As a homeowner, you may want to apply Drylok to your basement floors. How should you go about it? Fortunately, we have done some research for you, and here is what we found.
The following are step-by-step procedures for applying Drylok to your basement floors:
- Get the needed materials
- Prep your working area
- Check the porosity level of the concrete
- Apply the Drylok
Applying Drylok is not as difficult as it seems. All you have to do is follow the steps carefully. Keep reading to get detailed information on how to apply Drylok to basement floors.
How To Apply Drylok To Basement Floors
Here are steps to follow if you want to apply Drylok to your basement floors:
Step 1: Get The Needed Materials
Before starting the painting process, you have to get your materials ready. This includes Drylock, wire brush, pressure washer, and foam roller.
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Step 2: Prep Your Working Area
It is important to get your working area ready. Use a wire brush and detergent to eliminate unwanted stains, dust, and dirt from the floor. If you have old paint in the area, it is recommended to use a paint-stripping solvent to remove such.
After washing, rinse the area and let it dry. If you don't have a wire brush, use a pressure washer instead but make sure to leave the area for about 24 hours to dry. Floors covered with efflorescence can be prepared using Drylok Etch or muriatic acid. If there are cracks or holes in your working area, don't hesitate to use Drylok Fast Plug. Always focus on the spots connecting the floor and wall.
Be aware that preparing the basement floor for painting can expose you to harmful substances, which are health hazards, so always take precautions and protect yourself. Make sure to leave the windows open for adequate ventilation. If you have a fan, turn it on.
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Step 3: Check The Porosity Level Of The Concrete
It is advisable to examine how porous your flooring is before painting. To do so, get water and pour it into the area. A few drops should be fine. More etching should be done if you notice that the water stays on the surface.
Step 4: Apply The Drylok
After checking the porosity level, you can now proceed with the painting. Open your Drylok, stir, and apply using a sprayer, nylon bristle brush, or foam roller. If you are using Drylok floor & masonry waterproofer, applying the second coat after two hours of the first application is recommended.
After application, leave the Drylok to dry for 24 hours. The floor can handle light foot traffic 4 hours after application, but carrying out a lot of activity in the area before 24 hours may damage your work. Use flooring and carpeting to protect the area before the 24 hours are over.
The time it takes to dry can be longer depending on the thickness of the coat and the air temperature during the application. If your relative humidity is too much, it may take your Drylok even longer to dry.
How Do You Know The Basement Floor Needs Drylok?
Some signs might mean your basement floor needs Drylok. If you notice the following, consider using Drylok on your floor:
Unpleasant Odor
This is one of the most obvious signs. If you start smelling a bad odor in your basement, you may need to use Drylok. Water might have gotten in, so you need to seal the area.
Efflorescence
This is a whitish salt deposit that forms on the surface of the concrete. It usually emerges where there is an opening because water can go in. If you notice this deposit on your basement floor, you should get to apply Drylok.
Cracks
If cracks are not dealt with promptly, they tend to get worse. These are signs that you need to apply Drylok. The good thing is that these can be easily handled compared to the other issues. The cracks may sometimes appear due to foundation issues. As soon as you notice the cracks, try using Drylok paint.
Also, when there are internal curves in the foundation wall, there may be a need to paint. If ignored, the crack may be aggravated, and the entire structure will be compromised. Alternatively, use bracing for the fixes.
Stains
At any time, you will notice water stains in the basement. Chances are water has started entering the area. This may be a result of infiltration-related problems. Ignoring this issue and not applying Drylok may worsen everything.
What Temperature Should You Apply Drylok?
Drylok should not be applied in all temperatures. To get the best results, ensure the air and surface temperature in your home is more than 50°F. If it is raining or the climate is humid, it is advisable to wait till the environment is conducive for the task. With this, the best result is assured.
Can You Change The Color Of Drylok?
Yes, it is possible to change the color of Drylok. Almost all Drylok waterproofers have mild tint pallets. If you want to tint it, use an alkali-proof universal tinting colorant. Alternatively, check for pre-tinted variants that are commercially available.
It is possible that altering the color of the Drylok coat may affect how the product blocks moisture. When Drylok dries, you can apply latex or acrylic paint to it. There is no need to use primer as the product is already a good base coat. It is recommended to wait 24 hours before painting over the Drylok, especially for a new project.
Can Drylok Be Applied Over Old Drylok?
Yes, Drylok can be applied over old Drylok. But make sure the old paint is not coming off. The product needs to get into the surface of your flooring to do its work well. If the old Drylok is peeling, it should be removed before applying another.
Can Mold Grow On Drylok?
No, Drylok prevents mold and mildew from growing on your floor. Since it stops water from getting into the walls, there is no way the mold can grow in a dried place.
Drylok serves as a coat, so it does not encourage mold growth. Note that Drylok Extreme has mildewcide which is an additive. This mildewcide is powerful enough to prevent the possible growth of mold, even under the paint.
Materials used to make the foundation of buildings are usually strong, but they are also porous. Over time, moisture can start coming in, causing the surfaces to deteriorate.
However, Drylok can enter these openings, building a powerful layer in the surface which can prevent water from passing through. Note that the paint cannot kill mold and may not destroy what causes the moisture.
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How Long Can Drylok Last?
If you follow the application directions well, as stated by the manufacturer, Drylok can last for years. For instance, Drylok's original masonry waterproofer is expected to last about 10 years. Extreme masonry waterproofer can last for 15 years, while Drylok floor & masonry waterproofer is expected to stay for seven years.
The product lasts longest if applied correctly, so do it properly. Poor application can drastically reduce the lifespan of the Drylok to less than 3 to 5 years. The worst-case scenario is that the product may not serve its purpose. It all begins with the application.
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To Wrap Up
If you want to apply Drylok on your basement floor, all you need to do is get the needed materials, prep your working area, check the porosity level of the concrete, apply the Drylok and leave it to dry. For your Drylok paint to last longer, observe the correct procedure in its application.
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