Moisture problem in basement: this is how painter Jos solved it
Moisture in basements is becoming an increasingly significant problem. Heavy rainfall is expected to rise due to global warming, and the frequent news reports about floods seem to corroborate it. Water seeps through the ground and walls, leaving garages and basements flooded. This presents a real challenge for professional painters like Jos Jongen. Recently, Jos came to the aid of a client whose basement was frequently flooded. Here’s how he tackled the issue.
Painter Jos Jongen from Geulle has been in the trade for nearly 30 years. During this time, he has dealt with moisture problems on many occasions. Geulle is located in the South Limburg region of the Netherlands, an area that frequently struggles with flooding. In 2021, Jos’ own home was completely flooded. At that time, his neighbours were able to rely on his help during the rebuilding process. In early 2024, he came to the aid of a client from the municipality of Meerssen. He relied on the moisture-resistant properties of Zinsser Watertite. We asked him how he approached this project.
What was the problem, Jos?
“At a client’s property in Meerssen, water was seeping through the walls into the basement. When it rained heavily outside, the basement would quickly have several centimetres of water. The client approached a company to resolve the problem, but they were quoted a price of €30,000. I consulted Zinsser expert Raimond, who advised me to use Zinsser Watertite.”
Zinsser Watertite
- Stops up to 2,5 bar water pressure (twice the strength of latex waterproofers)
- Prevents water-seepage through cement, masonry and concrete block walls and basement floors
- Protects the dried coat against fungal degradation
- Can be applied to wet or dry surfaces
- Interior or exterior application
- Great for alkaline surfaces up to 12.5 pH
- Fast drying
How did you address the problem?
“The paint on the brick walls at the client’s property had come loose in many areas due to the moisture. We first removed all the paint. Then I treated the walls with an anti-mould product and let it dry for 24 hours.”
“We started early the next morning, because it was a very large basement, and applied a first layer of Zinsser Watertite. By 4 p.m., we had finished the first layer. Over the next two days, we applied two additional layers. Then it was just a matter of waiting to see what would happen.”
What was the result?
“I’m familiar with the benefits of Watertite, but I didn’t expect it to work in such an extreme case. Since then, there have been several occasions with high water levels, but the basement has remained dry. And the total cost for the client? It came to less than €5,000 for an area of 60 square metres. So, the client was very pleased! In fact, he’s now suggested we tackle the exterior window frames as well. Satisfied clients lead to more work.”
100% confidence in Watertite
Jos is also very satisfied with the product and strongly recommends it to other painters dealing with similar moisture issues. He will be working with it again soon. “Next week, Raimond and I are assessing a new project to see if we can use Watertite there. It involves a garage beneath a house where water is also seeping through the walls.”
Jos doesn’t just trust Zinsser Watertite for his clients but also for his own family. His sister had the same problem some time ago. In her basement, water was also entering through the walls. With a single can of Watertite, the moisture problem was resolved. His confidence in Watertite is therefore unshakeable.
Excellent service from the Zinsser expert
Jos is very happy with how the collaboration with Zinsser went during the Meerssen project. “I went to the site with Zinsser expert Raimond, we assessed everything, and together we created a plan of action. We stayed in regular contact throughout the project.”
“He also came by occasionally to inspect the walls. I know a lot, but not everything. Raimond is very technically skilled and always willing to help me. I can even call him on a Sunday if there’s an emergency. The collaboration with Zinsser expert Raimond really makes my job easier.”
Raimond himself enjoys working with professional painters like Jos. “Jos is someone who always thinks in terms of solutions, not problems. He tries everything and remains realistic if something doesn’t work. This makes it very enjoyable to brainstorm with Jos about problems and solutions. Jos isn’t afraid to try solutions that seem technically feasible but haven’t yet been tested in practice. That’s why I always look forward to new projects with him."
