SEMCO field notes
Guides, how-tos and fixes.
Prep, application and troubleshooting for basements, roofs, showers, pools and more, written by the team that makes SEMCO.
104 articles
comparisonWater-Based Membrane or Silicone-Based Coating: Which Belongs on a Metal Roof
Silicone-based coatings and rubber-based coatings both work on metal roofs, but each comes with real trade-offs in odor, cure conditions, and flexibility....
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basementDo You Really Need to Waterproof Drywall? Every Question Answered
Is drywall really waterproof? Get straight answers on green board, cement board, and how to seal drywall seams yourself with a water-based...
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concretePool Deck Cracking Every Winter? How to Waterproof and Crack-Proof It for Good
Pool decks crack every winter for one repeatable reason: water gets into the concrete's pores and hairline cracks, freezes, expands, and pushes...
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basementBasement Waterproofing Membrane: How to Choose One That Won't Fail (2026 Buyer's Guide)
What to check before buying a basement waterproofing membrane: elongation, cure time, VOC, and cost per square foot. A 2026 buyer's guide.
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concreteHow to Waterproof a Concrete Pool the Right Way
Step-by-step guide to waterproofing a concrete pool: prep, crack repair, coat application, curing, and water-testing, so it stays watertight for years.
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What Is a Liquid Waterproofing Membrane? The Complete Guide
Liquid waterproofing membrane explained: what it is, how it works, the types available, where it's used, and how to apply it yourself.
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colorHow to Color and Seal a Garage Floor: A DIY Concrete Stain Guide
Stain and seal a garage floor without acid or a slick topcoat. A step-by-step guide to coloring concrete with a water-based stain...
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cleanerWhy Surface Prep Makes or Breaks Your Waterproofing Job (And How to Do It Right)
Skipping surface prep is the top reason DIY waterproofing fails. Here's how to clean, degrease, and prep any surface before you coat...
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comparisonSilicone-Based Waterproofing Coatings vs Water-Based Membranes: A DIYer's Guide
Silicone-based waterproofing vs water-based membranes compared on cure time, adhesion, elongation, and cost, so you use the right one for your project.
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bathroomShower Waterproofing Membrane: The Complete DIY Guide Before Tiling
Tile and grout aren't waterproof on their own. Here's how to waterproof a shower before tiling with a DIY liquid membrane, seam...
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basementHow to Waterproof a Basement From the Inside: The Complete DIY Guide
Step-by-step guide to waterproofing a basement from the inside: what you need, crack repair, coating steps, cost, and when to call a...
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roofMastering Liquid Waterproofing on Old Bitumen Substrates: Renovation Without Demolition
For property owners, facility managers, and roofing contractors, aging flat roofs present a recurring and expensive challenge. Historically, traditional rolled roofing and...
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