Q: I just bought a house built in 1985 that needs painting. Thereโs also going to be termite treatment done on the house. Should I seal the stem wall below ground before the paint job?
A:ย Yes, thatโs a great idea. Try to dig down at least a foot. Then buy a cement-based waterproof coating designed for exterior below-grade concrete or masonry. Itโs going to come in a powdery form that you will mix with water. Coat the exposed stem wall to prevent intrusion of water into the foundation and to keep the paint from blistering. It can also be used as a base coat above-grade on concrete or masonry.
For more do-it-yourself tips, go to rosieonthehouse.com. An Arizona home building and remodeling industry expert for 25 years, Rosie Romero is the host of the syndicated Saturday morning Rosie on the House radio program, heard locally from 8-11 a.m. on KNST-AM (790) in Tucson and KGVY-AM (1080) and -FM (100.7) in Green Valley. Call 888-767-4348.
