Easy basement waterproofing

Spring may be good for the flowers, but it's bad for basements. Excessive moisture in basements and foundation walls can result in structural rot and decay, as well as high humidity levels throughout the home. And, even a small amount of moisture can create the perfect conditions for mold and mildew growth. That's why it's important to take care of water problems before they start.

It's easy to waterproof your concrete basement walls if you follow a few tips from the pros. Here's some advice from the waterproofing experts at Zinsser:

Prepare the surface: Clean the surface of dirt, grease and other contaminants. Kill any mold and mildew with a solution of household bleach and water. Remove efflorescence (a powdery white deposit found on many concrete surfaces) with a concrete etching solution like Watertite® Etch and Cleaner. Finally, patch any holes and cracks with Watertite® Hydraulic Cement, especially those that show signs of active water leaks.

Apply two coats of waterproofing paint: Fortunately, it's easy to keep water out - and keep mold and mildew away - by using a waterproofer that contains mold and mildew protection, like Watertite® Mold & Mildew- ProofTM Waterproofing Paint. Available in either an oil-base or the new latexbase formula, these superior performance products are guaranteed to stop water, and offer a 5-year mold and mildew-proof paint film guarantee. Both are low odor and easy to use.

To apply Watertite, use a thick synthetic brush or large nap roller to apply the first coat to a small section of the masonry. Use a brush to work the coating into the pores of the concrete to produce a continuous pinholefree film. Apply a second coat with a brush or roller.

Enjoy your basement: Watertite dries to a very smooth, beautiful finish that can be applied white, or can be tinted to a wide range of off-white, pastel and medium tone colors to help you transform a damp leaky basement into a beautiful living space.

For more information about Watertite, and for more helpful home improvements tips, visit www.zinsser.com.