Top Products for Basement Wall Repair: Reviews and Recommendations

Do you deal with the problem of basement cracks? Have you been trying to find out the products that will help you solve the problem? Most of the times, basement wall cracks are being ignored but solving the problem initially is the best practice to keep your walls protected. Therefore, In order to protect the inner structure of your home, Basement wall repair is important.

The most popular products that are often used for basement wall repair are listed below, However, please note that product availability may be different in your areas. The most commonly used products for basement wall repair are as follows:

Waterproofing Paints and Sealers:

I. Drylok: This is a popular brand offering waterproofing paints and sealers that can help prevent moisture penetration through basement walls.
• Our opinion – It is Not the best option when used in a basement on the inside of the basement. Applied on what we call (negative side) tends to not work great under hydro-static pressure. The product peels from the inside allowing the leak to return in many cases over time.
• Personal note! Look for drip marks. They look yellow indicating where it’s leaking from.

II. Thompson’s WaterSeal: This brand provides various water-repelling products that can be used to seal basement walls and prevent water infiltration.
• Our opinion – Not a good product if you are applying it on Cinder Blocks or Poured concrete wall. Product is a coating and does not penetrate well through masonry products.
• Personal note! Use this product on wood surfaces for its a better choice or for a basement only ( Permanent Wood Foundations ).

Concrete Patching Compounds:

I. Quikrete Hydraulic Water-Stop Cement: This product is designed to patch and repair cracks and holes in concrete walls, helping to stop water flow.
• Our opinion – This will Not be your best option if the areas are still wet when your applying the product. Areas need to be perfectly dry and you have to be positive that it’s dry before using.
• Personal note! In a basement, cinderblock can leak year-round so before using make sure you drill relief holes at the base on both sides and use a dehumidifier to be positive everything has dried out before using.

II. Sakrete Fast Plug: It’s a fast-setting hydraulic cement used for stopping active leaks in concrete and masonry.
• Our opinion – This Will Not be your best option if you have time to look around for a product by Kryton called Crystal Plug. It crystallizes and seals faster and better.
• Personal Note! I would stay away from retail products and focus on professional grade products that pros use for the repairs last longer.

Injection Systems:

I. SikaFix Injection Repair Kit: Injection systems like this one are used to fill and seal cracks in concrete walls by injecting specialized sealants directly into the cracks.
• Our opinion – The repairs look often times as if the product is melting on the wall. If not perfectly done, the water comes back with a vengeance. Method often times force you to use it more than once or several times in a year trying to make it work.
• Personal Note! Method is too old and cheap is not always the best. Look for another product by Kryton call ( T1 ). The product covers all areas permanently and looks great. Technology based for it will penetrate through the wall.

II. RadonSeal Deep-Penetrating Concrete Sealer: This product not only seals the concrete but also reacts with it to form a waterproof barrier. It’s often used for both waterproofing and radon mitigation.
• Our opinion – Product is a coating that will not penetrate through the wall. It coats the wall like many other products and goes on clear with very few penetrating qualities.
• Personal Note! Look for a Crystalline based products like Kryton, Permatron and maybe even Xypex to do a better job.

Conclusion

For the sake of both your home’s worth and the wellbeing of its tenants, it is essential to keep a dry and structurally sound basement. You now have a variety of options, ranging from DIY basement leak repair kits to working with knowledgeable basement repair specialists. Making best use of the products listed in this guide will give you the confidence and peace of mind necessary to take on basement wall repair.