If one segment of the home used to be considered the ultimate safety of any home, then the basement is one of them. But it’s one area that needs protection, most significantly, from the effects of water damage. Basements are considered vulnerable to moisture because they are built below the ground surface.
Moisture is a problematic thing that can be caused by heavy rain, excess groundwater or even just condensation. If not controlled, it can result in mould growth, building structure damage and many other undesirable consequences.
Nothing different is more effective than using paint to protect the basement walls against moisture. With so many opportunities in the modern world, how can one tell which option is appropriate for him?
The selection of the best waterproofing paints for the basement walls is essential so that your basement remains dry and your home is secure.
Types of Waterproofing Paints
It must be remembered that the so-called waterproofing paints are designed so that water cannot penetrate the walls of a structure.
There are several types of waterproofing paints available, each with its unique properties and benefits: There are several types of waterproofing paints available, each with its unique properties and benefits:
Acrylic Waterproofing Paint:
This is a water-soluble paint that is relatively easy to apply to the walls of the building. It gives moderate waterproofing and is suitable for use on the inner side of the basement walls.
The other key characteristic of acrylic paints is that they can breathe, stretch and shrink with walls, thereby minimizing cracking.
Epoxy-Based Waterproofing Paint:
Epoxy-based paints have a higher resilience and resistance to water than epoxy-based paints.
It forms a dense layer on the walls and is suitable for use in areas with high humidity.
Epoxy paints are also chemically resistant and abrasive resistant, making it possible to provide good, long-lasting protection.
Masonry Waterproofing Paint:
Intended for use on structures of porous nature, such as concrete and brick masonry, waterproofing paint not only seals the surface but gets into the porous structure of the wall.
They tend to be alkali resistant, and as such, they can be used on basement walls to display efflorescence or a white, chalky substance.
Elastomeric Waterproofing Paint:
They are elastic paints and, again, flexible enough to fill small gaps on the wall when painted.
It builds into an elastic layer that responds to degrees of heat and cold to change size. This type of paint is recommended for the outdoor and indoor walls, especially those in the crack basements.
Best Waterproofing Paints for Basement Walls
Drylok Extreme Masonry Waterproofer:
Drylok is a reputable company in the market for waterproofing products, and they have their Drylok Extreme Masonry Waterproofer for basement walls.
To install and embrace competitive capability towards water leakage. This paint can take up to 15 PSI of hydrostatic pressure, appropriate for use in basements with moderate to high humidity.
Kilz Basement & Masonry Waterproofing Paint:
Kilz has a highly effective waterproofing system in the Basement & Masonry Waterproofing Paint.
It is designed to bond very well to masonry surfaces and to have excellent mildew and mould resistance. It also has a smooth texture and can be painted to the required shade of colour devoid of yellowing.
Rust-Oleum Zinsser Watertite:
Zinns, also by Rust-Oleum company called Watertite, is also excellent for waterproofing the basement walls.
It features a waterproofing solution compounded by mould and mildew protection, making it a two-in-one product.
This paint can be used on sites inside and outside the building and is famous for being long-lasting.
Ames Blue Max Liquid Rubber:
Ames Blue Max is an elastomeric liquid rubber paint with enhanced waterproofing features.
It’s very versatile and can slap over small gaps in the walls, which is excellent for a basement that may have had some shifting over the years.
It is also non-toxic and perfectly suitable for application in interior areas of your home.
Behr Dry Plus Basement & Masonry Waterproofer: Behr’s Dry Plus has good coverage and waterproofing protection.
It is to be used to prevent water penetration through the walls to the basement and is waterproof and anti-mould. This paint is amicable to apply, resulting in a long-lasting paint job.
Conclusion:
Therefore, Selecting the most appropriate paint is crucial sin determining the fate of your home’s basement walls. All these types of paint, acrylic, epoxy, masonry and elastomeric, all have advantages that go a long way toward ensuring that your basement does not get flooded and become a place of insecurity.
An excellent waterproofing paint, if well bought and applied, will go a long way in enhancing the durability of your basement walls and, of course, the soundness of your home’s foundation.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a waterproofing paint, such as the level of moisture in your basement walls, the material of the walls and if there are any chances of movement.
When you are well equipped with the right product and good application, you get to maintain a basement that will be healthy, dry, and usable for many years to come.
