to previously repair a crack with black tar. Since my wall is exposed, I was going to either get that epoxy injection repair for the cracks OR re-tar along the inside crack.

Should I totally leave the inner wall alone and just do the outside?

[mowmylawn]

Originally Posted by Kbinspections

Addressing moisture penetration fron the inside of the basement is a very bad idea. The only way to address water penetration is from the outside of the foundation.

Or let the water in and pump it out with a french drain system.

Many of the water penetration issues have nothing to do with the foundation and everything to do with grade, placement of trees/shrubs and gutter systems.

Actually, best solutions involve both, exterior and interior measures.

Concrete, whether poured or block, stays damp, which during warm whether causes condensation to form on interior walls leading to mold and mildew. Never use (fiberglass) batting in basement walls and look into some form of foam for insulation. Lots of solutions out there, just find the one you can afford and work with.

Watch those so-called basement experts, they not really experts and they charge big $.