It seems that homes are surrounded by some type of moisture most of the time. Snow and rain make up much of the moisture that surrounds the home. The moisture from the surrounding slowly but surely sinks into basements. This is why waterproofing your basement is so important. Once the soil around your home becomes saturated with water, the excess water will start getting into your basement faster than you think. Now it the time to prevent basement flooding.
One of the first signs that your basement is having problems is when you see the paint from your basement walls peeling. To prevent this problem, you can use good basement wall insulation and vapor barrier insulation to keep the water from entering. A fireproof foam board can also be used as a moisture barrier to help prevent basement flooding and the repairs that occur afterwards.
The problem with most basements is that they are made from concrete. Though concrete is great because it provides strength and durability to your building, it’s not water proof and will not revent basement flooding. Mold and mildew can begin to germinate and without proper and quick removal, can cause health problems. Soon it will be not only the basement that will be waterlogged, but so will the rest of the house.
The DRYLOK Latex-Base Masonry Waterproofer, available in White in a 5 Gallon quantity-Model # 27515 is available at Home Depot-Store SKU # 435688. This is a masonry waterproofing paint that has little odor and has a special formula that enables waterproofing of any exterior, interior, below and above the masonry grade surface. The paint can withstand hydrostatic pressure equal to the water pressure at a depth of 22 feet. This ready to use formula carries a ten year warranty and is designed to stop water even if it’s under pressure. Concrete blocks, masonry walls, cinder blocks, brick, stucco, basements, retaining walls, foundations and bird baths.
Behr manufacturers a Concrete and Masonry Waterproofer-Model # 98001, MFG Part # 980. It comes in a one gallon container.It is carried at the Home Depot Store SKU # 251004. This is a premium waterproofing formula that works for both interior and exterior applications. The water-based silicone technology can penetrate surfaces up to ½” deep. This formula creates a barrier inside the covered area that keeps water out to prevent basement flooding, but also allows trapped water vapors to evaporate.