Your basement is the foundation of your home. Keeping it dry is essential in protecting your valuables from damage, and moisture creates mold and mildew problems. Basement waterproofing can prevent this from happening. It is a job that you can do yourself or have a contractor handle for you.
Water can easily seep through your basement walls or cracks in your foundation; waterproofing these areas can prevent that. Moisture in your home can cause excessive damage, so you must keep your basement and foundation dry. There are a few options to consider if you need to waterproof an area of your home.
First of all, this is a project that you can do yourself. There are several products on the market that you can apply with a roller or brush, and some may require a sprayer. However, when considering taking on the task, please remember that you want to find a product designed for the structure you plan to protect.
A water-based coating offers an environmentally friendly option. Since it does not contain solvents, it does not emit fumes and is non-toxic. In addition, it makes the cleaning process a little easier, as it does not require any special cleaning agents, whereas a solvent-based solution does. One of the most significant advantages is that it can be applied on damp and dry surfaces.
One of the disadvantages of using a water-based solution is that it can easily be washed off if precipitation occurs before the coat has completely dried. Also, these types of coatings are susceptible to frost damage. Furthermore, since it is water-based, it does not adhere to surfaces or some solvent-based solutions.
Solvent-based coatings offer almost immediate protection. Even if it rains before a solvent-based solution has dried, it will not wash away the coating. This alternative also offers more protection, as it penetrates and adheres to porous surfaces much better than water-based solutions.
However, there are some disadvantages. These applications can be toxic, and most will give off strong fumes that can be harmful. Some have also been found to be flammable. The surface you intend to waterproof must also be dehydrated before applying a solvent-based coating. Also, remember that cleaning any spills or equipment requires a particular solvent.
It is recommended that, if you plan to apply the coating yourself, you use a water-based solution. If you choose a solvent-based product, you must wear protective clothing and obtain the appropriate cleaning agent before starting the job. If you prefer a solvent-based product, it may be best to consider hiring someone experienced with basement waterproofing. They will usually have the proper equipment to handle the job safely.
