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We are finishing our basement and there are some cracks in the concrete floor. Some moisture comes up through at certain times of the year but no standing water.
We were wondering if anyone knew what is the best material to use to seal the floor. We have maybe 3/4 inches to play with since the ceilings are low.
Ripping out the old floor and pouring a new one isn’t an option.
If anyone has a suggestion for a good mix we’d appreciate it.
Thanks.
Replies
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The best way to waterproof your cement basement floor is to remove the source of the water. Clean/repair the gutters and downspouts, make sure they drain far from your foundation and that the lot slopes away from your foundation. If your house is built in to the side of a hill, confirm the site drainage too (any springs in the area?).
Concrete will let water through it. Any coating you put on top of it will only slow that down (at best). If there is enough pressure the water will lift any paint or coating eventually (remember that even though the water is just laying there, hydrostatic pressure pushed it up through your floor). If you put plastic over the concrete you will create a mold farm, not solve the problem just change it.
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Chrissa:
Recommended to me through this discussion board was
a product called Delta FL. It's a heavy plastic membrane that provides a place for the dampness to disperse.
But you do have to put a floor of some type over it.
for more info: web site: http://www.cosella-doerken.com/deltafl/index.html
You may also want to search the archives on this discussion group, I got a lot of advice on this topic.
Good luck
Steve
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We are finishing our basement and there are some cracks in the concrete floor. Some moisture comes up through at certain times of the year but no standing water.
We were wondering if anyone knew what is the best material to use to seal the floor. We have maybe 3/4 inches to play with since the ceilings are low.
Ripping out the old floor and pouring a new one isn't an option.
If anyone has a suggestion for a good mix we'd appreciate it.
Thanks.
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Chrissa,
Go to your local concrete construction supply house and inquire about two part epoxy injection. Most will rent the
the applicator (looks like a caulking gun). The process will require drilling 1/4 holes in the crack to install
injection "receptacles". The slab can be treated with Densifier (Protecrete.com). This product can be sprayed on.
It soaks through the pores of the concrete and reacts with the free lime to create a gel in the existing voids; thus making it much less pervious. Of course, address all possible sources of migration from the exterior.
Food for thought, Rick