Sealing masonry walls in a basement can help reduce moisture, but it’s important to make sure the ground around the basement slopes away from the foundation and that downspouts are equipped with extensions or splash blocks to direct water away from the house.

You can apply masonry sealers to masonry basement walls with a paintbrush or long nap roller. Make sure to apply enough pressure to force the sealer into the masonry surface.

Once the first coat has dried, apply a second coat to the walls.

Watch the video above to find out more.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Sealing the inside of basement walls is one way to keep out moisture. But it’s also important to keep water away from the outside by controlling run-off with gutters and sloping the soil away from outside of basement walls.

The inside of the walls should be clean and free from active leaks when you apply the sealer. Choose a coating designed to stop moisture that will adhere well to bare or painted masonry surfaces and has additives to combat mold and mildew.

You can apply these products with a brush or roller, but unlike painting, you need to apply some pressure during application of the first coat to force the sealer into the pores of the masonry. Once the second coat is applied, you should have an effective barrier to block moisture migration through the walls.


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Danny Lipford

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Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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