Waterproofing a building's foundation can prevent water leakage and structural damage.
It's a good idea to deal with a leaky foundation sooner rather than later, since water leaks can cause structural problems throughout the home. A liquid or cementitious waterproofing substance is your best bet for waterproofing a home foundation. Liquid polyurethane coating is appropriate for most jobs, since it has greater tensile strength and can endure more shifting and cracking than cement coatings.
Instructions
Cementitious Waterproofing
1. Purchase waterproofing cement and acrylic additive from a masonry supply store. The acrylic additive serves to improve the bond between the cement and the concrete.
2. Dry the entire surface of the concrete foundation that you wish to waterproof. A propane torch is effective for such a job.
3. Scrape off any loose material that is on the surface of the foundation.
4. Add the waterproofing cement to an industrial-sized pail.
5. Add water to the pail. Pour in twice as much water as there is cement in the pail.
6. Stir the acrylic additive into the cement mixture with a long-handled brush.
7. Brush the waterproofing cement mixture on the surface of the concrete. A single coating of cement creates a durable water barrier.
Liquid Waterproofing
8. Purchase a liquid waterproofing product at a hardware store.
9. Dry the entire surface of the concrete foundation that you wish to waterproof. A propane torch is effective for such a job.
10. Scrape off any loose material that is on the surface of the foundation.
11. Apply the liquid waterproofing product evenly to the surface of the concrete foundation using a paint roller.
12. Apply a second coating of liquid waterproofing product to the foundation. Cover the foundation with at least 2.3 inches of liquid membrane to form a waterproof seal.
Related posts
Venetian plaster is a versatile design material that comes in a paste or putty form. Its recipe includes marble dust, aged lime and pigment. Once applied to a wall or other surface, this plaster g...
Many people think cement and concrete are the same material, but they're not. Cement, composed mainly of lime, silica and a small amount of gypsum, is actually a component of concrete. Generally,...
Stucco finishes are durable and beautiful.Portland cement stucco (also called Portland cement plaster) is a versatile finish material for both indoor and outdoor applications in wet, dry, cold and...
Use Portland CementPortland cement is made with limestone and clay or shale. The materials are mixed, burned and ground together. This type of cement is so named because of its resemblance to Port...
When cement isn't properly mixed or proportioned in concrete, it can easily crumble.Cement is the major substance that binds the various materials used in concrete. Crumbling usually results when...
