Drylok is one of the most popular brands among professionals and homeowners when it comes to waterproofing surfaces with moisture. If you have not used Drylok before, learning about it will help you decide if it is worth a try for your projects. We have looked into its advantages and disadvantages to help you decide.
The good news is that the advantages of Drylok outweigh the disadvantages. The benefits are:
- Helps lower the humidity level in a room
- Application is easy
- Many color options
- Durable protection layer
- Long warranty period
- Economical
- Removes unwanted odors
The drawbacks of Drylok are as follows.
- Not a long-term solution
- Takes a long time to dry
- May break at a given water pressure
- May not be suitable for wall surfaces
In the following sections, we will discuss the pros and cons given above. We will also tackle other frequently asked questions about the product. If you are interested in finding out more, keep on reading.
Benefits And Drawbacks Of Using Drylok
Drylok is a water sealer created to deal with moisture that can come from walls or a basement's foundation.
Everyone who has experienced this problem knows how much of a hassle it is to deal with. No one wants to keep spending money and effort on repainting peeling walls or getting rid of mold.
The inventors of Drylok created an effective solution. Take a look at the pros and cons of the product below.
Pros Of Drylok
Here are the points that make Drylok an effective waterproofing solution.
Dehumidifies A Space
Foundation materials such as cement are porous, meaning that water vapor can seep through its tiny holes and increase the humidity level inside a room. Once you apply a few coats of Drylok to its surface, the vapor will be trapped.
As a result, the humidity will lower since the vapor source has been obstructed. Did you know that aside from not having mold and peeling paint, you can enjoy several other positive effects from having low humidity in a space? Check them out below.
- Reduces stress
- Prevents the growth of bacteria and allergens
- Your clothes and space will not have a musty smell
- Wood furniture will last longer
Gets Rid Of Unwanted Odors
Drylok can also remove the musty smell that humidity creates. Humidity traps odor molecules inside a space. The more humid the air is, the stronger the scent.
Since Drylok dehumidifies a room, this may result in a better-smelling room. So if you notice that an enclosed space is starting to smell, this may indicate that the humidity in a room is high, and there may be moisture seeping out of your walls.
Durable Protection Layer
Drylok is formulated by its manufacturers to withstand different conditions and act as a strong barrier (it can hold a water pressure of up to 15 psi) against the moisture that penetrates walls and foundations.
Does Not Need To Be Applied By A Professional
Applying Drylok on a surface is simple (you can add it to your list of DIY projects!). The steps include scraping off existing paint and applying layers of Drylok using a paintbrush or paint roller.
Below is a video that demonstrates how you can apply Drylok.
Many Color Options
There are four available colors of Drylok to choose from—white, gray, beige, and blue. This gives you a broader option rather than the usual plain white. Painting your wall with a different shade gives you a chance to give it a new look and feel.
But what if the shade you want is not among the provided colors? Can you add a layer of paint that is not Drylok? The answer is yes. You can paint over Drylok under two conditions:
- The coat of Drylok should be completely dry.
- The paint that you will use is latex or acrylic,
Comes With A Long Warranty Period
The warranty that Drylok gives for its use depends on the product.
- Extreme Masonry Waterproofer - 15 years
- Original Masonry Waterproofer - 10 years
- Wall Masonry Waterproofer - 7 years
Take note that the period given is under the condition that Drylok is correctly applied to a surface according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Are there instances that can void the warranty? Yes, a warranty becomes invalid if you use a different brand product under the Drylok primer.
Economical
With all the benefits Drylok gives its user, the price you pay for a tub is worth it. Plus, it will save you a lot of money since you do not have to hire professionals to take care of the damage that a damp wall causes.
Cons Of Drylok
After discussing the pros, we will move on to the drawbacks of Drylok.
Not A Long-Term Solution
If you aim to permanently stop the moisture leakage in the wall or foundation of your basement, Drylok may not be your best option.
There are a number of reasons why moisture is coming out of your wall, and you may need a different solution. You should have your home inspected by a professional to be sure.
Takes A Long Time To Dry
Drylok's first coat will take up to three hours to dry fully. So if you add a layer, you have to wait for a while.
Has A Tendency To Break
As the temperature changes through the seasons, the compounds in your wall's materials expand and shrink.
Drylok does not have the flexibility to adapt to those changes. Because of this, in the long run, cracks will occur where the moisture can enter again.
Not Suitable For All Surfaces
Drylok is not suitable for all types of surfaces and materials. When it comes to surfaces, it can only be effective with masonry and concrete. Aside from that, the sealant is also compatible with porous materials such as cement, terra cotta, and stucco.
Why Does Drylok Turn Yellow?
The applied Drylok turns yellow because there is still moisture or vapor coming out from the surface.
This situation also indicates that you have a more complicated problem than simple water infiltration. For the best solution, contact professionals to have it checked and have the problem fixed properly.
What Happens If You Put Drylok Over Paint?
If you apply Drylok over paint, the reaction will depend on the type of paint you use.
If the paint is oil-based or latex-based, the product will not be able to penetrate the tiny holes of the porous surface, so the purpose of waterproofing will not happen as it will just cling onto the existing paint.
However, cementitious types of waterproofing paint will not interfere with the sealing function of Drylok.
Do You Need To Prep For Drylok?
Yes, you should prep the surface for Drylok. This is an essential part of the process as it ensures that the area is ready and the sealant will properly bond to the wall. To do so, you will need to remove any existing paint using a wire brush, chisel, or sandblasting.
Can Drylok Be Used On Damp Walls?
Yes, it is possible to use Drylok on damp walls. The surface should be slightly damp and not wet. However, if you want the best result, try waiting for the surface to be completely dry first.
In Summary
Drylok has many advantages. The application of the product is not complex and can be done as a DIY project.
Drylok also lowers humidity levels, eliminates smells that can occur due to trapped odor molecules, and comes in four colors (white, blue, gray, and beige). Aside from that, Drylok is durable, has an extended warranty period, and is economical.
On the other hand, Drylok is only a temporary solution and cannot withstand super intense pressure. It also takes time to dry and is not suitable for all surfaces.
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