Can You Drylok A Basement Floor?

Basements can be challenging to maintain. Temperature, humidity, and water affect the basement concrete over time. The damages will be costly if you do not have extra protection, especially to the basement floor. We have researched from the experts if you can Drylok your basement floor and here's what they say.

When finishing your basement floor, you can use Drylok. Drylok prevents water and moisture seepage by waterproofing the basement floor. To get the most of Drylok, you have to prepare the basement surface before applying. With Drylok, you can keep the basement floor in good condition.

For the product to be effective, you have to follow the product's instructions. There are specific surfaces on which you can waterproof with Drylok. In the long run, the benefits of using Drylok outweigh the cost. Read more to find out how Drylok can help your basement floor issues.

A worker spreading waterproofing on the concrete floor, Can You Drylok A Basement Floor?

Why Is It Important To Drylok A Basement Floor?

A basement will not be appealing and functional if there is water intrusion on the floor, especially as concrete is a porous material that allows water inside an area. Any water or moisture in your basement floor cause accidents and health risks.

Waterproofing your basement floor is one way to get rid of water and moisture. Using Drylok, which has been a household brand for waterproofing concrete floors and walls, will help prevent water in the basement and further issues in the future.

For your basement floors, use Drylok Floor & Wall Masonry Waterproofer. The product bonds to the masonry surface while resisting water pressure. You can also use this treatment before applying it to certain types of paint. Oil- or latex-based paints for the interiors are not a good match with Drylok.

If you are new to waterproofing, Drylok is your best choice. To help you decide, read below why Drylok works well for basement floors.

Benefits Of Using Drylok

Remember that your main goal is keeping the basement suitable for your family activities. It is crucial to avoid water damage problems in your basement. Skipping waterproofing for your basement will cost you more.

Here are some benefits of using Drylok for basement floors:

  • Prevents water and moisture in concrete that damages the basement's structural integrity.
  • Protects against the warping of wooden fixtures and corrosion of metals.
  • Reduces microorganism growth in your basement, which causes health risks for your family. The dampness is a viable breeding ground for molds and mildews.
  • Aside from microorganisms, you can prevent efflorescence on the basement surfaces.
  • Withstands the wear and tear of floors due to the high foot traffic.
  • Proper application of Drylok warrants the waterproofing effectiveness for up to 7, 10, or 15 years.

From the benefits mentioned, you might already want to buy that gallon of Drylok. After all, choosing Drylok for waterproofing should always align with your needs.

On Which Surfaces Can I Use Drylok?

Before waterproofing, you must know the suitable surfaces on which to apply Drylok.

According to UGL, you should not use Drylok on surfaces other than exposed masonry or concrete basement floor. Hence, you cannot use Drylok for wooden or metal surfaces. Here are the surfaces on which you can use Drylok:

  • Concrete floors
  • Masonry walls
  • Brick
  • Stone
  • Terra Cotta
  • Stucco
  • Cement
  • Split face blocks

If you apply Drylok on surfaces not mentioned in the list, you will not get any results. Ask your contractor for a suitable waterproofing treatment for other basement surfaces.

How Do I Prepare My Basement For Drylok?

After checking if your basement is a suitable surface, you must make it ready for application. Drylok is effective if you prepare your basement floor. Aside from the goal of waterproofing, preparing the surface is essential to avail of the full warranty.

To prepare your basement, follow these tips:

  1. Clean the basement to get rid of dust, dirt, grease, and oil on the surface.
  2. Keep the surface dry before applying Drylok.
  3. Check any trapped moisture in places where you find cracks and holes.
  4. Fill and seal the cracks and holes on the surface with Drylok Fast Plug.
  5. Remove old paint with a wire brush or a sandblaster.
  6. Set the basement temperature at 50° Fahrenheit and keep the humidity level low. As much as possible, apply Drylok during dry and rain-free seasons.
  7. Use Drylok Etch to remove the salt deposits and excess mortar on the surface. Another option is using muriatic acid. Then, rinse and dry the surface.

Always refer to the specific product requirements. You have to follow the conditions of the warranty for effective protection. Preparation is key to get the benefits of waterproofing your basement floor with Drylok.

How Much Drylok Do I Need?

Aside from preparing the surface, it would also help to account for how much Drylok you need. Basement floor sizes vary, and you might need more Drylok for wider areas. Hence, with the wider floor area, you will also need a bigger budget.

  • For Drylok Floor & Wall Masonry Waterproofer, a gallon covers around 90 to 100 square feet.
  • Both Drylok Original Masonry Waterproofer and Extreme Masonry Waterproofer cover 75 to 100 square feet per gallon.

The porosity of the surface also affects the amount of Drylok you need. You can check the porosity by sprinkling some water on the floor. You can also check porosity using a relative humidity meter or a calcium chloride kit. The more porous is the surface, the more Drylok you will need.

How Many Coats Of Drylok Should I Do?

The warranty agreement states the minimum coating as one of the conditions. You need to apply at least 2 coats of Drylok so you can avail of the full transferable warranty. Failing to follow the required coatings will not allow you to refund or replace the product.

When applying the first coat, it is best to use a roller or a brush. You can opt to use a sprayer only after the second coat.

Here are the steps to follow when applying Drylok on the basement floor:

  1. After preparing the surface, apply Drylok with a roller or a brush.
  2. Leave the surface dry for at least 4 hours for light traffic areas. For areas with higher traffic, wait for at least 24 hours.
  3. Apply the second coat.
  4. After coating, check for spots that need more Drylok.

Does Drylok Come In Colors?

Drylok can come in different colors. Unlike ordinary paints, there is a limited color selection for Drylok. The range of colors available differs for each Drylok variant.

For Drylok Original Masonry Waterproofer, there are 4 pre-mixed colors and 6 tints. Below is the list of colors and tints available for this variant:

  • Colors - White, gray, beige, and blue
  • Tints - Platinum, sand, soft pink, buttercup, mint green, and slate blue

For Drylok Extreme Masonry Waterproofer, it is only available in bright white. For the tints, there is an extended palette that includes beige, blue, and gray.

Even with the limited colors available, you can still add some personality to your basement floor. If the colors available is not your style, you can paint over the Drylok coating. As long as the paint is compatible with Dyrlok, you can choose any color that you want for your basement floor.

In Closing

Drylok is a must when finishing your basement. With the threat of water damage, your basement floor will not maintain its good condition. The concrete basement floor is porous, which allows water to stay on the surface. Remember that you can only use Drylok on exposed masonry and concrete surfaces.

You have to prepare the basement before applying Drylok. Follow the instructions of the product, especially the minimum required coatings. You need two coats so that you can avail of the full warranty. If you worry about style, you can still select from the ready-mixed color range.

Start waterproofing your basement floors with Drylok now!

2 Comments

  1. This was very informative about dryloc application. I help my husband with houses he rents and I have used it on walls never floors. I now have a nasty basement floor to work on. He fixes the problems and I make them look good. ty

  2. This information is very helpful for my basement.. I will differently be trying it. My basement is getting bad, it has been for years now. My parents started it, but not able to finish it…

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