If you have a bathroom in your basement, you should do what you can to waterproof it. This will keep water from leaking through the walls and causing mold and other damage. Below are some tips to protect your basement bathroom's walls, floors, and ceilings with waterproofing.
Walls
The wall behind your shower is the perfect place for mold and mildew to grow. Installing a moisture barrier behind the walls will keep water from reaching the material. When purchasing wallboard, make sure it is rated for moist environments. You should also seal the walls outside of the shower.
If there are hairline cracks in the basement walls, you can apply a waterproofing compound directly on them. You can purchase this at most hardware stores. Follow the instructions on the compound you purchase on how to apply it. For larger cracks, you should hire a professional to fix and waterproof them.
Purchase waterproofing mix that is applied to the walls at a home improvement center. Start at the bottom and brush over the entire wall, working in sections. When it is completely dry, spray the wall with water, and let it sit for 24 hours. After this time, use a garden hose to wet the walls down, and then apply a second coat, and let it dry for 24 hours.
Floors
Most basement floors are constructed using concrete, and because it is porous, water vapor gets through it.
Tile is the best defense to stop this from happening. Honed tile has larger grout lines and is slip resistant to give you better traction. The grout should be sealed once per year, as water can seep through it.
There is an air gap between the flooring and foundation slab where water can find its way in. To take care of this problem, the floor can be raised off the slap, and a waterproofing membrane installed under the flooring.
Another option is tiles that have a built-in vapor barrier. These tiles are interlocking so they can be easily removed, washed, and then reinstalled.
Ceilings
Choose waterproof paint for your ceilings, and install a vent to move moist air out while you are taking a shower, bath, etc. You can put a waterproof sealant on the ceiling before you paint it. Basement ceilings are typically low, so it is important that you do this.
Basements today are designed as part of the living space in the home, and this includes a bathroom. Hire a contractor from a company like Paramount Waterproofing LLC to come to your home and inspect your basement. They can give you tips on making sure the bathroom is waterproofed, as well as the rest of the basement.
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