Articles
These articles are informative pieces dedicated to the many causes and problems of moisture and water penetration into buildings.
Non-Toxic Acrylic Concrete Sealer for Decorative or Colored Concrete
January 9, 2013
Acrylic concrete sealers give colored and decorative concrete the "wet look" that deepens the color. They are the easiest to use, most common and least expensive products. They also protect the colored surface from wear and tear. Water cannot penetrate into it and oil and grease won't stain the concrete either. For years contractors and homeowners have used solvent-based sealers. Now the option of using a non-toxic and environmental… read more »
Natural Look Water Repellent For Concrete Driveways and Patios
January 1, 2013
Water that soaks into concrete driveways, patios and sidewalks can damage it in several ways. The water can cause delamination of the top layer, spalling, flaking and pitting. This is especially true in cold weather climates where water that freezes inside the concrete can cause severe damage from the expansion of ice crystals. Natural Look Silane/Siloxane Concrete Water Repellents Concrete water repellents made of a sila… read more »
How to Stop Concrete Basement Crack Leaks With Polyurethane Foam
December 28, 2012
People love their basements. Basements are used as storage areas, rec rooms, entertainment centers and extra living space. It is important that the basement stays dry to protect possessions, stay clean and remain safe from health hazards. Unfortunately, cracks in a basement wall can let in water and cause damage. The Cause of Concrete Basement Cracks It is normal for concrete to crack. As a concrete foundation is made, the concrete is poured as a liquid with wat… read more »
Polyurethane Injection for Leaking Basement Crack Repair
December 25, 2012
Why Concrete Cracks Concrete shrinks as a natural process of it curing. This shrinkage causes the concrete to develop stresses and to relieve it, the basement wall cracks. This is a normal condition in a concrete foundation. Shrinkage cracks are typically less than 1/16th" in width and will eventually run the entire length of the concrete wall, from top to bottom. Common areas for a shrinkage concrete crack to develop are under a basement window, in the middle of a lon… read more »
Stopping Water Leaks in a Concrete Basement Crack
December 24, 2012
Many owners of homes wish to finish their basements. This allows them to increase the home's living space and increase resale value. Unfortunately, many basements have cracks that allow water to enter the living space. Before you remodel your home's basement, you must ensure that no water gets through a foundation crack and gets the insulation, studs and carpet wet. This is best done by polyurethane concrete crack repair.… read more »
How to use injection packers for foundation crack repair
December 18, 2012
The vast majority of concrete foundation crack repairs using polyurethane or epoxy injection materials can be easily done using surface mounted injection ports. These are attached with a surface sealing paste. They have the advantage of being fast, easy to use, inexpensive and not needing a drill. There are times however, when surface mounted ports are not suitable and injection packers are needed. What is an Injection Packer? An … read more »
Sealer for Preventing Radon Gas Infiltration
December 17, 2012
Radon is a radioactive gas that is known to increase the chance of cancer in humans. The gas is formed by the decay of other radioactive elements in the soil below and surrounding a building. Radon is a heavy gas that accumulates in the lowest level of a building. If it is a home built on a slab, then the first floor is at risk of accumulating radon. The US EPA recommends an "action level" of 4 picocuries/Liter (piCi/L.) It is estimated that one in fifteen homes has a radon level highe… read more »
How to Seal Brick and Other Masonry Buildings
December 11, 2012
Water entering a masonry substrate can cause your home to have interior leaks or exterior staining, spalling and efflorescence. Usually the masonry substrate can absorb the liquid water and release it again when it stops raining. However, the masonry could still have staining and efflorescence. In modern home construction, masonry is used as a veneer. That is, homes and buildings that have brick, stone, stucco or some other masonry exterior are traditional wood or steel buildings on th… read more »
A-Tech Concrete Sealer-Silane & Siloxane Concrete Water Repellent
December 5, 2012
Concrete water repellents are used to protect concrete areas such as driveways, patios and sidewalks from water penetration. They need to be able to stop water from getting into concrete. But most importantly, it must be able to also let water vapor escape out of it. There are several types of water repellents available, some of them at your local home improvement center. Unfortunately these readily available water repellents are unable to let w… read more »
Water-Based Acrylic Brick Paver Sealer
December 5, 2012
