What Can I Spray on Block Walls to Stop Seeping?

Identify the Cause

• The first step in stopping water seepage is to figure out what’s causing it. Many cases of wet walls in basements are caused by precipitation and runoff soaking the soil near the foundation. This issue can be lessened by installing gutters with long downspouts to direct water away from the walls. Sprinkler systems also contribute to water seepage, so examine your sprinkler system for leaking or broken lines. Relocate sprinklers near the foundation at least 6 feet from the house to minimize water issues.

Tar

• Tar is a common weather sealant that can be sprayed on basement walls to stop invasive moisture. Commonly used as a roofing material, indoor formulas are thinner and specifically designed to coat interior surfaces. Clear the room of all carpet and furniture, and wipe the walls down with a damp mop. Dry visibly damp spots with a hair dryer or heat gun, and pour the tar mixture into a sprayer with a wide nozzle. Move the sprayer back and forth from ceiling to floor to evenly coat the wall in a thin layer of tar, and leave undisturbed for at least 48 hours to dry.

Silicone Waterproofer

• Silicone waterproofing spray is a handy tool for keeping water outside where it belongs. The thin solution permeates porous block and brick to stop water before it reaches the interior face of the wall. Shake the waterproofer thoroughly for at least 60 seconds, and pour it into a paint sprayer. Turn the sprayer on low and lightly coat the wall, taking care to get into both top and bottom corners. Let the silicone dry, and apply a second layer for even more waterproofing protection.

Waterproofing Paint

• Waterproofing paint is a light duty solution for walls with minimal water seepage. Mainly used on interior walls, this latex-based paint acts as both a water sealer and primer, allowing you to paint over the wall without worry of leaking. Ensure the wall is free of dampness, and dump the paint into a sprayer. Spray the paint on generously, coating the wall as evenly as possible. Latex waterproofing paint does take a long time to dry, so wait three or four days before painting over it.