The basement walls are important as they support the building. You need to waterproof them, especially in a moist area, to have them last longer. One of the products you can use to waterproof the walls is the Drylok sealer which protects water from seeping through. You can apply it to the basement walls and floors using a brush as a DIY project.
Drylok is not bad for the basement walls. On the contrary, when you use Drylok on the basement walls, you will overcome the water seeping problems as the sealant is a waterproofing agent. It helps keep water from getting through the basement walls preventing further issues like mold growth. However, you might still experience water moving to the other area of the basement since it doesn’t stop the source of the water.
If you’re planning to waterproof your basement walls with Drylok, this article is for you as we will delve deeper into this.
Pros And Cons of Drylok
Before settling for Drylok for your basement walls, it’s best to know its advantages and disadvantages. With this information, you’ll understand what to expect after applications and avoid disappointments. We’ll help you know the two below.
Pros Of Drylok
The benefits of using Drylok include;
- Durable
Applying Drylok on your basement walls will not need regular maintenance as it doesn’t tear or rip faster. This is unlike other vapor barriers that require you to do repairs after some time as they’re prone to tears and dents.
- Versatile
Another advantage of settling for Drylok for your basement is versatility. You can apply it to the exterior and interior walls to prevent moisture from this area. Additionally, you can use it on the floors reducing the chances of water reaching the basement walls through the floor. Remember to waterproof the basement walls you also need to seal the floors to solve the problem at ago.
- Multipurpose
The Drylok acts as both a waterproofing agent and a vapor barrier. This means you don’t have to spend additional expenses buying vapor barrier paint for your walls. When your walls are free from water and vapor, your home will also be safer from such problems, maintaining its beauty for long.
- Readily Available
You will not have challenges finding the Drylok sealant as it is readily available. You can get it from your local hardware and solve the moisture problems on your basement walls.
- Easy to Apply
You can paint the Drylok on your basement walls as a DIY project. This reduces your expenses as you’ll not have to hire a professional for this work.
Cons Of Drylok
The disadvantage of using Drylok on your basement walls are;
- Expensive
You will have to spend more cash to buy Drylok. It’s more expensive than the other waterproofing agents, which can be costly on your side.
- Requires Reapplication
You need to reapply the Drylok after some time. This is because mold might start growing through or water will start seeping into your walls after years.
- Requires More Time to Dry
You will have to wait for about 2 to 3 hours for each Drylok coat to dry well. Since you should do at least two coats, this will keep you waiting, wasting much of your time.
- Application Requirements
You need to apply Drylok on a concrete wall or masonry for the warranty to be effective. This can limit you if your basement walls are made of different materials from the accepted ones.
Does Drylok Cause Mold?
Drylok will not cause mold on surfaces. This is because it waterproofs them, preventing water build-up in that area which can encourage mold growth. The product contains mildewcide which discourages the growth of mold and mildew under the paint. Additionally, the two coats you’ll apply will prevent the mold from your basement walls from maintaining their look for long.
When Drylok Can Cause Mold?
There are instances when Drylok can cause mold to grow around these surfaces. This can be when the surrounding area has an increase in water level, temperature, or humidity. It can also result in mold growth if the wall basement has a higher level of bacteria.
Another circumstance where the Drylok can cause mold to grow is when you apply it over painted walls. The painted walls will affect its waterproofing features, stopping it from working effectively. This case will allow water to seep through the wall encouraging the mold to grow. So, it’s advisable to look for the root cause of water/moisture around the basement walls and solve it permanently.
Will Drylok Prevent Mold on Your Basement Walls?
The materials your basement walls are made of are strong but porous. This means the pores allow moisture to seep through, making the walls have stains. If you apply Drylok over the walls, it will penetrate through the pores covering the area with a protective layer. It will help water from within the house and outside from getting through the wall preventing mold growth.
However, Drylok will not kill the existing mold on the basement walls or solve the main cause of moisture around the basement walls. So, if you want to solve the problem for one, you need to get to the root cause of water build-up in this area that will encourage mold to grow.
When applying Drylok on the basement walls, clean the area to do away with mold and any mildew stains. Then apply the Drylok, which will help protect the area from moisture penetration and prevent adding more problems.
Bottom Line
Drylok on the basement walls is a good choice as it will help prevent water around the area from seeping through, making it last longer. Drylok will also prevent mold growth which can cause health problems for your family members. Since you can do it as a DIY project, it will reduce your overall expenses.
However, there are instances when it can cause mold to grow on the basement walls. This is if you apply it over a painted surface or an area with a high moisture content which requires a permanent solution to solve the issue.
