Cheap Waterproof Walls

The best way to cheaply waterproof walls is to do it yourself. While over sixty percent of homes with basements have issues with moisture, most homeowners don't realize that they can purchase the same products that contractors use to waterproof walls. Doing it yourself means you'll get the same quality of protection without needing to pay a significant amount of money to cover labor costs.

What Causes Moisture Issues in Basements?

The reason excess moisture is such a problem is because it leads to mold growth. Not only can mold cause your family to suffer from respiratory irritation, but large amounts of mold can actually cause structural damage to your home. While it's possible for moisture to accumulate and mold to grow in other areas of your home, it's most common in basements because of the porous nature of concrete. Although concrete appears to be completely solid, it actually contains lots of pores where moisture can accumulate. Then as soon as moisture begins to build up, the conditions are set for mold to start growing.

Cheaply Waterproof Walls with Panels

Your first option for cheaply waterproofing your walls is to use panels. This option is cheap because it doesn't require you to tear down or build anything. And because these panels are sold in a wide range of sizes, you may be able to save even more money by purchasing them from someone who's selling them as a result of ordering the wrong size. Once you have the panels, you can begin prepping the wall by stripping it down to concrete. This means that if there's any paint or old adhesive on the wall, you need to use a sander to take it off. You should continue working until the areas where you'll put the panels are completely smooth.

After you've smoothed down the wall, you will want to thoroughly clean it. It's important to avoid rushing this step. Not taking the time to completely clean away all dust and dirt can lessen the effectiveness of the panels' application. After the walls are completely clean and dry, you can apply an adhesive to them. Once you put the panels on the wall, you can proceed to secure them in place with a sealant.

The Cheap Way to Waterproof Walls with Paint

The other way to cheaply waterproof walls is to use a special paint. While this may seem like a strange solution, the reason it works so well is because the paint is specifically designed to seal the walls and prevent any moisture from accumulating. Once you choose a paint that's designed for the type of wall you're going to waterproof, carefully read the prep instructions.

While all options will require you to clean the wall, some will also require you to lightly dampen the wall. After you've completed the required preparation, you can:

  • Begin applying the paint from bottom to top
  • Make sure you go slowly and cover the entire wall
  • Once you're done, consult your paint's instructions for how long you need to wait before applying the second coat

 

 

 

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