Basements are often susceptible to water seepage, especially if the walls are not properly sealed. In order to prevent water from entering your basement, it is important to use a high-quality waterproofer. There are many types of water sealers on the market, which can make it difficult to decide which one is right for you. This article addresses the problems that are presented by a leaky basement while offering the best solution to fix it.
Problems Faced By Inadequate Waterproofing in Basements
The most important reason to properly waterproof your basement is to prevent water damage, as it can structurally compromise your home, as well as promote the growth of mold and other allergens. In extreme cases, water can even cause your basement to collapse.
Another reason to waterproof your basement is to keep pests out. If you have a wet and inviting environment, you are likely to attract mice, rats and other rodents. These pests are not only annoying but can also be dangerous because they can carry diseases.
How Does Waterproofing Paint Work?
Concrete and block foundations can be quite permeable, and these types of gaps allow for small amounts of moisture to enter the basement’s low-pressure environment. If water is kept in contact with the soil adjacent to the foundation, then hydrostatic pressure on the walls and natural capillary action will draw it through the pores in the concrete. Many basements get damp and musty due to moisture that has permeated this solid barrier.
This is especially significant because mold might not be evident until it’s too late. When moisture builds up between the drywall and concrete, it typically just sits there, allowing mold to develop in the insulation. Waterproofing paint, however, prevents this by stopping structural damage and preventing mold growth, which minimizes health risks.
The Best Basement Waterproofing Paint: DRYLOK® Extreme Masonry Waterproofer
Above and below grade masonry — including cinder and concrete block, stucco, brick and bare concrete swimming pools — are all examples of applications where DRYLOK® is ideal. DRYLOK® can be applied to the positive or negative side (below-grade inside or outside) of the wall. This can be done during construction or after the build to provide the desired waterproofing. It has been tested to ASTM D‑7088 standards.
This procedure is for the evaluation of coatings used in below-grade applications to resist the passage of water through a concrete block. By simulating the coating applied to a basement or other below-grade masonry wall, it prevents the intrusion of water through the coating caused by hydrostatic pressure from the water on the outside of the structure.
The results of the test give our product a PSI rating of 15, which equates to stopping a wall of water that is 33 feet tall.
Features and Specifications:
Available in a bright white, smooth finish
Resists mildew growth on the dry paint film
Resists 15 PSI, equivalent to a wall of water 33 ft. high
Category 4 — resists 140 MPH wind-driven rain
Fully-transferable 15-year warranty
Guaranteed to stop water, even under pressure
Features flexible encapsulated polymers
Tintable
DRYLOK® Extreme Masonry Waterproofer Color Tints
Many waterproofing products are only available in white or gray with no options for colors that could add beauty to your basement walls. We understand that a basement does not have to be plain — that’s why we have provided eight colors to choose from. These are available as tints from your local retailer.
Will This Work on Exterior Walls?
DRYLOK Extreme Concrete and Masonry Waterproofer is unique as it can be used on the exterior and interior walls, above or below grade. This means that no excavation or disruption of the exterior is necessary for an existing structure. DRYLOK can also be applied on new foundation walls during construction before backfill. However, coating the interior of the foundation walls is also an effective way of stopping moisture for pre-existing structures.
Trust the Best When It Comes to Water Sealing Paint for Basement Walls
DRYLOK® is manufactured by United Gilsonite Laboratories (UGL) and has the highest name recognition as a quality waterproofer among retail and professional buyers. We have been developing masonry waterproofing products since 1953, you can find DRYLOK® in most hardware and big-box stores across the U.S.
Check out our website for more information on worry-free masonry care and repair solutions for residential and commercial projects, or contact us today to find a retailer near you.
