What other effects does water have on basement walls? When water seeps through foundations and into a basement, it creates a humid and moist environment. Many homeowners try to combat this with dehumidifiers and air conditioners in an attempt to prevent the basement smells and vapors from making it into other areas of their house. A dehumidifier is only a temporary solution, although without one mold, mildew, and other substances can make their way into your home.

Most water that you encounter in your basement will likely be due to rainfall or snow melting. If your gutters become clogged with leaves or other debris, the water may fall from your roof and pool around the foundations of your home, easily seeping into your basement. Despite it’s solidity, concrete is porous to come extent, and becomes more so as it ages. Aging concrete allows more water to seep through, and the situation gradually worsens.

Basement wall sealers are particularly effective in preventing the seepage and dampness associated with water, and can serve as an effective preventative measure. This process both hardens and strengthens the concrete walls, reducing moisture and the possibility of cracking as well. Some can prevent mold growth on masonry block, pre-cast and poured interior concrete structures and crawl spaces, reducing contamination of fungi, eliminating odors, and minimizing allergies.

A basement wall sealer is effective in combating the dampness, rust, stains, musty odors, condensation, as well as slow water seepage and structural damage. Here are a few other tips to avoid a water-logged basement:

• Clean out your rain gutters regularly from leaves, debris, and snow.
• Grow grass instead of flowers and shrubs around your foundations to soak up moisture.
• Consider getting a sump pump to relieve water pressure.

The most effective thing you can do to prevent basement moisture and problems is to invest in a basement wall sealer, as that’ll protect your home for a long time and save you money on possible basement repairs you’d encounter in the future.

How Do You Know if You Need A Waterproofing Concrete Sealer?

Certain locations in the northern United States are prone to heavy rainfall and significant amounts of groundwater, and even though waterproofing products are more expensive, it’s absolutely necessary to seal your home or building’s foundation with a waterproofing concrete sealer. However, many other areas are fine with a damp-proofing solution. For wetter areas, waterproofing concrete sealer products are available and can be sprayed on or placed on top of concrete that has already been poured and set. This waterproof barrier creates a permanent seal that prevents groundwater, snow, and rain from seeping through the concrete and into the building. When the pores of the concrete fill with product, it ensures that the sealant won’t erode away over time.

If water does make it into your foundation, the concrete may crack. Waterproofing concrete sealers are essential for areas with extremely low winter temperatures and function as a rubber “membrane” on the wall, adjusting with movements. Because the membrane can stretch, this helps bridge cracks.

Easy Application

There are many ways of applying waterproofing concrete sealers—everything from using a regular sponge mop or a roller brush. Paint rollers may also be used, but these methods are not always effective and are generally messy and wasteful of the product. The best solution we’ve seen is a spray-applicator, which produces thin and even wall coverage and requires less product. You don’t need to use expensive equipment—a pump sprayer will do just fine. Beware of oil-based waterproofing concrete sealer products as their equipment can run up to tens of thousands of dollars. A simple spray applicator is your best option.

Water-Based Waterproofing Concrete Sealers: Acrylic-based is a better option then petroleum when it comes to hazardous fumes, but water-based waterproofing concrete sealers have proven as both exceptional and effective. Water-based products are non-hazardous, non-flammable and eliminate the need for oil-based materials being applied below the grade line.

Applying Above Grade or Below Grade

Often, above grade concrete and below grade concrete may require different treatments, for instance above grade can be sufficiently protected with a sealant. Below-grade is often a different story, and calls for a damp-proofing. Instead of requiring different types of products or experiencing difficulties with grade lines (as associated with tar), choose a product that can be conveniently applied both above or below grade and waterproof the entire concrete foundation.

What Surfaces Should A Waterproofing Concrete Sealer Be Applied to?

Your ideal waterproofing concrete sealer can be applied to concrete, stucco, concrete block, metal or wood, and should be able to stand up and protect surfaces in extreme tropical conditions for more then ten years. A good waterproofing concrete sealer should be effectively crack and mold growth resistant, and be when applied to damp or dry surfaces, can set in 2 to 4 hours.

Environmentally Safe

Some states like Maryland are starting to say no to tar and oil as they’ve encountered problems, specifically with the Chesapeake Bay. Why use a product that’s environmentally harmful when there are 0 VOC and water-based waterproofing concrete sealers available? These options are equally effective, non hazardous, non-flammable, and environmentally safe. Check to see if your product meets regulations regarding the environment. There’s no need for toxic odors, fumes, or spillage—research before you buy and you’ll create a safer environment for yourself.

There’s no reason why your waterproofing concrete sealer should be messy, expensive, toxic, or inconvenient. Inform yourself of what a good waterproofing sealer should do, and then Invest in a multi-functional eco-friendly waterproof product that creates an effective moisture barrier. You’ll have a waterproof basement and foundation for years to come.

Damp Proofing: The process of damp proofing is done by sealing basements with a tar-based or an approved solvent or water-based mixture designed to prevent water from entering or adhering to the surface of the foundation. This works very well to prevent water from being absorbed by the concrete or basement material. Damp proofing is far less costly then waterproofing, although its results are sometimes only temporary. Depending on which state you live in, (say Pennsylvania for instance), you may not feel the need to water proof your foundation and decide damp proofing will do the job. Sometimes after a few years pass, cracks and crevices begin to appear naturally in the foundation and the damp proofing will crack along with it. If your basement sealer dries out, you may experience cracks and seepage within five to eight years. Tar based products have a higher probability of cracking below grade vs. a water-based sealer. However, this isn’t always the case. More builders are using damp proofing products because the porosity of poured and superior walls are more dense than traditional block walls and damp proofing is an effective solution for stopping water vapor transmission.

Water Proofing: Although water proofing is initially more expensive then damp proofing, it has many benefits. Water proofing can be a highly effective water preventative solution. A thin layer of rubber foundation sealer is applied to the area and it completely prevents moisture and water from penetrating any material. Unlike damp proofing which slows down the rate of water absorption, water proofing prevents it entirely. As mentioned, the foundations of houses and buildings can crack and shift over the years, but water proofing basement sealer settles into the cracks and stretches, continuing to effectively keep water out. If you live in Connecticut or an area with lots of ground water and moisture, water proofing would be necessary to keep your basement dry.

Besides its effectiveness, water proofing is environmentally friendly. The tar used to damp proof buildings can have a negative effect on the environment, whereas the natural rubber barrier from water proofing is sometimes a better solution. This isn’t always the case though, as several excellent water-based products are available for damp proofing. Water-based damp proofing products are just as effective as their tar counterparts and also environmentally friendly.

If you decide to waterproof your basement with a basement sealer or foundation sealer, you’ll prevent:

• Oversaturation from ground water
• Rain
• Excessive Humidity
• Snow

And all forms of bad weather, moisture, and damage from taking its toll on your foundation.

Basement waterproofing and damp proofing protects your home’s foundation to help you maintain its value, as well as prevent costly and serious water damage. The cleanup and after-effects of basement flooding can be a major problem and hassle for many homeowners. Although waterproofing your basement may initially seem expensive and perhaps even unnecessary, repairing damage caused by water will cost more than waterproofing your basement. It all depends on where you live and the levels of ground water and water infiltration your basement will experience. Both water proofing and damp proofing your basement are effective solutions. Find out the best basement sealing solution for your home!