Basements are notorious for leaking and funky smells. But the real issue goes beyond the stink — without basement waterproofing, eventually, the entire foundation of a home can deteriorate, risking the structural integrity of the house. Long-term water damage can also lead to costly repairs. Not to mention, the basement is an environment conducive to the growth of mold and mildew. Poor ventilation combined with a moist environment can quickly cause an infestation that leads to respiratory and other health problems for both people and pets.
To prevent problems and protect their investment, homeowners should waterproof their basement with a high-quality waterproof sealant likeLiquid Rubber Foundation Sealant. We've put together a step-by-step guide to basement waterproofing, including applying basement floor paint.
Waterproofing your basement won't do much good if you don't deal with the causes of moisture in the basement in the first place. There are several causes of leaky basements, and it's important that you or a professional evaluate each one and fix it before applying waterproof paint for basements.
The first step for preparing to apply waterproof paint for the basement is to seal any large holes. You can repair large holes with brick and mortar or use spray foam if the area isn't saturated with moisture. You may opt for polyurethane caulk, too, depending on the size of the hole, or a combination of all of these. Allow the repair material to dry and cure before you go on to the next step.
Next, you'll need to clean the surface thoroughly. This includes removing any dirt, mud, efflorescence and debris from the surface. You may wish to power wash the area, too, if it's especially dirty. This may be a good time for a mold and mildew inspection or professional mold remediation.
Allow the area to dry thoroughly before treating it. Many basements have cinder block or concrete walls, and while they may feel dry to the touch, they may not be completely dry. Use a large fan or other dryers to ensure the area is free of moisture.
Once the area is dry, it's easier to inspect it for cracks. Cracks may just be a natural effect of the building materials aging, or they can indicate a settling foundation. You can seal bridge joints, cracks, and any protrusions using our simple three-step method:
TheLiquid Rubber Foundation Sealant is an ideal product for basement waterproofing. You can apply this easily, using a brush, roller, or heavy duty paint sprayer.
The first coat will take about four to eight hours to dry, so make sure not to apply additional coats until each layer is completely dry to the touch and uniform in color. Make sure that you're only applying the product at temperatures above 5C/40F, including overnight temperatures.
In addition to sealing your foundation cracks, there are other measures you can take to preserve the integrity of your foundation:
When it comes to protecting your home, waterproofing your basement is something that you shouldn't neglect. Water collecting in your basement can damage your belongings and cause mold or mildew to form. Over time, water seeping into your basement can damage the foundation as well, causing structural damage to your home.
Liquid Rubber makes excellent products for waterproofing your basement, with proprietary mixtures that repel water and moisture by forming a seamless rubber membrane that's safe for people and pets.
Liquid Rubber is the preferred solution for many homeowners and DIY enthusiasts, with easy-to-apply products andvideo tutorials that help you get the best results. Browse ouronline catalog to see our products, and easily order all the supplies we've featured here for your own basement waterproofing project.