When it comes to preventing water from coming into your basement, there's more to think about than flooding and your basement walls. Moisture can come up through the concrete flooring of the basement, which can lead to mold and mildew growth if left unchecked. Improper drainage can also cause issues in unfinished basements, which can lead to flooding. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to waterproof your basement floors. Here are a few considerations to discuss with your contractor to protect your floors from water and damage.
Remove Carpeting Or Hard Flooring Surfaces
If you have a finished basement but you still want to take the extra step of waterproofing the floor, you'll want to remove any additional flooring materials. This includes tile, laminate, hardwood, and carpet flooring. If you aren't willing to take this on as a DIY project, contact a contractor to have the flooring professionally removed. In some cases, the original flooring can be put back in place after the waterproofing project is complete. Of course, as part of this step in the project, you'll also want to move furniture, boxes, and any other items that might be in the way.
Fill Cracks And Holes
Before taking any steps to waterproof the concrete floor, you'll want to fill in any cracks or holes. This will create a smooth surface that's ready to be sealed against water damage. If you do notice cracks, be sure to allow enough time for concrete or crack fills to dry completely before moving on to the next step. You'll also want to inspect the area of the floors along the walls to make sure that the concrete hasn't begun to pull away. Any voids between the wall and the floor can be patched with concrete. Smooth out any concrete patch fill to match the smooth surface of the floor. This will result in a level floor without tiny bumps.
Apply Waterproofing Paint
Once all of the patching is completed and dry, you can begin to apply waterproof paint. This paint should be applied in even layers, covering the entire floor. You can use a long roller brush to make this process go a bit faster, but you may want to use a traditional paint brush to get areas around walls, columns, and other obstructions. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding how many coats to apply before the project is complete.
If you aren't comfortable with DIY projects, or if your home has more than just a few minor issues with moisture, contact a contractor like those found at J.A. Kilby Enterprises Inc to perform an inspection. He or she may be able to give you valuable feedback about how to keep water out of your basement and away from the floors.
