First repair any cracks in the foundation, then apply a liberal coat of drylok. You want to fill all the pores in the block. This will solve most water problems. On the outside you may be able to alleviate some of the problem with gutters and correctly positioned downspouts.
Waterproofing your cinder block structure is an integral part of the build. What I suggest is that you skim over the surface first with a waterproof render mix. Simply add your waterproofing agent into your render mix. This reduces the amount of air that is in the mix which causes the concrete to be porous.
Applying hydraulic cement on the walls will also prevent any excess moisture from coming through the walls. The next steps, if you don't mind digging, would to apply a water proof liquid membrane on the outer walls and the top of the footer. You basically paint on 2-3 coats and you're set.
DRYLOK® Original Masonry Waterproofer will withstand 10 pounds of hydrostatic pressure (PSI), equivalent to a wall of water 22 feet high, and is GUARANTEED TO STOP WATER.
Wall structure: Excess airflow can bring in water vapor. That's why it's important to balance drying and drainage without encouraging spore growth. Make sure the structure is airtight enough to restrict airflow and vapor. This can help keep moisture and mold growth at bay.
Masonry sealants protect walls against penetrating damp and thus prevent dirt and moisture ingress through rainwater. Stormdry is a cream-based masonry sealant, which protects building materials for 25 years against penetrating damp – with just one coat.
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.
The concrete blocks used to build the foundations are hollow. These spaces permit water to seep through and collect within the walls.
Concrete can also be protected against the water with acrylic, polyurethane, polyurea-based materials that provide waterproofing in areas that are exposed to direct water and sunlight such as roofs and terraces. All of these practices are applied directly to concrete surfaces.
Waterproof your concrete block walls from the outside. Addressing the exterior waterproofing of your concrete block walls with hydrophobic layers, vapor barrier, and dimple board will avoid water getting where it shouldn't in the first place and take the pressure off any other methods you may apply on the interior.
Water seepage typically occurs due to various factors: Porous Nature of Bricks: Bricks are naturally porous, which means they absorb moisture. Over time, this can lead to water permeating the wall, especially during heavy or persistent rain.
This typically occurs during periods of heavy rain, when the water table rises and exerts pressure on the foundation. Concrete, while sturdy and versatile, is naturally absorbent. Under intense pressure, water can penetrate even microscopic fissures in the concrete, finding a path of least resistance into the 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.
Seal wall cracks and holes with a suitable sealant such as silicone. Install a sump pump if your home's cellar or basement is prone to flooding. Check gutters regularly – debris can cause water to seep into the building. Ensure the ground gradient doesn't slope upwards away from the walls.
Interior plumbing fixes: A leak in the plumbing inside walls requires cutting the wall open, finding the exact spot where the leak is occurring, fixing it, patching the wall, and then sanding, priming, and repainting it. Most people don't have the equipment and experience for this, so hiring a pro is best.
The best choice is using a porous material such as plastic sheeting that will trap any water droplets and prevent them from penetrating the slab.
Seal the cracks in the walls
They permit moisture to seep into your building's structure, resulting in damp spots and seepages in the walls. Filling in cracks with wall crack filler is thus one of the best ways to stop water from leaking through walls.
Use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air and reduce the condensation. Use a penetrating sealer to seal the concrete and keep out moisture. We recommend using a concrete densifier first as a primer followed up by a penetrating concrete sealer.
If you have a wall that has chronic water leakage, you should not apply DRYLOK® Masonry Wateproofer because it will not properly cure.
Superior Waterproofing Performance: Crystalline Waterproofing offers a higher level of waterproofing performance compared to Drylok Extreme. Its crystalline technology penetrates into the concrete, forming insoluble crystals that block capillary pores and microcracks, effectively preventing water penetration.
Hydraulic Water-Stop Cement. QUIKRETE® Hydraulic Water-Stop Cement (no. 1126) is a rapid setting, high strength repair material designed to plug leaks instantly in concrete and masonry. Sets in 3-5 minutes and can be used above and below grade.