Waterproof Walls FAQs

Depending on what walls you want to waterproof and where they're located, you can get the results you want by using:

• Panels
• Repellent or Sealant
• Clay

There are a handful of questions that most people have about each of these main waterproofing options:

Panel FAQs

This option is ideal for waterproofing existing walls. Most homeowners choose to use panels on basement, bathroom, laundry or utility room walls. Waterproof panels can be applied to part or all of a wall. Because these panels don't absorb any water, they will prevent your walls from rotting, swelling or becoming discolored. Waterproof panels are made without any fiberglass. Wherever you install them will be fully protected against bacteria, mildew and mold growth. Since these panels are available in multiple matte colors, you will be able to match the existing look of your home's interior.

While you can hire a professional to install waterproof panels for you, the process is easy enough for you to handle on your own. If you choose to install the panels yourself, you will begin by cleaning off the wall where you're going to apply the panels. If there are any rough patches on the wall, you will want to sand them to smoothness. Once the wall is prepped, you can use a trowel and latex adhesive to apply the panels. If you're adding the panels to a wall that doesn't have a porous surface, you will want to use an adhesive that's specifically designed for that type of application.

Repellent/Sealant FAQs

There are quite a few different products within this category. While there are minor differences between most of these products, they are all applied in the same basic manner. Before you put any type of waterproofing mixture on a wall, you will want to make sure any holes or cracks in it are filled. Depending on the size of what you're filling, you will either want to use latex cement for smaller repairs or mortar for larger work. For some of these products, you will then use a hose with a fine mist nozzle to lightly dampen the wall.

You can then use a brush to coat the wall with waterproofing. It's always a good idea to work from the bottom of the wall to the top. Depending on the specific product you're using, you will either wait overnight before applying the second coat or do it directly after you finish with the first.

Clay FAQs

Clay is generally used to protect interior walls by sealing the exterior of a home. The reason this material works so well as a sealant is because it can expand to absorb large amounts of water. While this material is commonly added during the construction of new homes, it can also be added to older ones. This is done by injecting it around the length of the home. Depending on your specific situation, a contractor will either drill it into your walls or pump it into them through the ground.

Waterproof Repellent/Sealant

It's possible to waterproof walls by using repellent/sealant, clay or panels. The option you choose will depend on the specific area of your home that you're trying to waterproof.

This is the broadest category of waterproofing products. The purpose of these products is to seal all the pores in your walls so moisture won't be able to accumulate in them. In addition to keeping moisture from accumulating, these products also have properties that can keep mold from growing on walls. If you choose to use this type of product on your walls, you will want to begin the application process by repairing any damage to the walls. This includes all cracks and holes. The reason you need to take care of these repairs is because leaving them can reduce the effectiveness of the repellent or sealant.

If you only need to fix small cracks or holes, you can complete your repairs with an epoxy mixture. For larger repairs, it's a good idea to mix up a batch of mortar and use that to complete the job. Once you've fixed the walls, smoothed any rough spots and cleaned them off, you will want to consult the instructions that came with the repellent or sealant you chose. The reason is some need to be applied to a damp wall, while others require a completely dry wall. To ensure you don't miss any spots, start at the bottom of the wall and work your way up it. Taking the time to cover every inch of the wall will make it fully waterproof.

Waterproof Exterior Walls with Clay

Clay has become a very popular waterproofing solution in recent years. Some of the reasons so many homeowners are choosing to waterproof with clay is because it's:

• Natural
• Flexible
• Fairly Easy to Apply

The benefit of choosing a natural waterproofing solution is you don't have to be concerned about harming the environment. Not only is clay flexible in terms of where it can be applied, but it literally functions in a flexible manner. When clay is exposed to water, it will expand to fill any gaps and prevent leaks from developing through a wall. If you choose to use this option to waterproof walls, you can hire a contractor or actually do the installation yourself if you're trying to save some money.

Using Waterproof Panels

The other way you can waterproof the walls in your home is by applying panels to them. This option is most commonly used in utility rooms, laundry rooms and bathrooms. Once you add this type of panel to your walls, it will keep the walls from swelling or rotting. Since the panels are fully resistant to moisture and mold growth, you won't have to be concerned about either of these issues. If you decide to install the waterproof panels on your own, make sure you thoroughly clean off the walls before you begin. This will ensure they fully adhere to the walls and provide complete moisture protection.

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