Brick pavers are used to create beautiful hardscapes for homes and businesses. These range from small walkways to elaborate patios and outside entertainment areas. Pavers give a long service life and increase the value and beauty of any property. To add to the beauty and fully protect your investment, it is best to seal them with a water-based acrylic sealer. A-Tech Paver Sealer is a water-based acrylic paver sealer. … read more »
How to Seal a Brick Chimney From Water and Rain
December 4, 2012
A brick chimney can cause leaks into the interior of a home in several ways. One of the most common is water from rains being absorbed into the brick and then showing up on the interior. Brick and mortar are naturally porous materials. They soak up a great deal of water, especially when driven by hard winds. It is possible for this water to then migrate to a home's interior and cause damage to the drywall and framing. Also, water can be trapped inside the brick and mortar and then freeze. Whe… read more »
Foundation Waterproofing Vs Foundation Dampproofing
December 3, 2012
Most people who build a new home with a basement plan on making it an added living space. New homeowners want to install a large screen TV, a pool table or maybe another bedroom. They expect that their basement will be dry and free of water. But what they don't know is that it may be possible that their basements are not waterproof. Water vapor that gets into a basement causes the musty odors that you smell in a basement. Any liquid water that gets into a basement can damage carpets, d… read more »
DIY Concrete Basement Crack Repair
November 26, 2012
Concrete Cracks in Basements Many homes that have concrete basements have foundation cracks. This is a normal situation because as the concrete cures it shrinks in volume. This shrinkage creates stresses in the concrete wall. To relieve the stress, the concrete cracks. The most common areas for a "shrinkage crack" to occur are in the middle of a long wall, below a corner of a basement window or where the foundation wall changes height. A large number of homes bu… read more »
How to Repair Cracks in a Concrete Foundation
November 21, 2012
Leaking cracks in concrete foundations are a common problem for many homeowners. While the cracks are caused by the natural process of concrete curing and shrinking, the cracks can be an annoyance for the homeowner. That is because many homeowners want their basements to act as an added living space with carpeting, finished walls and furniture. Concrete Foundation Shrinkage Crack Causes First, all residential foundations crack. Concrete has water as an ingredien… read more »
Foundation Waterproofing Sprayers for Professionals
November 19, 2012
Foundation waterproofing spray equipment can be the biggest capital expenditure for a waterproofing contractor when they are starting out. It is important to purchase the right piece of spray equipment for your business. Too large of a piece of equipment and it may be difficult to stay above water. Too small and you may not be able to spray enough foundations in a day for your customers. It is also important to purchase a founda… read more »
How to Repair a Concrete Basement Crack by Epoxy Injection
November 14, 2012
Homeowners love how a concrete basement provides a safe, clean and dry area to store possessions or expand a home's living space. What they don't love is how concrete cracks. Cracks in a basement wall can let in water or signify that there is a structural problem with the foundation. Epoxy crack injection into a concrete wallwill stop any water leaks and structurally repair the wall. Epoxy Crack Injection Advantages… read more »
Water-Based Acrylic Concrete Sealer For Decorative Concrete
November 14, 2012
Many don't people realize that contractors can color and stamp plain concrete to make it look like a whole host of other materials. Stone patios, brick entranceways, field stone walkways and cobblestone driveways are routinely done using patterns and coloring on the concrete. The benefit for customers is that this decorative concrete work can be done at a fraction of the real materials that they mimic. Unlike many of the real materials, however, the concrete needs to be sealed to protect the … read more »
Concrete Foundation Crack Repair
November 12, 2012
Foundations made of concrete can crack as a natural process of it curing. These cracks are called shrinkage cracks. As the name suggests, concrete actually shrinks as it cures. This shrinkage builds up stress and the concrete must crack to relieve the stress. While they are a normal condition for a home's foundation, foundation cracks can let water leak into the basement. Water that gets into the basement can damage carpets, insulation, drywall and the homeowner's possessions. That is … read more »
How to Reduce Basement Dampness and Humidty
November 7, 2012
