Can you waterproof a block basement from the inside?

Author: Chet DuBuque  |  Last update: Sunday, September 14, 2025

Seal/coat the interior of the walls with a suitable masonry waterproof product. When the paint dries, the sealant forms a watertight bond to stop water from seeping through. This is how you can waterproof your basement walls from inside.

Can you seal block basement walls from the inside?

A Drain Tile System Relieves Hydrostatic Pressure And Is the Best Method of Waterproofing Basement Walls From the Inside Only. A drain tile system is a gold standard when it comes to basement waterproofing.

How to waterproof a block foundation from the interior?

Sometimes you can accomplish the same thing by drilling drain holes into the interior holes of the bottom course of block, then applying a waterproof coating to the interior side of the block wall. The drain holes allow any water in the block to drain out, and the water proof coating keeps the rest of the wall dry.

Can you seal a basement crack from the inside?

If you have a basement leak both interior basement crack repair and exterior basement crack repair are viable methods of fixing your foundation cracks. In many instances repairing a crack from the inside will be the preferred option.

Is it better to waterproof your basement from inside or outside?

Waterproofing a basement must always be done from the outside. The hydraulic pressure want the water to find it way toward the inside. There is almost nothing that will stick well enough to a concrete wall to prevent all and every drop of water to find its way.

How to do Exterior Basement Waterproofing - Aquatech Basement Waterproofing (2023)

How do you waterproof a basement floor from the inside?

Interior Basement Waterproofing

Apply interior sealants to the interior walls and floors of the basement to prevent moisture from seeping through. They are typically used as a temporary solution or in conjunction with other waterproofing methods.

What are the disadvantages of basement waterproofing?

Exterior basement waterproofing has a few downsides, though.
  • Cost. It's a more involved process that requires digging up your yard, which is expensive and time-consuming.
  • Damages landscaping or hardscaping elements. ...
  • Not serviceable.

How do you fix a leaking cinder block basement?

There are two most effective ways of stopping a cinder block from leaking: excavation and waterproofing, and by the installation of an interior perimeter drainage system. These methods are used because they stop the water from being leaked into the blocks which is the main cause of damage to begin with.

How much does it cost to waterproof a basement?

Basement waterproofing costs $5,213 on average, and most homeowners pay somewhere between $2,459 and $8,181 depending on the waterproofing method, the extent of the issue, and the size of the home.

Can you waterproof a wall from the inside?

There are a variety of products available for interior wall waterproofing, including concrete sealers, liquid membranes, sheet membranes and elastomeric coatings. Concrete sealers help to prevent water penetration into the surface and can be used in both new and existing concrete structures.

What is the best waterproofing for cinder blocks?

Applying RadonSeal Plus and Ion-Bond Armor is the best concrete block sealer for use on cinder blocks foundation walls. The combination of the two concrete sealers has proven to be foolproof for many frustrated homeowners dealing with damp basements.

Can I use flex seal in my basement?

Apply Flex Seal Products

Flex Shot and Flex Seal Liquid are great options for attacking a basement wall leak.

Can you fix a leaking basement wall from the inside?

Most basement leak repairs, regardless of whether they are performed on brick, cement block, or concrete foundations, can be performed from the inside or the outside of the home.

How to damp proof a basement from the inside?

How to Damp Proof a Basement from the Inside
  1. Identify the Source of Dampness. Begin by diagnosing the root cause of the damp problem. ...
  2. Seal Cracks and Holes. Inspect your basement thoroughly for cracks or gaps. ...
  3. Apply a Waterproof Coating. ...
  4. Install a Cavity Drain Membrane System. ...
  5. Improve Ventilation.

What can I do with cinder block walls in my basement?

If your concrete-block basement walls are dry and free of efflorescence (i.e. salt deposits) or mold, coat them with a masonry sealer or all-purpose water-base primer-sealer, and then paint with high-quality latex paint. A new wall color is an easy way to make the basement feel warmer, brighter, and more welcoming.

Can I waterproof my basement myself?

For minor leaks and moisture, you can use hydraulic cement, silicate concrete sealant, and silicone caulk to fill cracks and gaps. You can apply these products yourself, followed by waterproof paint. Larger problems may call for exterior drainage improvements or professional foundation repairs.

Is basement waterproofing covered by insurance?

Although basement waterproofing isn't directly covered by insurance, it is possible to add an endorsement to your homeowner's insurance policy covering your things like a broken sump pump, burst pipes, or extreme weather events like a lightning strike.

What is the cheapest method of waterproofing?

The cement-based coating gives it a rigid layer and is most effective for homes with stable temperatures and simple roof layouts. This approach is one of the most economical options available as it helps you reduce repairs, replacements, and maintenance costs for years to come.

How long does interior basement waterproofing last?

Generally, waterproofing lasts 5-10 years but can extend to decades with proper maintenance. To ensure longevity: Regularly inspect and maintain the system. Discuss specific longevity expectations with your contractor.

How to waterproof cinder block basement from inside?

Concrete block surfaces need 2 prime coats of PermaFlex® basement waterproofing products because it is more porous than standard poured concrete. The first coat of PermaFlex® penetrates deep to permanently lock and seal within the pores of the basement concrete for waterproofing.

How do you stop water from seeping through cinder blocks?

A waterproof barrier is installed to prevent water from penetrating the cinderblock walls. Weeping tile is also installed to guide water away from the foundation wall. This involves the installation of a French drain on the interior perimeter of the basement.

Is it normal for cinder block to crack?

While hairline horizontal cracks might end up being a minor issue, large horizontal cracks or horizontal cracks that are growing often indicate a serious structural issue that should be addressed.

Can waterproofing be done from inside?

Water damage can wreak havoc on any structure, and we often find ourselves asking if waterproofing can be done effectively from within. The answer is yes, and our preferred method is cementitious waterproofing.

Which is the cheapest basement waterproofing method?

The cheapest basement waterproofing method is typically applying a waterproof paint coating, which can cost as little as a few dollars per square foot for materials if doing it yourself.

What is the negative side of waterproofing?

Negative-side waterproofing will not prevent the water from entering your substrate, but it will prevent water from entering the occupied space. In order to apply an “internal negative-side waterproofing system,” your internal surfaces must be able to accept your waterproofing treatment.

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