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Holes in Aparment Basement Corners - Spring Flooding

07:03PM | 10/18/09

Member Since: 10/17/09
3 lifetime posts

Holes in Aparment Basement Corners - Spring Flooding

I have a basement storage area in a 4-story apartment building that I converted into a gym, but every spring (or thaw) I get flooding in the basement.

Because the floor is permanently wet where the walls meet the floor along two walls, and there are even a few holes along one wall and the corner, I am assuming that this is where the water is coming in. (It is definitely not coming in through the one window.)

I have reported this to building maintenance, but there are on-going issues that have not been resolved with the builders and I am tired of waiting for the problem to be tackled properly from the outside. As they haggle I continue to get flooding and I cannot use the space as I want to. In addition, I currently live in the Czech Republic, which means that things are being resolved VERY SLOWLY.

So, although I understand what needs to be done has to be from the outside first, I can only control the inside - i.e. my storage space.

How can I "waterproof" or seal off the space?

HELP!!! SOS!!!!

KingVolcano

02:44PM | 10/20/09

Member Since: 03/03/05
273 lifetime posts

There are so many factors that is it very difficult to make a recommendation without seeing the area.

You can try to plug the holes with some type of hydraulic cement or epoxy...and see what happens.

I constantly wet basement in not conducive to a healthy workout area. Chances are you have some type of mold growth and you don't want to be taking in large lung fulls of that.

phruska

06:59PM | 10/23/09

Member Since: 10/17/09
3 lifetime posts

Thank you so much for the reply.

I know it is hard to tell without actually seeing the place - I can post a pic, but I have a feeling that it won't tell much about what is going on behind the walls...which is where the problem is.

And yes, you are right, it probably isn't the most conducive place to workout...I can tell when I don't keep the windows open that the air is stale and has a mouldy smell to it.

I will try the hydraulic cement (hopefully I can find some over here!!) and see what happens.

One additional question - can I apply the cement if the surfaces are still damp? I have never been able to completely dry the one corner completely.

Thank you again so much!

KingVolcano

02:39PM | 10/25/09

Member Since: 03/03/05
273 lifetime posts

It is always best to apply any of the products to a clean, dry surface. However, you can dry the area using a propane torch, heat gun and sometimes a hair dryer will work.