Paint For Basement Waterproofing
For the sake of transparency, we do not use any paints or sealers as part of our basement waterproofing system.
Thanks to the Platon foundation wrap by Armtec, that we do use, waterproofing paints or sealers are not required since the Platon membrane does such an excellent job and sealing a wall will work against you.
That said, part of our job as a leading foundation waterproofing service provider is to be well versed in all products and techniques used within the industry and have tons of knowledge when it comes to waterproofing paints and sealers that we are happy to share with our customers.
WHAT IS BASEMENT WATERPROOFING PAINT?
Basement waterproofing paint is a sealer with special water repellent properties that gets applied to the interior of your basements concrete walls which, theoretically, helps prevent moisture from finding its way into your basement.
DOES BASEMENT WATERPROOFING PAINT WORK?
Yes and no.
Yes, when comparing 2 basements which are not ideally waterproofed with the best system possible, one of whose interior walls are sealed with a basement waterproofing paint with a one that is not. Although it does not stop water at footing and floor due to failing overdue weeping tile replacement or sturctural damage.
No, in that compared to the best and most professional basement waterproofing system that focuses on protecting the foundation from the outside, trying to waterproofing a basement from the inside using a sealer is far less effective.
BENEFITS OF WATERPROOFING PAINT FOR BASEMENT WALLS
We recommend a more effective and long lasting foundation waterproofing system, but if you’re dead set on going with the interior sealer route, some benefits you may experience include:
- Cost effective. You get what you pay for, and for this quality of basement waterproofing you’re not paying a lot. It also offers no protection against rising water table.
- Easy to apply. With some basic know how and time, you can apply it yourself in a day.
- Could improve the look of your basement. Exposed concrete walls usually don’t look as nice aesthetically as painted walls. If your intention is to paint the concrete walls to make them look better, then you may as well use a breathable concrete paint that does not seal.
Is it better than nothing? You might think that a paint or sealer is marginally better than not doing anything at all, but we feel that is false. It's worse because as water builds up outside and causes structural damage you'll be in for even bigger problems than a leaky basement.
HOW TO APPLY WATERPROOFING PAINT TO BASEMENT WALLS
After you have dried up any standing water, identified the source of the leak and filled the cracks it’s time to apply your waterproof sealant to the basement walls.
This is best done by first cleaning off any dirt, grease or previous paints from the wall before applying 2-3 coats using either a roller or spray on applicator, waiting at least 10 minutes between each coat.
THE BEST BRANDS OF BASEMENT WATERPROOFING PAINT
If you’re going to attempt using a paint or sealant to waterproof your basement walls from the inside you may as well use the best quality product you can find.
A few of the highest rated waterproof paints are:
- Liquid Rubber’s Foundation Sealant- “VOC-free, water-based option that has no solvents.” SOURCE: shopliquidrubber.com
- Zinsser’s Watertite Waterproofing Paint- “Low-odor, latex-based formula resists up to 20 PSI of water pressure when applied to concrete or masonry.” SOURCE: canadiantire.ca
- Flex Seal’s Liquid Rubber Sealant Coating- “Seals out air, water and moisture and is mildew, chemical and UV resistant. Available in black, white, clear, and grey.” SOURCE: flexseal.ca