Creating A Living Space That Doesn't Leak, Even In The Basement

Being able to use your basement is like adding an extension to your home with far less trouble or expense. The basement is a great place for a home office, gym or family room that's comfortable year-round. With tremendous amounts of rainfall received year after year, basement waterproofing is one of the highest priorities in home improvement projects to protect your extended living spaces from water damage.

According to an estimate by the American Society of Home Inspectors, nearly 60 percent of basements in the United States have moisture problems because of torrential rainstorms or water leaks. A wet, damp, musty basement lowers the value of the entire home and is a source of continued annoyance and frustration for homeowners.

Because of their construction and location, basements are particularly prone to leaks. Often, after a rainstorm or snowmelt, basements leak water in through the joint where the floor and wall meet. This happens when surface water collects and builds up in a pocket around your home's foundation. In addition, rain blown against the side of the house during a windy storm can run down the face of the house, collecting in the foundation and seeping into the basement.

Another cause of seepage is a lawn that slopes towards the house. When you water your lawn, excess water drains towards your foundation just as rainwater does. You can lessen this problem by having your lawn slope away from your house, about one inch per foot. Another solution is to dig a shallow, half-round drainage ditch or depression designed to route the water around the house, or use drainage tiles to keep water away from your foundation.

Here are some other ways to keep water out of your basement:

• Use Behr's Basement & Masonry Waterproofing Paint to brighten up your basement's color and help prevent water penetration and moisture buildup.

• Trim shrubs near the perimeter of your home, so that the soil gets more sunlight. That way, water can evaporate rather than collect.

• Clean out your gutters and downspouts, and install wire strainers where debris may collect. Also, be sure to keep gutters and downspouts in good repair.

• Below-grade windows should have masonry wells with gravel bottoms to allow drainage. A clear plastic bubble can keep rain out while letting light in.

Behr's Basement & Masonry Waterproofing Paint was developed using NanoGuard® technology so that tiny nanoparticles fill the voids created by larger ones, sealing out moisture and preventing water penetration. It is formulated to provide maximum water resistance for both above- and below-grade basement walls, masonry walls, retaining walls, cinder and concrete blocks, stucco and brick. In addition, the alkali-resistant paint formula provides a durable and decorative finish that can withstand up to 10 pounds of water pressure per square inch-more than 22 feet of standing water.

The smooth, flat, mildew-resistant finish of Behr's Basement & Masonry Waterproofing Paint is available in 32 custom colors and can be computer color matched. The unique, water-based formula is available in both gallon and five-gallon containers and is easily applied with a roller or sprayer.

By: Wendy Mitchell

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You can find it at The Home Depot or learn more at www.behr.com. Your home's basement can be an excellent place to put in a gym, a family room or home office.