Water Tight Tips for your Home this Hurricane Season

The rainy season can be tough on your home, but with the right tools, products, and know-how, you can stay one step ahead of water damage. That’s why we’ve put together  Harris Paints' Water Tight Tips for Your Home; your go-to guide for simple, effective ways to seal, protect, and preserve every part of your home, from roof to foundation.Whether it’s sealing cracks, waterproofing concrete roofs, or protecting wood and metal from the elements, each tip features expert advice and trusted Harris Paints solutions to keep your home looking great and performing at its best, rain or shine.

TIP #1: Stop Leaks around Window Frames
Keep your home safe and dry by sealing up small spaces around window frames

• Repair by applying Ulttima All Purpose Siliconized Acrylic Caulk.
• This is a premium-grade, ultra-durable caulk that adheres well to a wide
  range of materials.
• Seals spaces around window frames in a flash!

TIP # 2: Don’t Let Small Cracks Become Big Ones!
Water can seep in even small hairline cracks in exterior concrete and cause you bigger headaches down the line. Nip them in the bud.

• Simply seal up using a generous coat of Harris Ulttima Plus paint
• This 100% acrylic formula offers long-lasting protection in an array of rich,
  exciting colours.

TIP # 3: Waterproof Concrete Roofs
Protect flat concrete roofs against leaks by protecting with Harris Ulttima Roof Coating.
(Please note this pertains to roofs not designed or intended for regular foot traffic).

• This is an incredible liquid plastic that is applied in layers to the correct
  thickness.
• 1 gallon covers about 50 square feet
• Incredibly durable with extreme long life when correctly applied.

TIP #4: Prevent Mold and Mildew on Exterior Walls
Most paints contain anti-fungal agents, but some will wash out within 6 months!

Harris Ulttima Plus paint is made with MildewGuard Technology, an advanced system that slowly releases agents over time, giving much longer lasting protection. It’s proven to outperform paints with conventional biocides!

TIP#5: Protect Galvanize Roofing from Rust & Decay

• Thoroughly clean and degrease the surface
• Spot prime rust spots or damaged areas as needed.
• If uncoated, prime well with Harris Super Grip to create a good bond
• Top coat with an acrylic paint: Harris Ulttima Plus Porch and Patio or Gloss Emulsion.

TIP #6: Clear and Repair Your Guttering
Clear out and repair gutters and downspouts so water can drain away.

• Mend cracks with Ulttima All Purpose Siliconized Acrylic Caulk.
• Excellent for use on all types of exterior jobs.
• Fills spaces in woodwork too!

TIP #7: Seal Uncoated Wood
Don’t leave wood uncoated in the wet season.

• First treat wood knots by spot priming with 2 coats of a shellac-based primer or
  Harris Super Grip
• Prime with 1-2 full coats of Harris Ulttima Wood Primer, before applying the topcoat
• Remember wood must be dry before painting.

TIP #8: Protect Exterior Wood with Clear Varnish
Here’s how!

• Start with clean, smooth uncoated wood.
• Apply 2-3 coats Woodcare High Performance Gloss Poly-Stain Clear. Also available in Satin finish.
• Woodcare High Performance Gloss Poly-Stain is a premium wood finish that penetrates wood and forms a durable, high-gloss, semi-transparent film.

TIP #9: Protect Wrought Iron from Rust

• Water will rust wrought iron or rebar, causing it to expand and weaken
• Prime metal thoroughly with Rust Chem Universal Primer if you want to topcoat
  with an emulsion paint
• Or prime with Rust Chem Anchorlite Heavy Duty Primer and top coat with oil
  paint.

TIP# 10: Protecting Natural Wood with a Stain/Sealer
Stains are a popular option to protect uncoated wood decks as they are much easier to maintain than traditional varnish.

Harris High Performance Penetrating Stain absorbs into the wood fibers and provides a practical, matte finish.

No peeling or flaking and it resists mildew, sun, and moisture.

TIP# 11: Waterproofing Walls
If you have persistent problems with moisture seeping through walls, block it out with Harris Super Block masonry paint that creates a strong waterproof barrier that withstands up to 10 psi water pressure. Use inside or out.

This wonder product washes up in water and is low odour too.

TIP# 12: Waterproofing Solutions that work in Damp Conditions
What to do when its already wet out when you need to fix a leak? Harris Damp Seal DPM might be the answer for you.

Damp Seal is a rubber enriched, bitumen emulsion that creates a tough damp proof membrane on interior or exterior concrete, even when surfaces are slightly wet.

Don’t wait for leaks or damage to take action; protect your home now with trusted solutions from Harris Paints. With the right products and a little preparation, you can keep your home watertight and safe this Hurricane season.