What products and methods can I use to repair and waterproof my deteriorating covered basement steps and prevent water damage?
Hey, I could really use some advice from folks who know about concrete products. I’ve got an issue with my covered basement steps. If you take a look at the pictures, my driveway is above to the right. There’s some deterioration on the inside wall going up the steps. At the bottom, there’s a drain that looks like it might have been meant to be a French drain with gravel underneath. When we get heavy rain, some water trickles down the wall/steps, but I think most of it actually comes up through the drain. There’s deterioration at the bottom, at two of the inside corners, with some concrete eroded away, and I suspect water is coming up there too. I picked up some hydraulic cement and my plan was to fill the drain and any erosion spots at the base. Then I was going to patch up the wall. After that, I wanted to coat the entire walls with a product. I could use some advice on the base and the walls. Do you think I should dig up the whole base and put in better drainage? I’m not sure how I’d get rid of the water unless I installed a pump or something. And what materials could I use to make the walls look better and maybe
That French drain isn’t draining properly and it looks like it was originally set up with gravel on the sides of the steps to divert water away before it reaches the walls and seeps in through any cracks. You need to figure out where the drainage pipe leads to – it should either come out somewhere on your property or connect to a sump pump in the basement. If the pipe is draining out into the yard, it may have cracked or gotten clogged with roots over time. Try taking off the metal grate and using a plumbing snake to clear any blockages or see if the pipe has collapsed.
Oh no worries about the typos! I’m thinking of digging out the bottom step and adding new gravel to address the water issue.
You might want to check what’s under the circular drain grate by removing it. There could be a screw holding it in place!
Consider using UGL masonry paint for painting. The most crucial step is to locate the source of water outside. Even a small leak can find its way through the soil and into a tiny crack in the concrete. I once dealt with a similar situation where water was seeping in through the stairs. We attempted to seal all the cracks with caulk, but the water persisted, even during dry spells. It turned out that the water was actually coming from the air-conditioning drain hose, creating a passage through the soil and concrete. By extending the hose, we were able to prevent any further flooding. Start by investigating external sources of water.
It seems like the main issue is originating from beneath the bottom concrete slab, according to .
This is similar to a query about a damp basement. The key is to eliminate the water BEFORE it builds up and seeps in. Start by ensuring that the gutters are clear and the water drains away from the house. Then, work on the grading around the house to divert water. Additionally, make sure there are curtain drains and a good amount of pea gravel to drain water away from the foundation. While digging, waterproof the walls of the steps using tar and rubber. Consider installing a sump pump at the base to combat a high water table. Look into using a sump with holes to pump out water before it rises too much. Make sure the pump directs water away from the house. However, this won’t solve infiltration through the walls, which should be addressed externally as mentioned.
Most of the older houses were constructed with a gravel drain beneath the stairs without any pipes. Consider installing a sump pump there, patching the walls, and applying at least 2 coats of Dry-Lock brand waterproofing paint.
I’ve never seen a drain like that before, but a French drain could be a good solution for excess water!
The drain was likely placed there for a specific purpose. Try pouring water into it to check if it drains elsewhere. It might be blocked. However, I recommend researching more about it before taking any action.