SEMCO field notes
Basement guides.
Prep, application and troubleshooting for basements, roofs, showers, pools and more, written by the team that makes SEMCO.
31 articles
basementBasement 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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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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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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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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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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basementWater-Based Membrane vs Rubber-Based Coating for Basement Walls: Which One Actually Stops Water
Comparing water-based liquid membrane and rubber-based coatings for basement waterproofing: odor, UV exposure, cure time, and which one belongs on an exposed...
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basementIs Black Mold on Concrete Basement Walls Actually Dangerous? What to Check Before You Waterproof
Dark staining on a basement wall isn't always toxic black mold. Here's what CDC and EPA guidance actually says, how to check...
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basementWhat a Basement Waterproofing Membrane Really Costs: 2026 Price-Per-Square-Foot Breakdown
Professional basement waterproofing runs $3 to $13+ per square foot installed. A DIY liquid membrane costs about $0.39 per square foot in...
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basementBasement Waterproofing Checklist: 7 Steps Before Fall Rains Hit
A 7-step basement waterproofing checklist to run before fall rains hit: cracks, the floor-to-wall joint, grading, humidity, and when to reapply membrane.
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basementWater-Based vs Silicone-Based Basement Waterproofing: The Full Comparison
Water-based liquid membrane and silicone-based coatings both waterproof a basement, but they're built for different jobs. Here's the full comparison, by scenario.
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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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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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