Basic Steps To Basement Waterproofing
Are the previous basement waterproofing methods in your home lacking and not living up to your standards? Join many other home owners! Basement seepage is a common problem in older houses and depending on your home’s contractor, some newer homes are having just as many problems. Solving the problem is crucial because water can do some serious damage to your home. Damages can include:
• Cracks in walls (if you do not already have these)
• Health problems such as sinusitis, flared allergies, respiratory ailments and more
• Wall decay and collapse
These are only a few of the possible damages that can be done to your home if you do not decide to do some basement waterproofing in order to prevent leakage. Waterproofing a basement wall has many benefits. Benefits can include:
• Improved value of your home (can increase by as much as 25%)
• Health safety
• Longer life of your home
• Extended living space
When waterproofing basements, there are many ways to go about the procedure and many products to choose from. Listed below is one (of many) ways to practice basement waterproofing and may (or may not) be quite what you’re looking for. This is just an example to help you to help get you started and give you an idea of what you’d like to do for waterproofing your basement!
Cleaning the basement walls is the first step. Dust, dirt, mold, and mildew are all examples of the things that can gather and collect on basement walls. Dish detergent is a multi-purpose cleaner and will suit the needs of your cleaning just fine. A hard sponge will work more efficiently than a washcloth but if you do not have a hard sponge, a cloth will suffice. After scrubbing the wall, let them dry for about 24 hours. This will ensure complete dryness, which is required in order for a waterproof compound to work properly.
Your next step for basement waterproofing is to mix up your waterproofing sealant. When you do so, be sure to follow the step by step instructions on the container. This is vitally important when you’re trying to achieve basement waterproofing. If you do not follow instructions precisely, you will not get the effects you are hoping for.
You can now begin waterproofing a basement wall. Start with one and make your way around by applying the waterproofing sealant with a brush or paint roller. You want to make sure the sealant is spread evenly, if you decide to paint over this sealant later- you want it to be even. Once the walls are covered, spray them with water. This will keep them moist for a couple of days so the cement doesn’t dry too fast!
Adding a second coat will ensure the ultimate protection for basement waterproofing. This will put more strength into the sealant. Painting over sealants with waterproofing paint is a good idea. This will add another layer of waterproofing materials, and you can never be too careful.
Basement waterproofing is very important. If you leave your basement unprotected, you will surely have problems in the future, if you do not have them already. Taking the proper precautions is mildly priced and will be well worth the money spent in the long run.
