Tips for Damp Proofing Concrete Floors

If you're trying to finish a basement you'll need to start damp proofing it. If you try to install parquet wood or carpet on top of concrete without damp proofing it then you're most likely going to have issues. Damp concrete can lead to mildew and mold on the underside of the carpet or wood. If left unchecked it can spread to the walls and create a mold infestation that isn't only dangerous but costly. Damp proofing concrete floors isn't terribly difficult though it can be time consuming and somewhat confusing. The article below will share with you several tips and methods on how damp proofing your concrete basement floor can be done.

Liquid Membrane

This type of solution almost seems unlikely because you are essentially painting the floor of the basement. To layman it would seem like this would not be considered damp proofing. The liquid membrane is painted on the concrete and when it dries it creates an incredibly hard surface. The membrane is formulated to create a seamless barrier between the underlayment and the concrete slab. This same substance should also be applied to the walls of the basement prior to finishing them. When you do this you will be creating an airtight seal which will prevent moisture to travel from area to area.

Cavity Drainage

If your damp proofing needs are minimal then this may be the solution for you. This is another membrane layer that sits between the concrete and the underlayment but isn't a liquid. This damp proofing option is a specially designed plastic that you lay on the concrete and trim as needed to cover the entire floor. It looks like bubble wrap as it has small nooks and crannies. When dampness occurs on the concrete the condensation doesn't penetrate the membrane but is redirected. Once the little pouches are filled with water they drip off and flow toward the drainage hole installed in the basement.

Caulk and Epoxy Sealer

Damp proofing a basement floor is not always as easy as applying a membrane and then installing carpet or parquet. Water can find the tiniest hole or crack and make it much larger and, in time, will create a bigger problem for you. Prior to using any membrane, liquid or otherwise, always search out holes and cracks in the concrete floor and gaps where the floor meets the wall. Along the wall you apply silicone caulk as you would when sealing bathroom tile or a sink unit. Epoxy is a product that is used often to fill and repair granite and it also works with concrete. Use epoxy to fill holes and cracks in the concrete. It will dry clear, flat and completely waterproof.

Dehumidifier

If you are finishing your basement then a dehumidifier is a tool that you must use until the basement is sealed, finished and insulated. A basement becomes damp and dank due to the coolness from the ground mixing with the heat from the home. A dehumidifier pulls moisture from the air which will keep the basement dry.