Basement Waterproofing Paint

Basement waterproofing becomes a must in areas with high rainfall. If you are living in an old house, which is poorly maintained, then your basement may demand some heavy servicing. Basement is often a home for mold, fungus, mildew and any organisms that thrive in damp, shady places. In the regions of high precipitation, basement flooding becomes a serious issue. Proximity to water bodies also increases your chances of basement flooding. In such cases, you may need periodic maintenance of exterior drainage components. Although, a waterproofing paint does not prevent your basement from flooding, it certainly protects the basement from all kinds of infestations. Moreover, it also renders an aesthetic appeal to your basement.

Choosing a Basement Waterproofing Paint

The choice of paint would primarily depend upon the current state of your basement and the environmental conditions in your area. You should preferably seek an expert's advice regarding the choice of waterproofing paint for basement. Most contractors would do that free for you. You should take the pictures of your basement along with you so as to enable him to study the condition of your basement. The paint should have an anti mold formula to inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. Oil based paints with resins are good for basement walls due to their moisture repellent properties. An interior oil based or latex paint is the best option. Since, these paints are available in an array of colors, you should not have any problem matching it to the rest of the décor of your home.

Applying the Paint

Applying a waterproofing paint is similar to applying any other paint. You first need to prepare the surface for painting. However, before that, inspect your basement area for any exterior drainage problems. If you find any, get it fixed from a professional plumber only. You don't want your paint job to get ruined by seepage of water. Scrape off any old paint and get rid of any stains or marks on the walls. Apply a bleach solution or any basement mold removal product to get rid of mold and mildew.

Seal the cracks in the wall with polyurethane filler foam. Prepare the surface smooth and even by polishing it with a wired brush. Get rid of moisture and dampness in the basement with the help of fans and basement dehumidifiers. If the basement is damp, the paint will not retain properly. Hence, allow proper ventilation inside the basement. You may need more than one humidifiers, if you have a considerably large basement. These can be obtained from equipment rental shops. Continue the rest of the paint job as you would for any ordinary paint job. Use rollers for wider areas while brushes to reach the narrow areas. Applying 3 coats of paint would be sufficient to seal the wall and make it waterproof. Keep the dehumidifiers and fans on until the paint dries completely. Do not move in any furniture until you get rid of paint stains and clear up the floor. The basement should be thoroughly dried before you start using it.

Compromising on quality of paint may result in ruining of your basement walls. Moreover, the growth of mold and mildew may invite a plethora of health troubles.