How to Prevent Water Damage with Basement Waterproof Paint

Waterproofing a basement is very important and waterproofing a basement can be done simply by the homeowner with basement waterproof paint. Waterproofing is especially important if you live where it rains often or you are near a body of water and the ground around your home may be saturated with water. Also, if you live in an older home that may never have been treated with any sort of waterproofing, it is important to waterproof now. Water damage has numerous causes, including rain runoff, old or damaged gutters, a high water table, and rain driven by wind. Some waterproofing jobs are best left to the professionals, including outdoor drainage systems or foundation checks and repairs. Waterproofing coatings can be used for above and/or below ground and interior and/or exterior applications. Like any paint, waterproofing paint comes in a variety of colors so you can fit it into the décor of your basement or design a whole new basement around it. It will beautify while it protects from mold, mildew and many kinds of water damage.

Step 1: Purchasing the Paint

Visit your local do-it-yourself home improvement or hardware store and get someone to assist you. This is because there are different types of paints and, depending upon the condition your walls are in, the type of walls you have, and how they may have been waterproofing in the past, a specific type of paint may be necessary. A good idea would be to take some pictures so the expert has a better idea of what you need and talk to them about what you are looking to do.

Step 2: What to Expect

There are many different kinds of water damage and paint alone is not meant to prevent more serious problems, such as flooding. It will prevent your walls from accumulating moisture which can lead to growth of mold and mildew. This is the most common type of water damage. To prevent damage from floods, you should hire a professional because outdoor drains must be installed and maintained.

Step 3: Preparation

Before using basement waterproofing paint, a little preparation is needed first. Clean any dirt, mold or mildew using household cleaning agents. Also, using bleach diluted with water will work well to take away mold and mildew. Wipe any condensation. Loose mortar or broken block should be brushed away, and any old paint should also be cleared. The paint can be cleaned with a sandblaster or simple wire brush. If there are cracks or holes in the walls, they should be filled with quick-drying cement. This can also be used to fill the joint between walls. Be prepared with the proper paint. It should have anti-mold agents in it. Finally, make sure you use proper safety precautions by opening all windows or otherwise ventilate the area you are working and wear goggles or a protective mask if ventilation is lacking.

Step 4: Applying the Paint

Apply the paint as you would any other paint. It is always best to use two coats of basement waterproofing paint if you have the ability to do so.