Excessive moisture in basements and foundation walls can cause significant problems including structural decay, high humidity levels and mould and mildew growth.
Active water leaks, such as from pipes, can cause:
• Structural decay to walls, footings and foundations.
• Costly and disruptive repairs.
• A decrease in home value if not corrected.
Wet basement walls can result in high humidity levels throughout the house.
• Water trapped between the soil and outside foundation wall is absorbed through concrete and masonry.
• Walls become chronically damp.
• Basements become cold and clammy – musty odours develop.
Even small amounts of water or moisture can create conditions for mould & mildew growth.
• Mould & mildew thrive on moisture and feed on organic materials, including ordinary paint and the dust and dirt that collect on surfaces over time.
• Foul-smelling and unattractive, mould & mildew will eventually destroy painted surfaces which allows moisture to penetrate and finally cause masonry to crumble.
3 STEPS TO WATERPROOFING
1. SURFACE PREPARATION
CLEAN THE SURFACE to remove dirt, mould or other contaminants.
• Remove efflorescence (a powdery white deposit found on many concrete surfaces) with WATERTITE® ETCH and CLEANER ideal for use on cement, stone, tile, brick and other masonry.
• Prepares concrete for painting.
• Safer than muriatic acid – a highly corrosive liquid.
• Follow directions and safety precautions on package.
• Rinse thoroughly with water. Allow excess water to evaporate.
REMOVE MOULD & MILDEW
• Interior – clean with CONCROBIUM MOLD CONTROL
• Exterior – Use CONCROBIUM HOUSE AND DECK WASH. Next, power wash or sand blast exterior surfaces to remove all loose and scaling paint and cement.
2. SURFACE PATCH & REPAIR
PATCH & REPAIR WATER LEAKS & CRACKS
• Use WATERTITE® HYDRAULIC CEMENT to patch all holes and cracks, especially active water leaks.
• To stop active and non-active water leaks, seal the joint where the floor and wall meet with WATERTITE® POLYURETHANE SEALANT.
• Follow directions on product label for proper application methods and dry time.
Quick-setting WATERTITE® HYDRAULIC CEMENT expands as it dries to fill active and non-active water leaks in concrete walls and foundations.
WATERTITE® POLYURETHANE SEALANT is suitable for bonding, sealing in expansion joints as well as waterproofing concrete and other masonry materials.
• Waterproof.
3. APPLY WATERPROOFING PAINT
Paint surfaces with Zinsser® WATERTITE® Mould & Mildew-proof or WATERTITE® LX Mould & Mildew Proof * Waterproofing Paints are specially designed to protect your home from the damaging effects of water and wind driven rain. The technologically advanced formula forms an impermeable barrier to water on interior or exterior, vertical or horizontal concrete block.
• WATERTITE or WATERTITE-LX provide an easy, do-it-yourself solution to interior and exterior water damage.
• Backed by extended waterproofing guarantees!
• Resists 34 lbs. of water pressure.
• Creates a very smooth bright white finish.
• Ultra low odour.
• Easy to apply (brush or roll.)
• Mould & Mildew-Proof* (5 Year Guarantee.)
• Lifetime Waterproof Guarantee.
* These products contain a mildewcide to prevent the growth of mold & mildew on the paint film only.
• Creates a very smooth bright white finish.
• Ultra low odour.
• Easy to apply (brush or roll.)
• Mold & Mildew-Proof* (10 Year Guarantee.)
• 15 Year Waterproof Guarantee.
• Also available in quart size – great for bird baths, fish ponds and small projects.
* These products contain a mildewcide to prevent the growth of mould & mildew on the paint film only.
How to Apply WATERTITE®
• Use a thick synthetic brush or 1” nap roller for unpainted, porous surfaces and a 3/4” nap roller for smooth or previously painted, non-glossy surfaces.
• WATERTITE or WATERTITE-LX waterproofing paint is a two coat system.• Liberally apply the first coat using either a brush or roller. Make sure to work the paint into the pores of the masonry to fill all the pin holes. Do not over spread.
• Wait two to three hours before recoat and/or topcoat.
• WATERTITE and WATERTITE-LX can be top coated with latex, oil-base or epoxy coatings.
note...
Existing mould & mildew must be removed before painting. If you are concerned about mold & mildew behind walls, underneath flooring, in ventilation systems or other unseen areas, contact a professional who specializes in mould & mildew remediation.