Protect your home from damage with basement waterproofing
Protect your home from damage with basement waterproofing
(ARA) - A damp, leaky basement can be a homeowner's worst nightmare. Active water leaks and excessive moisture in basement or foundation walls can rob a home of extra storage or living space. And, if left unchecked, more serious problems can result, including costly structural damage and high humidity levels throughout the home. That's why it is important to take care of water problems before they start.
Fortunately, there are state-of-the-art technologies that make basement waterproofing easier than ever before - even for inexperienced do-it-yourselfers. New waterproofing paints are low odor and are easy to apply, eliminating the expense associated with hiring a contractor.
"Some homeowners delay basement waterproofing because they don't have the money to hire a contractor and don't think they have the skills to do it themselves. Nothing could be further from the truth," says Watertite brand manager Beth Froncek. "Thanks to easy-to-use waterproofing technologies, basement waterproofing is almost as easy as painting a room. Plus a clean, dry basement can equal extra living space and increased home value, making it a great project to put on the 'to do' list."
Getting started: prepare the surface.
Before you get started, make sure basement walls are thoroughly cleaned to get rid of dirt, grease and other contaminants. Kill any existing mold and mildew by washing with a solution of household bleach and water, consisting of no more than one cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Next, remove any efflorescence, a powdery white deposit found on many concrete surfaces, with a concrete etching solution to ensure the waterproofing paint sticks to the basement walls. Patch any holes and cracks - especially those that show signs of active water leaks or those around windows, doors and joints. Products like Zinsser Watertite Etch, Watertite Hydraulic Cement and Watertite Polyurethane Sealant are specifically formulated for basement waterproofing prep.
Apply two coats of waterproofing paint.
Waterproofing paints like Watertite Mold and Mildew-Proof Waterproofing Paint are guaranteed to stop water and offer a five-year mold- and mildew-proof paint film guarantee. Low odor and easy to use, Watertite is available in an oil-base formula, which is great for waterproofing wet walls, or a convenient latex formula for routine waterproofing.
To apply, use a thick synthetic brush or large nap roller to apply the first coat to a small section of the masonry. Use a brush to work the coating into the pores of the concrete to produce a continuous pinhole-free film. Apply the second coat with a brush or roller. It's that easy.
Enjoy your basement.
Waterproofing paints can be tinted to a wide range of off-white, pastel and medium-tone colors to help you transform a damp, leaky basement into a beautiful living space. To learn more, visit www.zinsser.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent