Anyone who has owned a home that has a basement knows that the room is great for the most part, but it also has a few issues. The first issue is that the basement tends to be substantially cooler than the rest of the home, which can cause electricity bills to rise. The bigger issue; however, is the fact that water tends to find its way into basements. When people think about it, the ground is typically not perfectly level, which creates a nice little path for water to flow, and obviously water is going to target the basement first. One solution to fix this issue is to waterproof the basement floor.
Waterproof Basement Floor
In order to waterproof a basement floor, the person will need to buy the waterproof material, a mix pan, some paint brushes, painter’s tape and a paint roller. To begin the process, they will need to clean the floor as best as possible, because the waterproof material will not look as attractive with debris mixed in. It is also important that people use painter’s tape to carefully cover up anything that they do not want the waterproofing material to accidentally come into contact with. Once everything has been covered up, they can begin the waterproofing process. They will want to use the paint roller for the majority of the project, because this will cover a lot more area a lot quicker, and it will be easier on their body. The paint brushes should be used in tight spaces where precision is required, such as the areas where the painter’s tape has been applied.
Basement Floor Sealer
Most people do not realize that concrete has thousands of pores in it, which allow moisture, dust and other things to easily penetrate the surface. The basement floor sealer will prevent water from seeping through the basement floor, which can result in permanent damage and a terrible smell from the mold and mildew. The basement floor sealer essentially works by penetrating as deep as possible into the concrete, which allows it to block all of the pores. The water and other elements need the concrete’s pores to enter, so if they are blocked the elements are simply out of luck.
Basement Floor Coverings
Most basement floors are constructed of wood or concrete, both of which are very porous and can allow water to easily seep through. Some of the newer homes feature plastic, which is a slightly better option. It is important for people to choose a floor covering that will actually prevent water from seeping through and possibly ruining their floor.
Thermaldry Basement Floor Matting
One excellent solution to keeping any basement dry is to install Thermaldry basement floor matting. This floor mat will not only prevent the growth of mold and mildew, but it can also keep the floor 8 to 10 degrees warmer, which is something that most homeowners would really appreciate. Thermaldry floor matting is very affordable.
By waterproofing a basement floor, homeowners will be extending the life of their carpet and tile. In addition, they will no longer have to worry about the mold and mildew releasing a terrible odor and instigating allergies. This process is well worth the little effort that is required.