Water entering a home's basement is very unpredictable.
One minute the basement could be dry and the next there could be a river
running through it. For homeowners, ignoring a water problem could
prove costly and rob its residents of an otherwise enjoyable place to
spend their time.
For concerned homeowners, protecting the basement
from potential water damage is easier than you might think.
Waterproofing a basement is a simple job that beautifies a space while
protecting it against future damage from water. First, know what
properties to look for in a waterproofer. The property that is the most
important to look for in a masonry waterproofing paint
is the ability to hold back hydrostatic pressure, which makes a
waterproofer different than a water sealer and an ordinary house paint. Ordinary house paints merely adhere to the wall surface while masonry waterproofers penetrate the pores of the masonry to become part of the wall.
Most waterproofing paints
will go through pressure tests that will determine the Pounds Per
Square Inch (PSI) the coating will hold back. It is also important that
the coating be tested to withstand wind-driven rain.
The makers of DRYLOK Masonry Waterproofer
developed the specs for hydrostatic testing. They state the PSI should
be at a minimum of 4 psi, which is a wall of water 9 feet high. Look for
products that have been tested independently on standard grade building
materials. Be leery of products that say they will withstand above 15
psi (which is a wall of water higher than 33 feet), as a standard grade
building block could never withstand that much pressure. In fact,
independent testing facilities will not test products to over 15 psi.
Once you have selected your waterproofer, it is
time for surface preparation. Examine the surface for loose or broken
mortar or any holes or cracks in the surface. The surface should be
clean and patched with a hydraulic cement, such as DRYLOK Fast Plug. Be
sure there are no signs of efflorescence, which are natural salts
leaching from the masonry surface. These salts should be cleaned with an
etching solution or DRYLOK Etch, which is a safer alternative than
Muriatic Acid. After cleansing, rinse the surface thoroughly.
A waterproofing paint is thicker than house paint, so it will take longer to apply, but its application is just as simple. Most waterproofing paints
can be applied with a stiff bristle brush or a roller. Simply work the
product into the surface of the masonry, filling the texture with the
coating. The thing to remember is that this coating needs to perform a
task, so it is important to follow the label instructions. The experts
at UGL recommend applying the first coat with a nylon or polyester
bristle brush for best results. The second coat can be applied with a
brush or masonry roller. Follow directions for application carefully. If
the area covered is more than the recommendation on the label, you're
spreading the paint too thin. Two coats are
usually sufficient to stop seepage. However, if seepage is still present
after several days, an additional coat may be necessary.
Whether your plans are for a basement pantry,
woodshop, laundry room or even a living room or play room, you have to
start with a dry space and the best start is with a reliable, reputable
waterproofing paint. Simple step by step instructions on waterproofing your basement can be found at www.ugl.com.
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