You can use basement sealer to protect your basement walls, ceiling and floor from water damage. Although sealing your basement with basement sealer will not make your basement completely water proof, it will help to prevent weeping water from coming into your basement. This can help to prevent water damage on the furnishings and items stored in your basement.

Before applying basement sealer, you should remove all items that you have stored in your basement. Remove attachments like molding and tiles and clean the walls, ceiling and floor completely of buildup.

Preparing The Basement Ceiling, Walls And Floor

You should remove all paint, tile adhesive, tiles, grout and all moldings used around your windows, door, ceiling and floor. You do not want to apply basement sealer on things like moldings or tiles. You will want to apply the sealer directly on the walls, floor and ceiling.

Once you have removed all attachments, paint and adhesives that may have been used for tiles or wallpaper you will then want to repair all cracks or damages in your basement. The basement sealer will not work effectively if there is damage present in your basement.

Seal all cracks, repair any holes in the walls and repair any cracks in the flooring of your basement. If your basement ceiling is covered with ceiling tiles, protect them with cloth and masking tape before applying the basement sealer. When all damages in your basement have been repaired, you can then apply the sealer.

Cleaning Your Basement

Using a stiff brush, clean the walls, ceiling and floor using a mild cleanser being sure to rinse well after cleaning. You want to remove all grease, dust, mold, mildew and any loose mortar. The basement sealer will not be as effective if you apply it to dirty walls or floors.

Allow your basement to dry thoroughly, opening all doors and windows to help the dampness evaporate. You can speed the evaporation process by adding a few fans at each door or window to help speed up the airflow. If your basement is damp while applying the basement sealer, then the sealer will not adhere properly in damp areas.

Applying The Basement Sealer

The method used for sealing your basement with basement sealer is the same regardless of whether you are using a brush or sprayer to apply the sealer. Wear eye protection and proper clothing to prevent the sealer form getting in your eyes or on your skin.

If you are applying the basement sealer to your ceiling, apply to the ceiling first before applying to the walls or floor. Start in one corner and work your way to the other end of the ceiling applying the sealer in a horizontal pattern.

Once you have covered the ceiling, you will then want to apply the basement sealer on your walls doing one wall at a time. Start at the top of the wall, and apply downwards until you reach the floor. Apply the sealer to each wall, and then apply the sealer to the floor. When applying to your floor, work your way towards the door so that you do not walk on the applied sealer.

Once you have covered your basement completely, you will need to allow at least 48 hours for the basement sealer to dry thoroughly. Once the sealer is completely dry, you can then repaint your walls and move your stored items back into the basement.