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Great Home and Garden Improvement Tips

Hi! My name is Gary and this is my home and garden improvement blog. My passion for working on my home and garden began when I bought my first house. It was a run down little place in the suburbs of Sydney. Even though the place was in a bit of a state, it was in a fantastic location. I spent many hours reading up on DIY and gardening tips before setting about improving the place. It was a lot of hard work but it was also a lot of fun. I learnt a lot during that time so I decided to start this blog.

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Four Tools To Consider For Waterproofing Your Basement

by admin

Deciding to waterproof your basement on your own isn't as drastic as you may think. With the right tools and the right waterproofing agent, you can protect your basement as part of a weekend project. You may have already purchased the waterproofer and a few paint brushes. Before you get started though, you should consider these four additional tools that can make the project run more smoothly and ensure that the area is up to professional standards.

Dehumidifier

The dehumidifier is a tool that many do-it-yourself project enthusiasts overlook when they begin waterproofing a basement area. You will need to use this tool before you start the project in order to dry out the basement and get it ready for waterproofing. Even if your basement looks dry, you may have moisture in the air that can cling to the concrete, causing it to be damp when you apply the waterproofing seal. This can cause issues with the waterproofing and negate the entire process.

Painters Tape

Painters tape is ideal if you want to avoid waterproofing certain areas of the basement. For example, you may have electrical outlets or phone jacks that you do not want exposed to the waterproofing. By covering the outlets with newspaper and securing with painters tape you get a clean waterproofing line without exposing the outlet. Ideally, the painters tape should be applied after the dehumidifier has been used in the room.

Vacuum Cleaner With Hose Attachment

After you have used the dehumidifier and the painter's tape, using a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment is the next step you should take. This tool can suck up loose bits of dirt or debris that may cause a barrier between the waterproofing you choose and the concrete. Make sure to use the vacuum cleaner and hose attachment tool in corners as well.

Painting Roller

Most waterproofing agents for basements paint on just like traditional paint or stain. You may already plan on using paint brushes for this, but if you want the job to go faster, using a painting roller is an ideal option. A painting roller, especially one with an extension pole, will help you waterproof the entire room quicker than traditional paint brushes.

Having these four tools and using them at the proper times in the waterproofing process will give you a professional looking finish that should stand up to damp conditions in the basement. Remember, you can use the dehumidifier in the basement at any time after the waterproofing to add that extra protection from water or damp conditions.

If you run into any problems during this project, contact a waterproofing specialist, such as Australian Waterproofing Company, for assistance.

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