(MS) -- 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.
CAPTION: Applying a waterproofing solution such as DRYLOK(R) Masonry Waterproofer is one way homeowners can transform their basement from a damp storage unit into a bright and livable room everyone can enjoy.
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