Mesh tape under caulk is one of those “why didn’t I try this sooner?” tricks.
Story of my life—my basement’s more lumpy than my grandma’s mashed potatoes. What’s worked for me is running a bead of that self-leveling sealant over the mesh, then going back with a putty knife to smoosh it in. Not perfect, but it beats re-caulking every spring. And hey, if you miss a spot, just call it “character,” right?“if your basement walls are super uneven, you still end up chasing little gaps here and there.”
Mesh tape under caulk is a game-changer, no doubt. I’ve tried the “just caulk and pray” method on more than a few rentals, and it’s always a mess by spring. That self-leveling sealant trick is solid, but I’ll admit, sometimes I get lazy and just slap on hydraulic cement for the worst gaps. Not pretty, but it holds.
Couple things I’ve picked up over the years:
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Yep, and if you’ve got old stone foundations like some of mine, forget about ever getting it perfect.“if your basement walls are super uneven, you still end up chasing little gaps here and there.”
- Closed-cell spray foam can help in the worst spots, especially around pipes or weird corners. It’s not cheap, but it’s saved me from a few flooded basements.
- If you’re dealing with recurring water, French drains or a sump pump might be worth the hassle. I used to think they were overkill, but after one too many soggy carpet incidents... totally worth it.
Honestly, I’ve come to accept a little “character” in the basement. As long as the upstairs stays dry, I call it a win.
I hear you on the “character” in old basements—sometimes you just gotta pick your battles. Curious if anyone’s tried those waterproofing paints on stone or block walls? I’ve seen mixed results, but maybe I’m missing a trick. Does it actually help, or just a temporary fix?
Waterproofing paints are kind of a mixed bag, honestly. They can help a bit if you’re dealing with minor dampness, but if you’ve got real water intrusion—like puddles after a rain—they’re not gonna cut it. I’ve seen folks slap that stuff on block walls and it flakes off after a season or two, especially if the wall’s not prepped right. Sometimes it just hides the problem for a while. If you’re looking for a long-term fix, dealing with drainage outside the foundation usually makes a bigger difference. But hey, for a quick improvement, the paint might buy you some time... just don’t expect miracles.
Yeah, I hear you on the waterproofing paint. Folks love a quick fix, but if you’re getting standing water, that stuff’s just a band-aid. I’ve ripped out more than a few “waterproofed” basements where the paint was peeling like old wallpaper. Honestly, if you want to keep things dry, start outside—gutters, grading, maybe even a French drain if it’s bad. Paint’s fine for a little musty smell, but it won’t save you from a real flood.