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How to Patch Leaky Basement Cracks
Check the Grade and Use Hydraulic cement
By: Mark J. Donovan
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The first step
in patching a leaky basement crack is to solve the water runoff problem on
the outside of the home. On the outside of the home make sure there is a
sufficient grade away from the home. If there is no grade, or a negative
grade (surrounding land flows toward the home), then fix this problem first.
Second make
sure your gutters are clean and that water draining from the drain spouts
flows away from the home. |
Once you have
confirmed that water is draining away from the home you can now begin to patch
leaky basement cracks.
Hydraulic cement
is great for patching a leaky basement crack. Before applying the hydraulic
cement open the crack up with a hammer and chisel. When making the crack,
undercut the crack so that the inside opening of the crack is wider than the
surface opening. This will help the hydraulic cement to lock into the crack as
it hardens.
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After opening up
the crack, clean the crack well using a rag, broom and/or brush.
Next mix up some
hydraulic cement per the instructions listed on the packaging.
When applying the
hydraulic cement you should do it in a two step process. First dampen the
basemen crack a little and then apply a base layer of hydraulic cement such that
it sits about ½” below the base of the crack surface. |
Once the base
layer has dried, apply another layer of hydraulic cement to the crack and
smooth it to match the surface layer of the basement floor.
After the
hydraulic cement has dried it is a good idea to apply a waterproofing sealer to
the entire basement floor.
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