Transform your damp, musty, mouldy basement into a dry, bright and perfectly usable living space.
Just a bit of elbow grease and some Drylok Masonry Waterproofer is all that’s needed!
Water intrusion in your basement (whether you just feel a bit of dampness or see actual water and its effects) can undermine the structural integrity of your home, ruin your belongings, and promote mould or mildew that can lead to health concerns.
How Do I Know If My Basement Needs Waterproofing?
Obvious signs that your basement needs to be waterproofed include water beading on the walls, puddles, actual flooding, or a persistent, musty odour. As water flowing through masonry follows the path of least resistance, keep an eye out for cracks in the walls or floor. Sometimes, however, the signs of water intrusion are ore subtle. You might see stains on the floor or walls that appear as dark patches or lines of discolouration, where water has seeped in. When water evaporates, it can also leave behind an unsightly, white, powdery substance called efflorescence. Efflorescence occurs when water migrates through concrete, brick and other masonry, dissolving naturally occurring salts along the way and depositing them on the surface. This residue is a sure sign that moisture is present. If it’s allowed to continue over a long period of time, efflorescence can even weaken the structural strength of the material.
Other signs that may be an indication of a moisture problem include : slightly warping of wooden door jambs, sticking doors and windows that become hard to open and close, the appearance of rust on nails or other metal objects – like hinges, or even a sudden influx of insects like centipedes or silverfish.
What Else Can I Do To Reduce The Chance Of Moisture In My Basement?
Waterproofing the inside of your basement is only one piece of the puzzle. It’s also important to keep water away from your foundation. Take steps to reduce the amount of water in the ground around your home by keeping your gutters clean and making sure downspouts route the water away from the house. Check on spreading ground cover to see if it’s crept up to the foundation – you don’t want it trapping moisture against the house. Along the same line, remove any autumn leaves that have piled up against the foundation – they will also retain moisture and could contribute to potential problems. Finally, keeping an eye on how water flows all around your property, remembering that it can change over time due to erosion, landscape maturation, and hardscape deterioration.
How Do I Know If The Moisture Is From Water Seepage Or Condensation?
The air in our homes contains a level of moisture, or humidity, all the time. If there is too much moisture in the air, it will reach a saturation point and begin depositing droplets on various surface – this is called condensation. If you have a condensation problem, running a dehumidifier is typically the best solution. If you have a problem with water intrusion, that’s a different story! To find out which type of moisture issue you’re dealing with, perform this simple test : tape a 30cm x 30cm piece of aluminium foil to your floor or wall. After 24 hours, peel the foil away from the surface. If the exposed side of the foil is wet, it’s condensation. If the wall side is wet, you’ve got water seepage. If it appears both conditions are occurring simultaneously, start running a dehumidifier and continue with your waterproofing plans.
Why Use DRYLOK Waterproofer Instead Of A Sealer?
Permeable in nature, sealers prevent water from entering masonry surfaces while allowing internal moisture vapour to escape. A good example is when you seal a brick chimney to protect in from rain and snow. DRYLOK Waterproofer works differently. It actually penetrates pores and pinholes in the surface, bonding with masonry to create an impenetrable barrier that protects you, your possessions, and your home from any water and moisture vapour that could come through the masonry.
How To Properly Prep The Masonry Surface
For the best possible adhesion, the surface should be clean and dry. Be sure to follow the surface preparation instructions on the can. Efflorescence should also be treated with muriatic acid, paying close attention to usage and safety guidelines.
What If The Masonry Is Damaged?
Repair it! After the surface is prepped, use a quick-setting cement to patch any apparent cracks or holes. To quickly and easily spot tiny cracks and fractures, lightly brush the surface with water and imperfections will become more visible. Also, carefully inspect all the joints – where the walls meet the floor, the ceiling, or other walls – as that’s where the most stress occurs and cracks are likely to form.
Helpful Tips For Applying DRYLOK Waterproofer
Use a high-quality brush with synthetic bristles that is suitable to carry heavy-bodied coatings.
Since the waterproofer needs to penetrate every pore and pinhole, you’ll want to load the brush with plenty of product and really work it into those nooks and crannies. After you’ve applied the first coat, let it dry, then do it again. For the second coat, you can use a brush or sprayer, but if you’re looking for a smoother, more even appearance, grab a roller instead. Remember, always follow the application instructions on the can. To qualify for warranty protection, you must apply at least two coats. After it dries, if you find yourself in decorator mode, you can always topcoat the surface with a good quality latex paint.
For more information or to purchase Drylok, visit our Drylok page