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Basement Projects
Application Guide to Waterproof, Coat and Seal Basements
Basement Projects
Application Guide to Waterproof, Coat and Seal Basements
A Step by Step Guide to Waterproofing your Interior Basement
Protecting the foundation of your home is one of the most important investments you can make. Whether you home basement is used for storage or entertainment it has to protect what is most valuable to you. Ames basement waterproofing products will not only keep you safe, they will help save your precious valuables and save you money. This comprehensive guide is meant as a general application process, your situation may be different or require more help. Ames wants to make sure you do it right the first time, please contact us if you need any help.
Blue Max & Seam Tape
Application on an Interior wall
Blue Max & Seam Tape
Application on an Interior wall
GENERAL APPLICATION TIPS
Application Suggestions
Ames Research Laboratories, Inc. recommends that these application suggestions be used as a guideline for applying Ames’ products. Please remember these are only suggestions. Product durability depends upon surface preparation and sufcient material usage for thickness. Read all instructions on the label before beginning. Always run a test patch rst in an inconspicuous area to ensure that proper adhesion and drying occurs with your surface and that it works to your satisfaction before proceeding.
>Do not proceed unless the product adheres to your satisfaction and according to product guidelines.
>For product information or technical assistance, call 1-888-345-0809 or contact us via email.
Weather & Drying Guidelines
For exterior application, our products are best applied between 50 to 90°F (10 to 32°C) on warm dry surfaces. Be sure humidity is less than 50% and dew point and temperature have a good spread. The coating will begin to dry in 30 minutes to 2 hours depending upon the thickness of application and weather. For best results, allow a minimum of 24 hours between coats. Products can take up to two weeks to fully cure.
Tools
Ames® Blue Max Regular Grade and Block and Wall Liquid Rubber can be applied with a paint brush, a push broom, a low nap roller with a long handle, or a Commercial Airless Sprayer. You will also need Ames® Peel & StickTM Seam Tape, as well as scissors or a utility knife. For larger commercial jobs, we recommend using a commercial grade airless sprayer. Graco, Bulldog, or Titan brands work well.
Click Here for Sprayer Specifications
Estimated Coverage
Standard product coverage on a smooth surface is 100 sq. ft. per gallon per coat. A minimum of two coats is recommended. (2 gallons per 100 sq. ft.) The application must be applied in a continuous, unbroken seal of a minimum dry thickness of no less than 30 mils (the thickness of a dime). More coats equal longer life. Rough or uneven surfaces will require additional product and drying time.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
General Guidelines
A guideline for all types of substrates being restored with Ames Monolithic Roof Coatings is that deteriorated materials need to be inspected for any possible need to repair or replace before proceeding with new applications. Structural integrity is important in the underlying material as it will become a base for the new Ames Research Labs Monolithic Roof System.
Also re-fasten loose overlapping seams in existing materials before proceeding with restoration coating systems. Loose existing seams can create air pockets under the new system that will expand into bubbles in the hot sun. This is easily avoidable by re-adhering loose edges in the previous roof.
Document roof conditions before, during and after completion of the roofing project to meet any required Warranty Conditions. (See roof warranty instructions)
We always recommend a spot adhesion test of materials delivered to site be conducted after surface preparation and cleaning has taken place. This is to verify dis-bonding issues do not exist and conditions are correct to proceed with installation.
It is important to use your mil comb during application to prevent over or under application rates. If material is under applied, then your roof system will have insufficient film build to perform properly. If material is over applied, then material will cure slowly and extend recoat times. Always remember that material performance is based on proper thickness of coatings and can be easily controlled during application using a mil comb.
Surface Preparation (Pre Application Guide)
Be sure surfaces are clean and dry before the coating application. Do not use any soaps, or detergents. Remove all loose paint, tar, dirt, oil, and grease leaving surface clean and completely dry. In certain situations a shot-blaster may be needed to help clean and roughen the surface. Always run a test patch first in an inconspicuous area to ensure that proper adhesion and drying occurs and the product works to your satisfaction before proceeding. All cracks, joints less than 5/8” and seams should be filled using Blue Max Caulk or Blue Max Trowel Grade filler. For larger cracks (5/8″ or larger) fill with a cementitious filler. Make sure surface is as smooth as possible. For best results and adhesion, it is ideal to apply coating over a bare surface void of paint or residue of any kind. Product comes ready to use, no mixing or stirring required. For newly poured concrete, you must allow at least 30 days for complete dry and cure time before applying product.
INTERIOR BASEMENT APPLICATION
Step 1:
After following the instructions for preparation of the surface, no primer is needed. All cracks, joints less than 5/8” and seams should be filled using Blue Max Caulk or Blue Max Trowel Grade filler. For larger cracks (5/8″ or larger) fill with a cementitious filler. Make sure surface is as smooth as possible.
Step 2:
Surfaces with joints, cracks, or where two unlike surfaces come together, require Ames® Peel & Stick™ Self Adhesive Seam Tape to provide some additional strength and reinforcement. It is important to seam tape all joints and cracks to avoid future cracking and leaking. Prime all surfaces generously with Ames® Blue Max® and allow to completely dry prior to setting the Seam Tape in place.
Step 3:
Apply a liberal coat of Ames® Blue Max® or Block & Wall® Liquid Rubber over the Seam Tape and the wall and allow to completely dry. Once dry, apply a second coat of the product and allow to completely dry.
Clean-Up , Storage, and Disposal
Clean tools and small spills with water. Do not use soaps or detergents. Store unused product in its original container, tightly sealed and protect from freezing. Dispose of this product in accordance with local, state, or federal requirements.
PRODUCTS IN THIS GUIDE
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS FOR BASEMENT PROJECTS