Here, I’ll be showing you how to use SealOnce basement waterproofing products to keep your basement fresh and dry.
Guarding your basement against moisture is very important, as it is the steepest area of your house, which is why it is prone to all sorts of water and leakage issues.
When water seeps into your basement and remains there, your belongings are going to be damaged and the basement walls will begin to weaken.
To add to that, mold loves damp environments, and a soaked basement is perfect for them to develop their colonies.
Thankfully, we now have the SealOnce basement waterproofing solution to help us fight basement moisture. If you’ve never used it before and you’d like to learn how to, then you’re reading the right article.
Stay with me!
About Seal-Once Basement Waterproofer
This waterproofing solution can be used by homeowners to guard their basements against water leakages and eventual structural damage.
One of the major reasons why SealOnce has become a popular choice among contractors and landlords is that it doesn’t require any form of excavation before it can be used. More so, it is an inexpensive option, and pretty much any homeowner looking to fix his/her basement leaks can afford it.
SealOnce has been in the business of sealing basements since 1965, and for the fact it remains a popular option till today, it only goes to show how effective it is.
Besides its low cost, it is also very easy to use, which makes it an ideal option for DIY enthusiasts.
Let’s take a look at how you can use the SealOnce solution to fix your leaks!
What You Need To Know Before You Begin
As with any waterproofing product that needs to be applied on a surface, you must keep your surfaces free of dirt and other forms of debris. If you don’t, the adhesives will not latch properly onto the surface.
Ensure that you sweep off all the dust and clean of any mold growth on the concrete before you begin. You will also need to scrape off any existing paint before you begin using the SealOnce product. Standing water should also be removed.
Once the surface has been cleaned, you can follow these steps to begin the installation.
First step
For those with block wall foundations, the first thing you need to do is to eliminate the hydrostatic pressure around them. This will require perforations of ½” to 5/8” into the block wall’s hollow cells at the point where the floor and wall meet.
As for those with solid poured concrete, you will not need to drill weep holes, as this kind of wall isn’t hollow.
Second step
I have already mentioned the importance of keeping your surface free of debris or pre-existing paint before applying the SealOnce adhesive.
The product needs to bond properly with the surface for it to be effective, but this is only possible if the surface is clean and fresh.
As a reminder, this is the second step you need to take.
Scrape the floor area where it meets the wall down to bare concrete, then sweep the debris away from the surface. To ensure you get off all the dirt, you can splash some water across the surface as you sweep, then splash one more time to finish.
I advise you to dab the surface when you are done to pick up any leftover particles. You can also use a brush to clean up some dirt.
As extra insurance, touch the surface with the tip of your finger to see if you’ll feel any debris. I doubt you would if the surface was properly cleaned, but if you do, then splash some more water across it.
Third step
Now that the surface is ready, you can start cutting and fitting parts of the sealer on the inner and outer parts of the basement wall. You can then place the full main sections of the sealing product from one end to the other of the walls.
You should lay out the sealing product just as you wish for it to be permanently installed.
Fourth step
Now it’s time to apply the SealOnce adhesive.
To do this, you will need to cut at an angle by the tip of the tube’s end to open up a passage for the adhesive to flow out. You will need one tube of adhesive for each main section.
Fifth step
This is where you will need to apply the bottom bead of the adhesive, which is the SealOnce main connection to your concrete basement floor.
Start by turning over the main section and applying a thick bead of adhesive over the low end. But ensure that the adhesive you apply is at least as thick as your thumb.
Turn the main section back over and gently put it in place. Be sure not to press down too hard when you do.
Now seesaw the main section from left to right, just so the adhesive can have good contact with the floor. Gently press the main section down for about 30 seconds so the adhesive can have ample time to flow into the concrete fines, forming a tough structural bond in the process.
Sixth step
Grab coarse sandpaper and begin working on the edges of the main sections, as well as the back of the butt joints. This will form a strong bond between the vinyl surfaces.
You will need to brush off all the dust that has been formed during the process to keep it clean, then apply the adhesive over both ends of the main sections that connect.
Now hook the butt joint by the main section’s bottom end and put it in place at the top. After that, close the butt joint’s edges and caulk the bottom ends to prevent future leaks.
To get a clean finish, grab a putty knife and use it to scrape off all the excesses around the butt joint’s edges.
Seventh step
Get another coarse sandpaper and work on the edges of the main sections and the rear end of the corner, then apply the adhesive. Do this before you put the main section in place.
Eight step
Now install the end caps by applying a bead of the adhesive on the part of the basement wall and floor where you want them fixed.
Latch the cap into position then use the adhesive to caulk the joining surfaces.
Ninth step
Apply the finishing seal along the floor joints, but apply enough pressure on it so that some of the adhesive can flow under the system.
Tenth and final step
As you caulk each section, make sure the finishing bead of the SealOnce adhesive is slicked down with the bull-nose tool.
Raise the handle until the tool’s straight edge is rubbing against the face of the system. Now slowly pull it down the system to form a strong seal.
That’s it, you have successfully installed the SealOnce waterproofing system and your basement should be free of foundational leaks.
As I mentioned before, this is an easy process to follow and you can get it done yourself. But if you still find it overwhelming, then you can hire a professional contractor to do the installation for you.
Advantages Of Using SealOnce Waterproofing Solution
SealOnce waterproofing system has a lot of advantages, which is why you should consider using it for your various waterproofing needs.
Let’s take a look at some of them.
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It is cheap
With a SealOnce concrete paint sealer being sold for under $40, you would agree that this is a cheaper option than many of its alternatives.
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No excavation needed
Having to dig up the soil around your foundation before installing a waterproofing system can be a real inconvenience to homeowners. But this is not the case with a SealOnce system, as you wouldn’t need to excavate before installation.
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It is easy to use
Every product in the SealOnce family is very easy to use, as they come with user manuals that guide you throughout the installation and application process.
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The adhesive bonds well, even on damp surfaces
One of the biggest advantages of using the SealOnce adhesive is its ability to bond well to surfaces, even when they are damp. Now imagine how well it bonds on dry surfaces!
The same cannot be said of many other adhesives in the market.
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It is a trusted product
Having been in the business for more than 50 years, you can be sure of their tested and superior quality.
Conclusion
The Seal-Once basement waterproofing system has proven to be very effective in keeping basements sealed and dry. The good thing about it is that you can get it in any home improvement store, and it is cheap!
You can also handle the installation yourself so you don’t need professional help.
I trust the information provided here has been helpful.
Take care!