By Monte Leeper
A.
You could fill the basement with water and make an indoor lap pool. Water inside will put pressure on foundation walls and keep any outside water from coming in. Just remember to remove everything from the basement first, so you aren't swimming around furniture and power tools. Another possibility is to waterproof the exterior walls, which is much more difficult, but can be done. First, you must expose the wall from the outside by excavating. You need to create a trench wide enough to walk around in. Examine the earth conditions as you dig, since the soil may be too wet and could cause collapse. Just like the construction workers who wear those brightly colored hats, you should put one on so that it will be easier to find you if the earth caves in. (Truthfully, that's why they wear bright-colored hats. And you probably thought it was just to be stylish. If so, accessorize with a matching necktie).
Next, you must clean the walls. If the earth looks weak and unstable, imagine how Saturn must look and call a professional, or brace the soil by constructing a wall that can hold the pressure horizontally. Professionals use angled bracing that reaches to the foundation wall and pre-made wall panels of stud and plywood on both sides. They may even bring in steel sheets, called sheet-piling, for extra-deep bracing. No sheet, I kid you not. If you're still with me, and planning to do this yourself, you need to clean the outside of the foundation wall thoroughly. You may need to sandblast years of salt deposits or impregnated earth. This action is called scarification, but don't be scared.
After the wall is clean, make sure it's dry, and apply a waterproofing compound. There are many to choose from, but only the more expensive, professional-grade products are recommended. Don't buy this product from a hardware or "big box" store. Go to a construction supplier. After applying the waterproofing, penetrating compound, I recommend applying sodium bentonite panels from Volclay, a mineral-board waterproofing that expands to 15 times its dry volume. It adheres to the waterproofing compound, so check to see which one the manufacturer specifies. If you have concrete block walls, don't use the panels. They'll pull the block apart as they become moist and expand. I recommend avoiding danger. Call a trained waterproofing and restoration professional. They're tough to find, but worth it. Good luck!
Readers are encouraged to send questions to: HERALD Homes, 379 Central Avenue, P.O. Box 220, Lawrence, N.Y. 11559-0220Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
