Waterproofing Below Grade Both Damp and Wet Walls
Any amount of water coming in through your basement walls is not good; however, depending on the amount of water, there are different steps to take to resolve the problem. For continually wet walls, DRYLOK® Wet Wall Bonding Primer has been added to the family of DRYLOK® solution products.
Damp vs. Wet
First, you need to know the difference between Damp vs. Wet. DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer is designed to stop water from coming through damp or dry masonry surfaces.
Let’s be clear about the term “damp” or “dry” vs. “wet.” Dry doesn’t need additional clarification, but let’s explain damp. How can you tell if your wall is damp vs. wet? UGL® suggests this simple test. Rub your fingertips down an area of the wall that appears to be wet. If your fingertips come up wet, glistening with water, the surface is too wet to waterproof. If your fingertips are dry, you can proceed to waterproof.
What do I do if the wall is determined to be Wet?
Most water problems are seasonal; if you can wait for a dry rain-free period and the walls dry out, this is ideal. However, if waiting for the wall to dry out is not an option, or some spots never dry out, the DRYLOK® Wet Wall Primer is the perfect solution.
DRYLOK® Wet Wall Bonding Primer is designed to apply to wet walls that never have a chance to dry out, or you don’t have time to wait for a dry rain-free period. DRYLOK® Wet Wall Primer is to be applied directly over a wet masonry surface, not with active leaks but on a wet surface. You will first want to patch any holes or cracks in the surface with DRYLOK® Fast Plug. Next, you will want to neutralize any efflorescence (naturally occurring salts in the masonry) present on the masonry’s surface.
Next, you can spot prime those wet areas with DRYLOK® Wet Wall Bonding Primer and topcoat with DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer. The DRYLOK® Wet Wall primer applied to a bare masonry surface before applying DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer will not void the warranty because it was formulated to be part of the DRYLOK® system and will not affect the adhesion or the effectiveness of the Waterproofer.
Why is it essential for the surface not to be wet?
A wet surface affects the way DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer cures. Without a proper cure, the DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer will not perform to its optimum potential. All DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofers are water-based formulas and use the water to carry the paint binders into the surface. Once the coating is dry, a hard, durable waterproof finish is left. Applied to a wet surface, the Waterproofer is not allowed to dry and harden, or the drying is prolonged and affects the final waterproofing properties.
What to do if the wall has an existing coating?
There are times when you have a problem masonry surface, but there is a previous coating already applied. What do you do with wet spots, popping paint due to efflorescence, and mineral staining? DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer states to apply to a bare masonry surface, and yes, this is the ideal situation and needed for the warranty to apply. However, suppose you have used DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer as the first coat and have any of the above issues, no worries. In that case, the warranty will still apply if you apply DRYLOK® Wet Wall Primer to troubled areas, treat and apply DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer as the final coat.
Suppose the first coat is something other than DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer. In that case, you can still remedy wet spots, coating failure due to excess efflorescence, or mineral staining by applying DRYLOK® Wet Wall Primer. However, the warranty will not apply in these cases.
The DRYLOK® brand has all the products needed for a complete problem-solving solution from preparation, patching, and waterproofing. Visit www.drylok.com for more product information or to find a dealer near you.
