The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

First Aid For The Ailing Houses

Epoxy resins are an adequate waterproofing compound, even for leaks due to water pressure—if the material is applied while the concrete is thoroughly dry and in the proper condition for painting. Epoxys do not hold well unless they are applied to unpainted concrete. Previous coats of paint or other compounds fill the pores and do not provide a grip for the resin. The thick epoxys are difficult to apply and many home owners will not feel the expense and effort are worthwhile (see section on Basement Waterproofing).

There are four types of paints that are in common use for exterior masonry. A rubber-base paint, a resin-base water paint, a portland-cement paint, or an oil-base masonry paint may be applied.

Concrete can also be painted with a mixture of portland cement and water of the consistency of cream. At the time of application, the surface should be soaked with water; as soon as the cement sets, it should be sprinkled and kept damp for several days for the cement to cure.

This type of paint is available as a powder to be mixed with water. It comes in many colors and may also be combined with a waterproofer. Being without oil base, it is not affected by lime. When mixed thick, it can be textured. This cement-base paint should not be applied over an oil-painted surface. In such a case, the old paint must be removed or the cement-base paint will chip away when it dries.

Manufacturers' directions for all exterior masonry paints should be carefully followed. Paint applied with a brush must be thoroughly worked into the surface. A wide brush (4 to 6 inches wide) with short bristles should be used. If the surface is relatively smooth and an oil-, resin-, or rubber-base masonry paint is being applied, a wide exterior roller with thick lamb's wool pile may be used. Such a roller, however, requires practice to develop a technique of picking up enough paint on the roller and filling in all of the depressions with an even coating.

Spraying masonry paint ensures filling all pores and irregularities (see section on Paint Spraying).

Waterproof Sealers For stone, brick, and other masonry that the home owner prefers to leave natural color and yet protect against weather, waterproof sealers hold the answer. These sealers are clear or amber liquids that are brushed, sprayed, or rolled on like paint. They penetrate the pores of the masonry and dry, sealing the moisture and weather out. Some contain silicones for extra water shedding, and most of them do nothing to the appearance of the masonry except deepen the color a bit.