Concrete block sealer

[MackMan]

I have a fairly severe water intrusion into my garage at the ground level. I am wanting to take the grade behind the building down a little to see if I can get it below the slab, and redirect the water flow around the building, however I was wondering if there is also a posibility of sealing the block wall from the inside as well (the block is exposed). Is there a good way to do that, or would sealer only work from the outside?

Here is a picture taken during a period of significant rain.

 

[bigman68]

Outside pics would help.. Best way to deal with this from what I see is is from the outside, anything you do on the inside will only be temporary at best. Block walls are very porous and water will easily pass through.

 

[kd3pc]

have not seen a fix for the inside of the block that works. Need to lower the grade outside or add french drains, waterproofing etc on the outside of the block, even that only lasts a few years with today's workmanship.

 

[RPH]

Do the above work but **** hydraulic cement can be used as a paint to help stop the intrusion. Good stuff, I have used it to stop streaming water in a basement.

 

[MackMan]

Do the above work but **** hydraulic cement can be used as a paint to help stop the intrusion. Good stuff, I have used it to stop streaming water in a basement.

Thanks, I will look into that.

I'm looking at sealant as a "belt and suspenders" type solution rather than a short-cut. Getting to the outside here is more difficult as the building has vinyl siding over the block. I suppose I could remove some sections of the siding, but not something I've done before. I did notice the other night the particular place it looks like most of the water is coming in, so I may try to address that from inside before doing the grading and just see how much that cuts down on.

I really like the french drain idea, but don't have a budget for that at the moment, I'm thinking more along the lines of taking the grade down a bit, then fill with some stone. Just been too cold and nasty to deal with it so far, plus I have a 1 month old at home!

 

[Fixnfly]

I had a very similar problem. Drylock did not work, roofing tar did not work very well either. I put in a French drain system and leveled off the incline behind the garage the best I could with whatever tools I had. Seems to be working but this winter will be a test when the water table rises.

Do you have gutters? I'm sure they will help.

 

[KELLHAMMER]

Properly functioning downspouts and grading pitched away from the building is 99 percent of the required fix

 

[f150skidoo]

Like others said with regrading and a french drain you could parge and tar on the outside of the block from the footing up to 12" above grade.

 

[RPH]

Drylock and Dike hydraulic cement are not the same product. Hydraulic has been used for years to seal dams from leakage. It will set up under water if need be.

 

[MackMan]

I had a very similar problem. Drylock did not work, roofing tar did not work very well either. I put in a French drain system and leveled off the incline behind the garage the best I could with whatever tools I had. Seems to be working but this winter will be a test when the water table rises.

Do you have gutters? I'm sure they will help.

I do have gutters, but not sure how functional they are. Supposed to be getting cleaned and repaired as we speak as part of re-roofing.

Drylock and Dike hydraulic cement are not the same product. Hydraulic has been used for years to seal dams from leakage. It will set up under water if need be.

Need to look into this stuff

 

[NUTTSGT]

A buddy used some Sika High Gloss Sealer on his chimney and it stopped some leakage issues he had. I'm not sure how long it'll last but it was about $25/gal at HD.

Like the other members stated, gutter/downspouts along with grading should fix most of your problems. You just need to get it away from your building before it gets in.

 

[Fixnfly]

If you happen to be home during a HEAVY rain, take a look around outside to see exactly how the water is getting inside. I've learned a lot about my water problems by just being around and actually seeing what was going on.

 

[tomclifford]

Ames blue max is exactly what you need. You can paint your blocks with it and it will not leak. Google it. I used it seal out ground water on a cement pond . Amazing stuff.

 

[brownbagg]

i had really good luck with dryloc

 

[MackMan]

Ames blue max is exactly what you need. You can paint your blocks with it and it will not leak. Google it. I used it seal out ground water on a cement pond . Amazing stuff.

Thanks, will look into it.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

Geat info guys. I have a cinder block storm shelter / generator shelter with 3 sides covered. I need to apply something to to help keep the moisture in it down. Looks like the Ames plus some charcole dessicant can may do the trick. I'm mainly trying to keep condensation from forming on my generator while its stored there in the winter.