The soil around a basement acts like a reservoir for water when it rains. This water can penetrate through a basement wall or floor and allow mold, mildew and musty odors to accumulate in the basement. Sealing the basement walls and floors from the inside with a penetrating sealer can stop this water and water vapor from entering the inside area Damp Concrete Walls and Floors As it rains the ground surrounding the basement absorbs water. Inadequately sealed conc… read more »
Siloxane Concrete Sealer for Driveways
November 5, 2012
Concrete Driveways Many homes now have concrete driveways. Concrete is used because it is long lived, easy to maintain and aesthetically pleasing. Most driveways have a broom finish to them and while more expensive, exposed aggregate is popular, too. A proper installation starts with a quality concrete mix. Air entrained concrete should be used. This means that the concrete has microscopic air bubbles trapped inside the concrete and remain there once the it cure… read more »
Concrete Foundation Crack Repair - Epoxy Injection
October 22, 2012
Concrete foundations can develop cracks over time. These cracks can then let in water and damage the interior contents of the basement. In severe cases, cracks in a concrete basement wall can signify that there is a structural defect with the wall. Whether it is to stop water or to structurally reinforce the concrete crack, epoxies can be injected into it. Causes of Concrete Cracks The most common is that the concrete actually shrinks as it cures. This curing pr… read more »
Basic Steps for a Dry Basement in a New Home
October 15, 2012
Buildings, whether they are skyscrapers or a family's home, rest on concrete foundations for support. The foundations form the basement area of a building and these basements have many different uses. Homeowners use them to store the furnace and other mechanical systems of a home. And also the basement area is commonly used to give more living space. Of course, the living space and its contents such as rugs, furniture and entertainment areas must be kept dry. During construction, there are so… read more »
Concrete Basement Wall Crack Leak Repair
October 8, 2012
Basements made of concrete can have cracks develop in them. These cracks can let water seep into the interior of the basement and damage a homeowner's possessions. Stopping the water leak is an easy process that can be accomplished from the interior of a basement without digging up the exterior. Traditional Repair Process In the past a repair was done by a technician chiseling a vee-notch 6" wide and 4" deep into an 8" wall. This chiseling can reduce the structu… read more »
Basement Moisture Causes and Solutions
October 1, 2012
It is a common problem for a basement to have a high level of moisture. This can lead to problems such as a musty odor, mold, sweating pipes or condensation on the walls and floors. There are several easy and low cost ways a homeowner can reduce or eliminate basement moisture. The first step is to remove any internal sources of moisture where possible. Clothes dryers are an obvious if overlooked source of basement water vapor. These should be vented to the exterior of a building. If co… read more »
How to Seal a Basement Concrete Floor
September 17, 2012
The floors in a basement are made of concrete. Of course, water and water vapor can get into a basement through the floor and cause mold, mildew and a musty odor to develop. Also, a wet or damp floor will cause any paint to blister and peal. Any carpeting placed on the floor will collect moisture and be damaged. A concrete basement floor can be sealed against water, water vapor and gas transmission. Concrete Floor Sea… read more »
How to Repair a Concrete Crack with Epoxy injection
August 1, 2010
Homeowners love how a concrete basement provides a safe, clean and dry area to store possessions or expand a home's living space. What they don't love is how concrete cracks. Cracks in a basement wall can let in water or signify that there is a structural problem with the foundation. Injecting a basement wall crack with epoxy will stop any water leaks and structurally repair the wall. Epoxy Crack Injection Advantages… read more »
Natural Look Water Repellent for Concrete Driveways and Patios
July 14, 2010
Water that soaks into concrete driveways, patios and sidewalks can damage it in several ways. The water can cause delamination of the top layer, spalling, flaking and pitting. This is especially true in cold weather climates where water that freezes inside the concrete can cause severe damage from the expansion of ice crystals. Natural Look Silane/Siloxane Water Repellents Concrete water repellents made of a silane/siloxa… read more »
How to Seal a Concrete Basement Floor
June 8, 2010
The floors in a basement are made of concrete. Of course, water and water vapor can get into a basement through the floor and cause mold, mildew and a musty odor to develop. Also, a wet or damp floor will cause any paint to blister and peal. Any carpeting placed on the floor will collect moisture and be damaged. A concrete basement floor can be sealed against water, water vapor and gas transmission. Sodium Silicate Vapor Imperme… read more »
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