Basement

Here is how to convert your unfinished basement from damp and cold space into a useable and liveable room. For many people who have a basement, water seepage from the outside is a serious problem. It enters the inside of the basement and makes everything damp. Basement waterproofing using masonry waterproofing paint is an easy solution which can be done in just a weekend.

Before you get started, undertake this simple test:

1. Using strong adhesive tape, stick a 12”x12” square of aluminium foil to one of the interior basement walls.

2. Keep it there for several days.

3. When you remove the square of foil, check to see if any water has accumulated.

4. If there is water on the wall or between the wall and the foil, there is a water seepage problem and you will need to continue to waterproof the walls.

5. If there is water on the visible side of the foil, the problem is condensation and a dehumidified is needed.

6. In some cases there will be water on both sides of the foil and this means that both remedies are required.

The first step to be taken when waterproofing the basement is to go outside the property and check for any problems on the exterior that may be causing damp problems below. Keep an eye out for leaky gutters that will need fixing or replacing, unblock drainage pipes that have been clogged with leaves and other debris or improper grading that directs rain water towards the building’s foundations. When you are back inside the property, use a stiff wire brush to remove loose mortar, dust and dirt from the basement walls. Fill any holes and cracks with a fast setting cement, remembering to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wet the area first. Using this cement, follow around the edges of the wall and floor joints to seal them.

Effervescence is a white powdery residue found on basement walls caused by the deposits of naturally occurring salts. If you can see this on your basement walls, you will need to treat the area using muriatic acid. Remember to take full advantage of safety gloves and goggles when using this acid to protect yourself from the chemical. Rinse the area thoroughly and allow it to dry.

Now the area is ready to paint using the masonry paint. Choose a good quality, synthetic bristled brush to apply the paint, using repetitive strokes back and forth to work the paint into all the pores of the blocks. Spread the paint thickly to ensure no pinholes remain.

The paint will fill the pores, expand as it dries and become part of the wall to create a tough waterproof barrier.

After 24 hours apply a second coat with a brush or roller, allow to dry and voila! Your basement is a dry and cosy area for you to enjoy.