Lots of homeowners dream of using that extra space in the basement for a game room, a home theater, or entertaining space; but it’s important to correct any moisture issues first. In other words, stop the leaks before you make improvements.
You can tell if moisture is coming into your basement by taping a piece of clear plastic to the wall or floor, and then watching it for a few days. The amount of fog or condensation will tell you what’s getting in.
Even if there isn’t a real big problem in your basement, it’s still a good idea to seal those masonry walls and floor with a waterproofing material.
Many formulas do several jobs at once, so you can buy one product to serve as a waterproofer, primer coat, and topcoat. Some even include additives to prevent the growth of mold and mildew on their surfaces.