Cinder block walls leaking

[Guest]

My 50 year old house is leaking through the cinder block walls in spite of two sump pumps! I put UGL on the walls 10 years ago and suspect that needs to be re-done but that only treats the symptom and doesn't necessarily solve the problem.

I've heard that the code has changed and filling cinder block basement walls is now required for new construction. Can this be reasonably done now or would there be too much hydrostatic pressure of the wet concrete on old, compromised walls resulting in a potentially problem?

Thanks in advance for your insight!

[TJ1962]

Filling or grouting masonry walls is intended for structural strengthening and would not contribute to waterproofing. Moisture vapor are trying to escape and coatings are blocking it. Masonry is like a sponge. Minus exterior waterproofing water will still enter walls from exterior.

[Guest]

I had the same problem with my 50 year old house (and cinderblock).

I hired a mason to grind down the walls (it had waterseal my father put on in the 70's) and use Conproco Conproseal (interior below grade waterproofing). The flow inside stopped. Of course, solving why water is getting into the outside block is important too. A book that I found very helpful to figure out what to do:

The Original Basement Waterproofing Handbook
http://www.amazon.com/Original-Basem...5551352&sr=8-1

I'm still debating whether to ALSO do a French Drain, since I've verified already that

1. My property is graded away from the house
2. I have downspouts that work properly
3. I do not have bushes close to the house
4. It's too expensive to do an exterior French drain (ripping up the new bluestone patio and deck, along with digging around the water lines being worrisome)

SO, the flow inside is stopped, but you could still get water coming up from the footing in storms like we had in New England last May (Mother's Day).

TerriLLBean

[TJ1962]

Hello,

The lower blocks and corners have the highest concentration of moisture as water drops and sits. Therefore a build up of coatings and more concentrated in these areas, makes sense.

There are several methods for removal: grinding, sandblasting, water jetting or chemical peels. All have pros and cons with varied results. Research each method and take the necessary steps to avoid dust and/or fumes.

[Guest]

You said a build up of the coatings makes sense....so is it necessary to remove the old waterproofing substances before I would apply the new. Most of the directions for anything I've looked at says it is.

[TJ1962]

Yes most products need to adhere to a clean substrate.

There are several methods for removal: grinding, sandblasting, water jetting or chemical peels. All have pros and cons with varied results. Research each method and take the necessary steps to avoid dust and/or fumes.