Tar alternatives ?

jwryan

I have recently been getting some leaks in my basement and it seems that it is due to small cracks in the foundation a little below ground level. I have been considering taring the foundation but have recently found out about housewraps. Any ideas on the best way to go about fixing up the cracks ? Housewraps or tar ? And if so is there a certain depth you have to tar for it to work properly ?

Thanks.
-J

AtlanticWBConst.

You could attempt to tar it. However, I guarantee that it will not work against the hydrostatic pressure.

What you need to use is "Hydraulic Cement" or "Water-Stop Cement". This can be purchased at any Big Home Improvement store.

Link: http://www.quikrete.com/ProductLines...StopCement.asp

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rsmith1024

I have used the Water-Stop Cement twice in the past couple of years and it works like a charm. Also, you don't really need to purchase that much, as a little bit goes a long way.

jwryan

Thanks for the ideas, it sounds a lot better than taring. Also it is over and around a cold cellar so it makes more sense to use water-stop cement. Also, just so I know for future reference what exactly is hydrostatic pressure ?

Thanks again.

AtlanticWBConst.

http://www.geekbooks.com/basement_wa...t_one_336.html:
"Hydrostatic Pressure: ....the force that pushes against your basement walls at any given point as a result of the weight of the water above it.....The higher the water table rises around your basement, the more hydrostatic pressure will be exerted against the concrete."

The point being that the water entering into a basement, through a foundation crack/hole/whatever.....may seam like a "leak", when in fact, it has power (pressure) behind it...that simple tar or caulking is not strong enough, and, cannot hold back.

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