Basement Remodeling-Stopping Water Entrance
You have decided to remodel your basement but where do you start? The first area of concern in any new basement remodeling project is water stoppage. Any future water entrance after your remodel will cause damage, mold, and mildew. None of these are desirable of course! If there is any, and I mean any, water pooling you need to install a new drainage system in your basement. This is best left to the professionals due to the expanse of the project.
A professional technician will first assess the area for damage and quote a estimated cost for a system install. They will then generally begin by cutting a small drain around the basement directed towards your future sump pump. They will then drill holes in the base of your wall to allow the water to evacuate into the drain into the sump pit. This sump pit is excavated with a hammer drill or sledge hammer depending on the vitality of your installer! The sump will then be installed on its own dedicated circuit with a GFCI to minimize potential shorting issues. As you can see it is a highly involved process and it should always be completed by skilled professional.
Once you have corrected any major water problems ,which in this authors opinion is any pooling of water, you may move on to a waterproofing paint product for moisture issues. Begin by removing any old paint that was applied in the area you are working with. Before you start this you must properly ventilate the area by opening any windows and doors to the room. Now find a respirator,safety glasses, and gloves. Paint can have some hazardous substances in it so you can never be to careful. You will need a wire brush and putty knife or a paint scraper to remove the old paint from your walls and floor. The more paint that can be removed the better off you will be in the long run. Use the brush and putty knife to scrape the walls and floor and then clean up all of your removed paint with a shop vac or broom. This is a pretty basic step that involves long tedious hours but will definitely pay off in the long run.
Now that you have removed your paint you are almost ready to apply your moisture blocking paint! The next step is to carefully look over your area for any cracking or flaking of the wall or floor. Have any of these over one eighth of an inch repaired by a professional. I should mention here that if at any point you have found any obvious bulging in your floor immediately call in a professional for repairs! If your cracks are small you make fill them in with an epoxy type filler available at the hardware store.
Ok, now you can apply that paint. Begin by reading the products directions for mixing and follow them precisely. Then apply a minimum of two coats of the product to your basement walls and floor. Use a brush to get into any small areas and tiny cracks and a roller for the large expanses. As stated before keep the basement well ventilated. You may need to leave your home for a few hours afterwards so be prepared to do so. Once you have let the paint dry you can begin to plan your remodel in your newly waterproof basement!
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