Keep your gutters clean to reduce runoff close to the house.
Since basements are surrounded by soil, they can absorb rainwater and other moisture from the ground around them, releasing it into the house. A leaky basement can result in peeling paint, mildew and mold problems, rotting structural elements and other serious problems. Waterproofing your basement can keep moisture from entering. There are several ways to seal your basement against groundwater, depending on your circumstances and the source of the water.
Sodium Silicate Sealers
Water-based sodium silicate products can be used to seal concrete, block or masonry basement walls and floors. According to Inspectapedia, this material penetrates up to 4 inches into the substrate, keeping water from entering the basement itself. Sodium silicate doesn't alter the appearance of concrete or masonry, though it may push loose dirt back out of walls and floors. This material may fail if it's routinely exposed to water or water pressure through the wall, or if applied to a dirty surface.
Acrylic Sealers
Acrylic sealers are flexible materials that create water-resistant barriers over a basement wall or floor. You can apply them over a wider range of materials than sodium silicate, including gypsum wall board sheathing, cement board and concrete or masonry. Some acrylic coatings are breathable and permit vapors to pass through, while others resist vapor transmission. These coatings may create a slight gloss on the surface of your wall or floor.
Improve Drainage
Poor drainage around the house can encourage water to leak into your basement. According to The Moneypit, improving your roof drainage and keeping gutters clean can significantly reduce water leakage into the basement. Divert water away from the foundation to reduce seepage. Make sure the soil around your home slopes away from the house on all sides. Provide at least 6 inches of slope over the first 4 feet from the foundation wall.
Sump Installation
More serious leakage may require wall excavation and a sump pump to remove excess water. Concrete basements may need to be jackhammered around the edges of the floor, where water seeps in. Install plastic drains along the edges of the basement wall to collect incoming water and lead it to the sump pump. Backfill all spaces with crushed rock and concrete the drain and pump back into place. The sump will remove extra water and divert it back outside, even during extreme rainfall or snowmelt.
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