Sealing Joint Between the Basement Wall and the Floor

Thoroughly clean the joint between the wall and floor using a shop vac. Ensure the area is free of dirt and debris to make application of the rubberized caulk more successful.

Cut the end of the nozzle on the rubberized caulk tube at a 45-degree angle using a utility knife. Poke a hole in the foil at the bottom of the nozzle using the metal rod attached to the caulk gun. Place the caulk into the caulk gun cradle and press the plunger into the back of it. Turn the plunger handle 180 degrees and push the release button.

Set the angled part of the caulk nozzle in the groove between the wall and floor, starting at a corner. Slowly and evenly squeeze the trigger as you move the gun along the joint. Apply an unbroken and even bead of caulk in the joint.

Spread the caulk into the joint using the side of your thumb, and wipe off the excess caulk onto a damp rag. This method creates a more flattened bead of caulk that sticks to the wall and the floor as well as in the joint. Allow the caulk to dry for 24 hours.