The Ultimate Guide to Basement Wall Types: Block Vs. Poured Concrete

The way your home was constructed could end up causing problems. Concrete is the material of choice for many structures—including floors and walls—but its properties can lead to significant damage.

Concrete is naturally permeable, and porous concrete walls contribute to problems like basement leaks and elevated humidity.

This article explores the intricacies of your basement walls, how porous walls impact you, and how local basement waterproofing specialists can help you fight back against the damage.

Construction crews build block foundation walls by placing hollow concrete blocks onto one another and joining them together using mortar. These walls sit on top of footings that builders dig up and pour beforehand. Each row of blocks forms its course until the wall reaches the height that the basement requires.  

Block foundation walls are rather common, and rebar (reinforcing steel rods) is used to strengthen them. Unfortunately, block walls are no strangers to various problems, including leaks, cracks, inward movement, and pest intrusion. 

Builders construct poured concrete walls by pouring cement into wooden frames. One of the main reasons for their good reputation is their ability to provide better lateral strength than their block counterparts. They are also more resistant to hydrostatic pressure. 

Another feature that sets them apart from some other types of walls is their lack of joints. This allows professionals to waterproof them with little to no fuss. While they are quick to install and versatile, they are also prone to leaks and chipping.

• Interior Drainage: Installed beneath the basement slab, an interior drainage system collects leaking water and directs it to a sump pump, moving it away from the basement where it can’t cause any damage.
• Sump Pumps: A sump pump is a machine that’s used to pump out the water gathered in your interior drainage system. The water is pumped out through drainage pipes and directed to discharge far away from your home so it cannot damage the walls.
• Wall Vapor Barriers: Attaching a vapor barrier to basement walls creates a new level of waterproofing that directs water toward the drainage system.
• Dehumidifiers: An energy-efficient dehumidifier further controls moisture and humidity levels in your basement. A reliable unit should also purify the air and help prevent mold, mildew, and musty odors.