Before building our deck we had a problem with water getting into our basement. The water only runs down the walls on the back wall. However, I am concerned that it will eventually rot some of the framework. Our patio seemed to be the culprit, so we were going to have it removed and filled in and then build the deck. However, it is a monolithic poured patio and it was going to cost us a lot more money to have it removed. So, the deck is now built over the patio (our deck is low- only about 18" off the ground. My question is, if the water that runs down the wall in the basement is a major concern? Is there a product that we can apply in the basement(foam, sealer, more concrete?) to stop the water from getting in at these areas. I had bought some waterproofing paint but I don't think this will solve this problem. Is there a solution to this problem, without having to rip up boards to our new deck. Hope you can help!
Kristi, you raise a good question, one that is close to my heart because I have had this very same problem in my home. There have also been other clients that have had similar problems and when you are in a situation where taking apart the deck is simply not the answer, then, in my mind, there is a solution to this problem.
There are a lot of products out there that are used to try and keep the water from penetrating the concrete block walls and getting into the basement, but there is only one product that I know of that will do the very best job and most likely solve your problem. That product is called Xypex.
Xypex Concentrate is the most chemically active product within
the Xypex Crystalline Waterproofing System. When mixed with water, this
light grey powder is applied as a cementitious slurry coat to
above-grade or below-grade concrete. In your case you would want to roll or brush a single or double coat directly onto the concrete wall. I recommend that you apply it to the entire wall surface.
Xypex prevents the penetration of water and other liquids
from any direction by causing a catalytic reaction that produces a
non-soluble crystalline formation within the pores and capillary tracts
of concrete and cement-based materials. We have used it on basement walls where water was coming in at the bottom, in the corners, through cracks or in different areas of the wall and it has worked in just about every circumstance especially where other methods have failed.
So, I would leave your deck in place and try this first before you get into the cost of having it taken apart to get to the outside. Removing the deck should be your last resort.
Some other things you can do is check to make sure you downspouts are not overflowing in this area during a heavy rain. Unclog and clean out any dirt, leaves or other particles that may have the downspouts even partially clogged. This will help keep the water away from this area. Also, if you have any plantings, like shrubs or trees that very close the the foundation, this could be a problem as well, and you may need to remove them and then reset the grade of the soil that is up against the house so that water flows down and away from the foundation.
You can find out more about this product by click on the following link:
Xypex Waterproofing Product Line
Since Xypex is obtained through a series of distributors, once you click on the link above, click on the "Contacts" tab, and then from the drop down menu, click on Distributors and choose "USA" from the list. Next scroll down and you will find a "Zone"map of the United States. Hold your mouse cursor over the area of the state where you are located and then click on it and you will see the name of the distributor in your area and the contact information.
You can also call the company direct to find out more about getting this product by calling the following toll free number.
1(800) 961-4477
To help you better understand how the product works click on the following link to watch a short video.
Xypex Video
For addition help and information on waterproofing, please click on the following link.
Basement Waterproofing
I hope this helps. Rick
Rick Maselli is Founder and Editor of Showroom411.com and Ask Rick