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Category: Concrete Product: Elastomeric Liquid Waterproofing Coatings
Temperature Limitations: Use above +10 C (+50 F) and below +32 C (+90 F)
Rain Limitations: No rain for 24 hours
Wind Limitations: n/a
Humidity Limitations: Less than 50% RH
Continuous Conditions: No rain or freeze for 24 hours -- takes up to two weeks to cure
Comments: Elastomeric coatings are used to waterproof foundations -- most foundations are simply damp proofed with less expensive bituminous coatings. Prep work is required, especially on cracks or mortar joints. Two coats for foundations, three for cisterns. Must be top coated if exposed to the UV rays of the sun. May be recoated or top coated when dry to touch. Protect for 2 weeks to allow full curing.
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APPLICATION / INSTALLATION DETAILS
Elastomeric, or rubberized, liquid waterproofing coatings can be used to totally waterproof a basement foundation, usually applied from the outside -- sort of like an inside-out swimming pool.
Because of the size of the job (excavation, cleaning, application, grading and probably some work on the drainage while there) they are usually applied by professionals when it is deemed that there is not a less expensive alternative.
Personally I have found that most, although not all, basement water leak problems can be solved by good rain gutters, downspouts that get the water away from the foundation and general landscaping to keep surface water away from the wall. If you add to that a drainage membrane on the wall tied to perimeter tiles around the footing, in most cases there really is not much reason left for more than a simple bituminous damp proofing on the wall itself. I would much rather not have water pushing on the foundation wall than try to create a waterproof barrier to stop it from getting in.
That said: good Elastomeric coatings are two or three coats of application with attention to having an even thickness. Hire experienced applicators. Prep work is required, especially on concrete cracks or mortar joints in a block wall. None of the material can be left exposed to UV rays of the sun, so any above ground application must be protected. Ideally you will let it cure for two weeks before back-filling, although it is rarely left exposed that long.
It is a great product, but overkill for most foundations.
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