In unfinished basements, mold and mildew can grow on the floor if water seeps into the area. Waterproofing your basement floor will prevent this and is part of the overall basement waterproofing process. Basement floor waterproofing is not difficult but it does require a certain approach. Follow the steps below to prevent water from seeping in through the floor.
You will need:
• Vacuum
• Bonding adhesive
• Patching compound
• Primer for concrete basement floors
• Epoxy paint featuring waterproofing
• Trowel
• Caulk gun
• Caulk for use with concrete cracks
• Paint roller
• Paintbrush
Step 1: Inspect your basement floor and indentify all cracked areas. Water may seep in through the cracks so these should be fixed. Use the vacuum to clean each crack, removing all the dirt, dust, and any broken pieces of concrete. Apply the bonding adhesive to all cracks with the paintbrush.
Step 2: Use the caulk to fill each crack that is under 1/8-inch wide. For larger cracks, use the patching compound. Apply the compound with the trowel, filling the crack entirely, and then level the surface with the trowel.
Step 3: Wait a few days so the patching compound can dry completely. Apply the concrete basement primer to the floor with the paintbrush or a paint roller. Wait a few hours before proceeding so the primer can dry.
Step 4: Use a clean paint roller or brush to apply a coat of the epoxy paint to your basement floor. This step is easier when the paint roller is used because a larger area can be covered more quickly. Let the epoxy paint dry before proceeding.
Step 5: Apply another coat of the epoxy paint to the basement floor. Allow it to dry and apply a third coat, if you wish, to increase the ability of the floor to deter moisture. Once your final coat of paint has dried, you may walk on the floor.
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