These days most houses have basements which are used by people for several reasons. Basements are undoubtedly the coolest place of any house and are a perfect hibernation spot for those hot summary days. For some people, basements are the perfect to start their band, while for others, it may be a storage or a spare room. Whatever may be the purpose, the role of a basement is as important as any other part of your home and this is why you should make sure your basement is waterproofed.


There are several benefits of waterproofing basement.

  • It protects your basement from moisture.
  • It prevents dangerous molds to grow.
  • It helps in improving the structure or foundation of one's residence.
  • It protects your stuff stored in that underground room from water damage.
  • It keeps or increases the value of your asset or investment, which is none other than your home.

In case, you haven’t waterproof your basement yet, do it straight away before it starts leaking. And believe or not, finding yourselves with a wet basement is never a pleasant experience. Also, unexpected water or moisture in your basement and foundation wall can cause significant damages such as structural decay, high humidity levels, mold, and mildew growth. So, if do not want to encounter such issues, waterproof your basement as soon as possible.

Follow these basic step-by-step approaches for waterproofing your wet basement: 

Step 1: Surface Preparation

Proper surface preparation is an essential factor in ensuring good performance of the waterproofing system. So, before you start waterproofing the basement, prepare the surface by following below-mentioned methods:

Cleaning:

  • Clean the surface to remove any dirt, mold or other contaminants.
  • Remove efflorescence (powdery scum that can appear on masonry walls after construction) by using Watertite Etch and Cleaner. It is ideal for cement, stone, tile, brick and other masonries.
  • Prepare concrete for painting.
  • Safer than muriatic acid – a highly corrosive liquid.
  • Follow directions and safety precautions on a package.
  • Rinse thoroughly with water. Allow excess water to evaporate.

Remove Mold and Mildew:

  • Interior – clean with a solution of bleach and water – 1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water.
  • Exterior – Use Krud Kutter Pre-Paint Cleaner / TSP Substitute. Next, powerwash or sand blast exterior surfaces to remove all loose and scaling paint and cement.

Step 2: Surface Patch and Repair:

After cleaning the surface, you will need to repair and patch the holes, cracks and joints, from where there are chances of possible leakage. You can use these below-mentioned products to patch and repair the surface.

Watertite Hydraulic Cement:


Hydraulic Cement This product can be used to patch holes and cracks,
especially from active water leaks. Dries to touch
in 15 minutes, Watertite Hydraulic Cement is best
suitable to adhere both wet and dry surface. This
can be used for all grades of concrete. It just
takes 5 minutes to seal cracks permanently.

Watertite Polyurethane Sealant:


Crack Filling With PU Sealent In order to stop active and non-active water leaks, seal
the joint of walls and floor by using this product. Also,
Watertite Polyurethane Sealant is ideal for bonding and
sealing in expansion joints as well as suitable for waterp-
roofing concrete and other masonry materials.

Step 3: Apply Waterproofing Paint

Now, you are ready to apply waterproofing paint on the surface. Here we are enlisting two best basement waterproofing products that you can use according to your requirement.  

Watertite Oil-based Waterproofing Paint:

  • It can be used to damp or dry surfaces.
  • Resists 34 lbs. of water pressure.
  • Creates a very smooth bright white finish.
  • Ultra-low odour.
  • Tintable to Zinsser’s custom colors.
  • Easy to apply (brush or roll.)
  • Mold & Mildew-Proof* (5 Year Guarantee.)
  • Lifetime Waterproof Guarantee.

Note: These products contain a mildewcide to prevent the growth of mold & mildew on the paint film only.

Watertite Latex-based Waterproofing Paint:

  • Resists 20 lbs. of water pressure.
  • Creates a very smooth bright white finish.
  • Ultra-low odour.
  • odour to apply (brush or roll.)
  • Tintable to Zinsser’s custom colors.
  • Mold & Mildew-Proof* (10 Year Guarantee.)
  • 15 Year Waterproof Guarantee.
  • Also available in quart size – great for bird baths, fish ponds and small projects.

Note: These products contain a mildew idea to prevent the growth of mold & mildew on the paint film only.

How to Apply Watertite:

  • Use a thick synthetic brush or 1” nap roller for unpainted and porous surfaces. Whereas a 3/4” nap roller for smooth or previously painted, non-glossy surfaces.
  • Watertite or Watertite-LX Waterproofing Paint is a two coat system.
  • Gently 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 overspread.
  • Wait two to three hours before recoating and/or topcoat.
  • Watertite and Watertite-LX can be top coated with latex, oil base or epoxy coatings.