One of the most frustrating problems faced by homeowners is the constant battle against wet basement and garage walls. But it doesn’t have to be that way, thanks to DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer from United Gilsonite Laboratories. It’s time to reclaim your basement or garage, and convert the area into a laundry room, family room, bedroom, game room, or exercise room. No matter what your needs might be for additional space, converting your basement or garage into usable living space can increase your home’s value by 25% to 40%.
DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer protects masonry surfaces from the damaging effects of water penetration. It seals porous masonry walls above and below ground to hold back the flow of water, even under pressure, and helps keep basements dry. DRYLOK® penetrates tiny pores in the masonry to form a watertight coating that stops leaks. DRYLOK® will stop water from penetrating the inside of masonry walls even during the most torrential downpours.
Widely respected as the premier waterproofing product in the home maintenance industry, DRYLOK® has been used successfully on basements, garages, retaining walls, foundations, cisterns, swimming pools, fishponds, and water tanks.
Even if you have intentions of covering the basement or garage walls with drywall, experts still advise waterproofing the bare masonry wall first to safeguard against future leaks.
FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM
Homeowners must remember that a wet basement or garage wall might be a symptom of a larger problem. Water may be coming from a variety of sources such as leaky downspouts or gutters, blocked drainage pipes, improper grading or ruts that direct ground runoff toward foundations. Correcting these problems, combined with the application of a quality waterproofing paint, is the best way to prevent masonry surfaces from leaking.
Similarly, it is necessary to find out if seepage or condensation causes the wet walls. This can be determined by performing a simple test. Tape a one-foot square piece of aluminum foil tightly to an interior wall and remove it after several days. If the room side is wet, the problem is condensation and a dehumidifier should be used. If the wall side of the foil is wet, there is seepage. Remember that both problems can occur at the same time. There are two main parts of any waterproofing job: surface preparation and application of the waterproofer itself.
SURFACE PREPARATION
As with any painting job, surface preparation is a critical step. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product packaging, observing cautions and warnings before you begin. Loose or broken mortar, dirt, dust and other foreign matter should always be removed before putting on a new coat of paint. Remove old paint by wire brushing, sandblasting or other suitable means. DRYLOK® Etch or muriatic acid may be used to rid the surface of efflorescence — white, crystal-like salt deposits that prevent the waterproofer from sticking to the surface. Holes should be patched with DRYLOK® Fast Plug® or a fast-setting hydraulic cement.
Prior to applying the waterproofer, clean the surface thoroughly. DRYLOK® works best when applied to a clean, bare, masonry surface. It may be applied on a slightly damp surface, but best results are obtained when it’s applied over a dry surface. DRYLOK® should never be used on a wet surface.
Another area that may be overlooked as a source of water seepage is the floor/wall joint. Normally, when concrete floors cure, they shrink and pull away from the wall, creating a space where water can enter. That’s why it’s necessary to seal all the gaps between the floor and the walls with DRYLOK® Fast Plug®. Clean the area and wash with water prior to sealing.
APPLYING THE WATERPROOFER
Now you’re ready to apply DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer to your walls. For best results, apply the first coat with a nylon or polyester bristle brush, or our specially made DRYLOK® Brush, designed to hold heavy-bodied coatings. The second coat can be applied with a brush or masonry roller. Work DRYLOK® thoroughly into the pores of the masonry. For optimum bonding, apply to a dry surface.
After using the first gallon, measure the area you covered. It should be 75 — 100 square feet. If it’s more than this, you’re spreading the DRYLOK® too thin.
Apply a second coat over the entire wall surface. If seepage is still present after several days, tiny pores or pinholes are still open. Apply an additional coat to these areas.
When applying DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer in a closed area, such as a basement, be certain there is good airflow. Open windows and use an exhaust fan to provide adequate ventilation. In places where good cross-ventilation is not possible, or if you are sensitive to solvent odors, we recommend using Latex DRYLOK®. Do not apply DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer if the temperature of the air or the surface to be painted is less than 50ºF. Also, do not apply it to floors since DRYLOK® is not formulated to withstand foot traffic.
