Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products is the leading innovator in the waterproofing industry. Keeping up with their reputation for ingenuity and the manufacture of reliable, quality waterproofing solutions, they offer a brand new way to communicate with customer service representatives. Just visit the Mar-flex website anytime between 9AM-5PM Monday through Friday, and Eastern Standard Time. That’s right, now you can communicate with a Mar-flex representative right in a chat box on Mar-flex’s website, making it easier than ever to get your questions answered, and to get the information you need.

Damp basements cause structural damage and allow the propagation of mold, which is harmful to any occupant’s health. Water seeps in through the walls of your basement and results in the formation of molds and rust. Water leakage is caused by cracks in the basement floor and walls. You can use hydraulic cement to prevent issues such as this, because its a water resistant product. Following the direction below, applying hydraulic cement will be an easy do it yourself job.

Hydraulic cement is known to dry extremely quickly, therefore, only mix a small portion for each application. Hydraulic cement is also caustic, and the dust it produces causes irritation. You must wear a dust mask and gloves while you are working with this material. Also, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area, and use fans if necessary. If you are using acids to remove debris from the surface, follow all the manufacturer’s instructions.

The first step to applying this cement is to prepare the surface you are applying it to. Wash the walls or floor to remove loose mortar, dirt, mold, grease, and any other debris. To kill mold, use detergent with an added capful of bleach. To remove the white powdery substance commonly called efflorescence, use muriatic acid and a wire brush. If the surface has oil-based paint, you must remove this paint as well.

Before patching the crack, open it up with a hammer and chisel. While you are making the crack, remember to undercut the crack in such a way that the crack’s inside opening is wider than the opening of the surface. This is very important, as it will help in locking in the hydraulic cement inside as it becomes hard. Once you have opened the crack, clean it well by using a brush to remove any possible pieces of concrete or dust.

When you are prepared to apply the cement, mix up a small amount with water in a bucket. You must carefully follow the instructions on the packaging for the proper mixture and consistency. Use a trowel to combine and mix up the cement and water in the bucket.

Before the application, use a spray bottle or a bucket of water to dampen the crack as cement will adhere better to the wet surface. Next, apply a layer of hydraulic cement into the crack in such a way that the cement is about .5 inches below the base of the crack surface. Use a trowel to apply another layer of cement to the crack, then smooth the layer, and let it dry for 24 hours before proceeding to paint the surface. Later, paint over the surface in the desired color.

UltriSeal is Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products’ newest product. Many reputable competitors manufacture concrete sealers, and some manufacture radon sealers, but no one offers them in the same product. For this, Mar-flex has developed UltriSeal, with the versatility to be painted on any concrete surface, from foundation walls to the driveway. UltriSeal isn’t just a great concrete sealer, it also protects against harmful radon and other elements that are dangerous to your health. Choose UltriSeal today, and experience Mar-flex’s commitment to quality and reliability.

“If you are installing hardwood flooring over concrete, you will need a floor vapor barrier between the concrete and the wood. Indeed, you will likely find this is part of the warranty coverage for this flooring. If you install the hardwood directly on the concrete, you will find that moisture from the soil will evaporate through the concrete and penetrate the wood, causing warping or mold. It pays, then, to follow the proper instructions and invest in a floor vapor barrier. Vapor retarded paint, usually white, costs $20 to $40 per gallon. One gallon will give you nearly two coats of protection. If you use 8 millimeter plastic sheeting, which can cost from 25-cents to $2.50 per square foot, basing the cost on a 12 by 12-foot room, the cost will range between $36 and $215.”

article courtesy of doityourself.com

Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products is making it easier than ever to view our selection of durable and efficient waterproofing solutions. Our entire catalog has been uploaded to the website and put in a reader format, so that you can view our entire catalog online. Make sure to check out our products and call us today with any questions or concerns.

When moisture penetrates a structure, it can cause serious and costly damage. This is why creating a damp proof basement will prevent a lot of headaches. Since prevention is far more effective than restoration, you can cut major future costs by simply dampproofing.

When dampproofing, always fit a good solid water membrane between your concrete and your sub floor. Any water that gets up under the membrane will sink back into the ground under your home, and without proper protection, this water would enter your basement. Paint a damp proofing course around the lower 2 feet of your basement walls. Make sure it is mold and mildew resistant dampproofing paint. Ventilation is another major aspect of having a damp proof basement, heat will help dry out any dampness, and proper ventilation will stop moisture from propagating. Put air bricks in your basement walls, higher than any outside water level, but low enough to create a circulatory effect.

Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products is widely known as the leading innovator in the waterproofing industry. They earned this reputation by introducing unique and world-changing solutions such as the Geo-Mat (the world’s first 100% recycled drainage board) and ShockWave (winner of the Most Innovative Product at the World of Concrete Expo) 100% recycled drainage boards, Mar-flex Concrete Control Joint Systems, Fusion UV waterproofing membrane that protects your structure from UV rays and more! Mar-flex introduces new products that advance the science of waterproofing often, so keep checking back with us for the latest waterproofing news, product announcements, and much much more. For more information about our world-renowned waterproofing solutions check out our catalog, our Android Phone application, or our Facebook and Google+ pages.

Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products is the leading innovator in the waterproofing industry. Our products are popular nationwide, and you can find them on new builds all across the country. Now its easier to find Mar-flex products near you with Mar-flex’s Distribution Finder tool. Just type your zip code into our Distribution Finder and you can find a nearby store carrying our amazing products. Stop by our distribution page today, and keep checking back with us for the latest waterproofing news, product announcements, and much more.

Many homeowners eventually deal with basement leak issues. The main cause of these issues is water infiltration coming from the ground outside, into the concrete blocks, or even through a solid concrete foundation. There are many concrete sealers out there made to help solve this problem, but they will be rendered ineffective unless the water problem outside gets solved first.

One the root causes of moisture penetration is faulty or malfunctioning exterior drainage systems. Large downpours of water from the gutters too close to the foundations should be the first problem to be addressed. Puddles of water near the house are responsible for most basement leak problems. Another culprit is the landscape grading, because improper grading leads moisture to your foundation wall. Make sure your landscaping is sloped away from the home.

Once the outside problems are solved, make sure to choose a basement sealer that is sodium silicate-based. Using such a sealer will stop humidity from getting through the concrete. It will also prevent mold and mildew as well as water infiltrations. This sealer can easily be applied with a roller or a brush on concrete walls and floors that are free of chemical residues such as glue or paint. You don’t have to look far to find effective basement sealers. Mar-flex makes several of the industry’s best crack injection/basement sealing solutions.

Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products not only offers innovative waterproofing products, but also offers the latest in safety technology for our applicators. When applying waterproofing products, you must wear protective coverings, because the fumes in an enclosed space can be toxic. Mar-flex offers everything you need to stay safe on your next job, from coveralls to PVC gloves and respirator masks. Everything you need to properly apply our products is in our catalog, so check it out today!