How to Seal a House's Foundation

Sealing the house foundation and basement walls prevents future moisture problems where vapors create mold and mildew issues and possible structural weak points. There are many products on the market that will seal the basement. While most have the same application methods, the dry and cure time varies considerably. Read the manufacturer's label thoroughly prior to starting to ensure the job is done right the first time.

Trowel
Patching cement
Water hose
Scrub brush
Mild detergent
Paint sprayer
Masonry foundation primer
Foundation vapor sealer

Instructions

- 1
  Go through the foundation and patch any cracks or divots you find. Trowel patching cement into the voids and allow it to dry thoroughly prior to starting.
- 2
  Clean the cement foundation, removing any dirt, dust and other debris that has settled on the foundation during construction. A water hose and brush is effective in most cases. If you find caked-on grime or grease spots, use a mild detergent and scrub brush to clean the spots. Allow the cement to dry.
- 3
  Seal the foundation on a warm, dry day to ensure proper drying and curing of the sealant.
- 4
  Spray a coat of foundation masonry primer over the concrete foundation. Use approximately 1 gallon per 100 square feet for proper application. The primer may take up to one hour to dry. Read the manufacturer's label for specific product dry time.
- 5
  Spray the vapor sealer over the primer. Use approximately 2 gallons per 100 square feet, leaving a dime-thick coat over the primer. Allow the sealer to dry for 60 minutes and cure for up to 14 days. Read the manufacturer's label for specific dry times.

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