How to Fix Basement Floor Leaks

Frustrating water seepage keeps us from utilising our basement space fit for living. How do we fix it? 

Basement floor leak is a common household problem that makes our basement an unsuitable choice for living. Concrete floors are usually porous by nature which means that water can seep through your concrete floor and make it damp. Furthermore, basements usually lack proper air circulation which traps moisture once it seeps through the floor. 

This can easily be addressed once you know what to do.  First, find out the reason why the basement floor leaks. There are usually two major causes for this: either the workmanship was poor when the floor was poured or the house could have settled allowing cracks to form. Either way, basement floor leaks are a pain and have to be addressed right away. Applying a concrete floor sealant will keep your basement floor dry and stop your leak problem. It can also prevent mold and mildew from developing and help your floor last longer.

First, do some preparatory works before you start applying sealant on your floor. 

1.    Move everything out of the area that has to be sealed.

2.    Clean your floor. Sweep and mop it to make sure that you get rid of dirt and debris. Sealants are best applied to clean surfaces.

3.    While cleaning the floor, keep an eye out for hole and cracks that are bigger than 1/8 inch.  These cracks and holes have to be filled with epoxy and latex fillers and be allowed to dry.

4.    Water sealants usually don’t adhere to painted surfaces. If your floors are painted, you may need a floor sander to remove the paint. After sanding, clean up the sanding dust and let the floor dry completely.

5.    Once the floor is dry, fill the cracks and holes with epoxy and latex filler and let it dry.

6.    You are now ready to coat your floor with sealant. Start on the corner that is farthest away from the door and slowly work your way out.

7.    Use a stiff brush and do a circular motion in spreading the sealer. Make sure to feather the edges so they wouldn’t be too thick. Allow the sealant to dry.

8.    Soak the surface with water and then allow it to dry.

9.    Apply a second coating of the sealant.

Sealing basement floors will prevent mold and mildew which can cause health problems when exposed to it for a long period of time. Keep the moisture and water leaks from your basement floor by applying sealants and ultimately safeguard your health and your flooring budget.