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
Latest
Basement Waterproofing Membrane: Water-Based vs Silicone-Based vs Rubber-Based (Complete Comparison)
Compare water-based, silicone-based, and rubber-based basement waterproofing membranes on cure time, elongation, odor, and cost so you pick the right one.
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comparisonWhy Does My Waterproofing Membrane Smell So Strong? Water-Based vs Rubber-Based Odor Compared
Waterproofing membrane smell explained: why water-based and rubber-based coatings smell different, how long odor lasts, and when it signals a real problem.
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basementBasement Waterproofing Before Winter: A 7-Point Freeze-Thaw Checklist
A 7-point freeze-thaw checklist for basement waterproofing before winter: grading, cracks, reinforcement and a flexible membrane before the ground freezes.
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concreteHow to Waterproof a Concrete or Flat Roof Before Winter Rain
Concrete, built-up, and torch-down roofs leak differently than pitched roofs. Here's how to prep, seal seams, and coat a flat roof before...
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basementCrawl Space Waterproofing and Encapsulation: A DIY Liquid Membrane Guide
A full DIY crawl space waterproofing and encapsulation walkthrough: sealing foundation walls and cracks, installing the ground vapor barrier, handling vents and...
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comparisonResealing Your RV Roof Before Winter Storage: Water-Based Membrane vs Rubber-Based Coatings
Should you reseal your RV roof before winter storage, and is a water-based membrane or a rubber-based coating the better call? Here's...
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basementSEMCO Liquid Membrane vs Rubber-Based Waterproofing Coatings: Which Is Better for Basements and Foundations?
SEMCO Liquid Membrane vs rubber-based waterproofing coatings for basements and foundations: odor, cure time, flexibility, and cost compared side by side.
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Is Drywall Actually Waterproof? The Myths DIYers Get Wrong
Green board, cement board, and paint don't make drywall waterproof. Here's what actually stops water, and how to seal it yourself.
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basementIs Your Basement Waterproofing Membrane Actually Failing? 7 Warning Signs
Peeling, chalky white powder, or a musty smell after basement waterproofing? Here are 7 warning signs your coating is failing, and how...
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roofMetal Roof Leaking? How to Find and Seal It Before Winter Rain
Metal roof leaking when it rains hard? Here's how to find the real leak point and seal it yourself with a flexible...
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comparisonLiquid Rubber Alternatives: A Longer-Lasting Way to Waterproof
A flexible, water-based liquid waterproofing membrane is the best liquid rubber alternative. See how it compares to rubber, masonry, silicone and sheet...
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fabric reinforcementWhat Is SEMCO Fabric Reinforcement and When Do You Actually Need It?
SEMCO Fabric Reinforcement adds tensile strength at floor-to-wall joints, corners, coves, and cracks over 1/4 inch, the spots a waterproofing coating fails...
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