Protect your home from water intrusion with foundation sealing
Foundation sealing creates a waterproof barrier to protect your home from moisture damage and structural issues caused by water intrusion through the foundation.
You should apply sealant when outdoor temperatures stay between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and allow 24 to 48 hours for your foundation to dry completely.
Resealing your foundation every five to 10 years helps maintain protection, and catching new leaks early prevents larger problems from developing over time.
Hiring a local foundation repair professional provides expert inspection and guidance on structural issues, crack repairs, and proper waterproofing methods before you begin sealing.
Sealing the foundation can be an effective way to protect it from moisture damage and other issues that may compromise the structural integrity of your home. Materials for sealing foundations can vary, but most products on the market are a liquid consistency you’ll paint on, creating a waterproof barrier between your home and the elements. If you’re looking to waterproof your foundation, these seven easy tips will ensure your foundation sealing stands the test of time.
Before you start, it’s a good idea to contact a foundation repair company near you for a professional foundation inspection. Cracks and water intrusion can happen for a variety of reasons. Foundation pros can alert you to any significant structural issues or why sealing the foundation might not be best for your home.
A professional may recommend foundation repair methods to fix more significant problems before you consider sealing or waterproofing. It’s better to be aware of potential issues before investing time, money, and effort into foundation sealing.
Like many home repair projects, it's important to seal your foundation under ideal weather conditions. You'll want to ensure the temperature won't drop below freezing at any point during the application process or while the sealant is setting or drying. Many manufacturers recommend applying sealant when outdoor temperatures are between 40 degrees and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lower temperatures will increase the time it takes for the sealant to cure, which can lead to a weak seal or even sealant failure. Higher temperatures may cause the sealant to dry and cure too quickly, resulting in cracks or bubbles and preventing the sealant from working properly.
It's also essential to keep the area dry to avoid compromising the sealant's effectiveness, so make sure there's no rain or snow in the forecast. Try to avoid applying sealant on a windy day as well, as you may end up with embedded dust and debris in the wet sealant.
Various materials are available for foundation waterproofing, so selecting the right one is critical. Make sure you know what material your foundation is made of, and choose a compatible sealant that will offer adequate protection from water intrusion. Most foundation sealants are acrylic- or water-based liquids that are painted on and create a waterproof membrane to protect the foundation.
Acrylic-based sealants are UV-resistant, making them a long-lasting choice for exterior surfaces. Acrylic sealants tend to have a glossy finish.
Water-based sealants have a lower volatile organic compound (VOC) content and can come in a variety of finishes.
Because of variations in foundation composition, products that are used on solid concrete foundations will differ from those made for cinder blocks or brick.
Concrete sealants may use sodium silicate, which is effective on solid concrete walls and floors.
Cinder block and brick sealants are often silane- or siloxane-based, which provides an effective barrier for more porous material like blocks and bricks.
A properly prepared foundation will help ensure the sealant will be effective and long-lasting. Learn how to fix foundation cracks so the sealant has an even surface to adhere to. Leave plenty of time in between fixing cracks and applying sealant so the materials have a chance to fully cure. Cure time for crack fillers may range between a few hours and several days, so consult the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure the product has fully cured before moving on.
Some sealants may require you to grind or sand down any irregularities in the surface, and it’s a good idea to clean or pressure wash the surface prior to applying sealant. Allow 24 to 48 hours to make sure the foundation is fully dry before moving to the next step.
If you’re looking to seal around your home’s exterior foundation, be aware that you’ll need to dig down to expose the foundation to get an effective seal. This process can be time-consuming, so some homeowners opt to let the pros handle the exterior sealing and instead choose to learn how to waterproof the basement from the inside themselves.
Each type of sealant will have its own method of application, so follow the manufacturer's instructions. Most liquid sealants are applied like paint, so you'll want to use a paint roller or brush to apply a smooth, even layer to the foundation's surface.
If your product requires several coats, follow the directions to let each coat dry before applying the next one. Most manufacturers recommend anywhere between six and 48 hours between coats, so allot enough time to complete the project. Take measures to protect yourself during the process as well, and wear gloves, eye protection, and a respirator for safety.
Once your foundation is sealed, you'll want to take additional steps to ensure moisture problems don't return and no new ones are created.
Keep your gutters clean and free of debris.
Direct downspouts and sump pump drainage well away from your foundation.
Ensure no water is pooling outside your home, and fill in any low-lying areas.
Install dehumidifiers in damp areas.
Inspect your foundation yearly to make sure there are no new issues.
You should seal concrete every one to five years depending on the external conditions and level of wear and tear. A masonry contractor can advise on how often your surface will need resealing.
Positive experience. As previously stated, the replacement/repair could not be completed (no fault of the plumbing tech) b/c misinformation was rec?d by property management maintenance. Thanks to the plumbing tech for your efforts. Appreciate you!
The WaterworksCarpet repair done well. Scheduling was easy. Showed up on time.
BR Flooring InstallationI would recommend this company to anyone! He showed up on time, was friendly, completed a very difficult repair on our dryer vent cover, was responsive, and pricing was extremely fair and competitive. I would have him back to do any of our repairs or cleanings without hesitation!
U.S.A. Dryer Vent, LLCEverything from initial contact to completion was absolutely top notch. We contacted the business during off hours to leave a message, and the owner still reached out to feel out the issue within minutes. We were scheduled and repaired within 48 hours. I cannot say enough about the...
Supreme brick & chimneyAce Fireplace Services came to the rescue for my chimney repair. They were quick to pinpoint the issue and worked their magic to fix it. My chimney is now in excellent shape, and I'm a satisfied customer.
Ace Fireplace ServicesOn Sunday 2/26 I requested quotes via Angi from 4 refrigerator repair businesses. Northwest Appliance responded to me Monday morning (2/27) and my refrigerator was repaired by noon the same day. Great communication, they did everything they said they would. The technician had the parts on...
Great experience all together. Dog friendly, courteous, great results and honest with recommendations. Will certainly be using Cardinal in the future for any carpet repairs
Cardinal Carpet Care & RepairDescription says they handle window repair including rotten hardwood - they called me back right away but didnâ t leave a voicemail. I followed up 3 days later and they said they donâ t do that kind of work.
Window-GurusChaz, the owner, was very responsive and he communicated with us throughout the entire process. The overall cost was in the middle compared to the three estimates we received. The installation crew was very professional. Chaz was considerate enough to send a crew back to our home to repair...
Unique Hardwood Floor LLCGreat guys. Spend a lot of time repairing and prepping our walls before doing the new paint. Home looks great now.
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A foundation for a new-build home averages around $11,000. Find out all the factors that affect the cost of a foundation and how to save money.
A variety of factors can affect your total crawl space encapsulation cost. Here’s a breakdown of the cost of this project, whether you hire a pro or DIY.
All foundations crack, but not all cracks indicate structural issues. Learn about when to worry about foundation cracks and call in a professional.
Can’t seem to get rid of the moisture and mold in your basement? Learn why basements tend to hold moisture and how to get rid of moisture in the basement.
Keeping your home structurally sound is essential for your safety. Discover 4 methods for block foundation repair and which is right for your home.
Wondering how to get rid of musty smells in your basement? Get rid of them permanently using this DIY guide and learn when to call a pro.
