I have a 30-year old home and I’m seeing some signs of moisture on the block foundation wall in my below-grade basement. Will painting the wall with a waterproofing sealant do any good?
What you’re seeing is common in older homes where the original waterproofing has failed. Applying a waterproof sealer on the interior side of the basement will be a temporary fix at best, and while it may block the water, it won’t eliminate it. Water will always take the past of least resistance. Probably the best thing to do is perform preventive maintenance so the problem doesn’t worsen. Make sure your gutters, downspouts and splash blocks are diverting water several feet away from the house—the further away, the better. Check the landscaping to make sure water isn’t draining downhill toward the building envelope. Use clay to sculpt the slope away from the house if necessary. The bottom line is to keep as much moisture away from the house as possible.
