The Busy Dog Blog

Realistic Interior Methods of Basement Waterproofing – Hydraulic Cement

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This week we have an excerpt from James Pratt’s new book, Why a Basement Leaks and How To Fix It Permanently! about how using sodium bentonite is an ineffective method of basement waterproofing. This week, we are giving you an excerpt from the book about the pros and cons of using hydraulic cement to waterproof the interior of your house.

Hydraulic Cement

Hydraulic cement has been installed where the wall meets the floor by many people for many years. Although this may work for a short period of time, it is surely not a permanent solution for basement waterproofing. Hydraulic cement is a special fast-setting cement that adheres to existing concrete. It will create a bond between the old concrete and the new hydraulic cement. Concrete shrinks and expands with the changing of the seasons and the difference in temperatures from the outside to the inside. The bond between the old and the new cement will (over a period of time) create a new crack which will eventually let the water in. That is why this method (although a realistic and viable approach) is not a permanent solution and will ultimately fail. Therefore, we do not recommend hydraulic cement as a permanent means of stopping water in a basement.

Want to read James Pratt’s Book? – Click Here.