How to Waterproof a Basement: Boston Homeowner’s Guide

Dealing with basement water? You’re not alone. Here’s what works (and what doesn’t) for keeping Boston basements dry.

Every spring, thousands of Boston homeowners discover water where it shouldn’t be. Between our old houses, clay soil, and unpredictable weather, wet basements are practically a rite of passage around here.

Hold off on trying fixes until you know what you’re dealing with. After a heavy rain, walk around your house and look for spots where water gathers. Also, check your gutters. If they’re clogged, water will end up right next to your foundation.

Look inside for obvious culprits, such as cracked basement windows, gaps around pipes, or the seam where your floor meets the wall. Sometimes the fix is embarrassingly simple, like extending a downspout.

Have small cracks? Pick up some hydraulic cement at the hardware store. Mix it and press it into the crack. This cement even sets underwater, which is pretty neat.

For gaps around pipes or small openings, waterproof caulk does the trick. Just clean the area first so it actually sticks.

Once you’ve patched obvious problems, waterproof paint can help. DRYLOK is the brand most pros recommend. You’ll need two coats, and yes, you have to let the first one dry completely.

Use a brush to work the paint into the concrete. Focus on the corners and the joint where the floor meets the wall, since water often gets in there.

Boston’s humidity allows mold to grow rapidly in damp spaces. The EPA says controlling moisture is key to stopping it. You’ve got 24-48 hours after water damage to prevent mold from taking hold.

Their mold prevention guide is worth reading if you’ve had water issues. Your family’s health isn’t worth risking.

Some problems need professional help. Call the experts if you see cracks wider than a quarter-inch, water bubbling up through your floor, or the same spots flooding repeatedly.

Boston’s tricky conditions often require systems that go beyond weekend projects. Professional waterproofing addresses the root causes, not just symptoms.

B-Dry New England has been fixing these issues since 1981. Their system takes a different approach. Rather than sealing everything, they create a controlled path for water to leave.

Your yard’s working against you if water pools near your foundation. Clean gutters, extend downspouts at least six feet away from your house, and ensure the soil slopes away from your house.

These aren’t glamorous fixes, but they prevent more problems than any basement coating ever will.

For basements that flood regularly, you may need a sump pump system that automatically removes water before it causes damage. Modern systems often include battery backups to provide power during power outages.

Don’t keep patching the same problems over and over again. Get a professional assessment to understand what you’re really dealing with. Most companies offer free estimates.

Bottom line: Start simple, but don’t be stubborn. Some water problems need professional solutions, and that’s okay.