How to Waterproof Cinder Block Basement Walls

Your cinder-block basement wall must be waterproofed to provide a proper home environment; otherwise, water will seep in through the walls of your basement. This water can cause structural damage and grow mold. By waterproofing your basement, you will be preventing health dangers and also costly repairs. Waterproofing can be done easily before it is too late. Following the proper steps will ensure a correct waterproofing of your basement cinder-block wall.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hydraulic cement
• Wire brush
• Sundry paint or DryLok
• Masonry paint brush
• Thick-nap roller

1. 1

   Prepare the surface by removing any dirt, loose mortar or efflorescence (white powdery substance). If there is currently oil-based paint on the walls, it must also be removed.

2. 2

   Patch any holes in the basement cinder-block wall with your hydraulic cement. Push the cement into the cracks and crevices, making sure to pack and seal. The cement becomes hard quickly, so be time-efficient. Allow the cement to dry before proceeding (usually 24 hours).

3. 3

   Use a masonry paint brush to apply the first coat of Sundry or DryLok paint to the cinder-block walls. Using your masonry brush, dip into the paint and stroke in any direction on the wall, covering the wall completely with paint, including all crevices in the block. This paint will go on much thicker than standard wall paint. Allow the first coat to dry 12 hours.

4. 4

   Cover the wall with a second and even third coat of paint to ensure a good layer of water protection in your basement. You can use a thick-nap roller to apply second or third coats. Make sure to keep applying layers of paint until you no longer see the pigment in the brick and there is a thick layer of paint on the brick.

Tips & Warnings

• If walls are damp but not wet, you can still apply waterproofing paint. Touch the wall with bare fingers to determine how wet it is; if your fingers come away dry, then it is okay to paint.
• Use a respirator when working with waterproofing paint and work in a well-ventilated area. Because basements are often difficult to vent, use one or two large fans to create a crosswind.

Resources

• DryLok Information

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on 12/3/2009 My cinder block wall is already damp from the moisture on the outside of the basement wall. Will the sealant still stick to it? If not, are there alternate methods of sealing the damp wall?

on 10/4/2009 Thanks to both of you!

on 10/4/2009 Thanks to both of you!

on 7/30/2009 I would use my material Hydro-Seal 75 modified epoxy coating. Hydro-Seal 75 is tested to withstand up to 40 PSI in Federal Specification TT-P-001411(at 40PSI, test block burst without visible leakage. Test results can be sent upon request. Hydro-Seal 75 is also applied like paint with rollers and brushes, after simple 1 to 1 mixing, and 2 coats are require. The 1st coat penetrates and bonds deep in the pores of the block or concrete it is applied to. The 2nd coat bonds to the 1st coat forming a pinhole free barrier of waterproof protection. Hydro-Seal 75 is solvent free, exceeding LEED requirements for emitting paint, odorless, water base, and allows some vapor transmission which eliminates peeling or bubbling due to moisture. Hydro-Seal 75 can also be applied to damp surfaces.
Manufacturer Northern Industries Inc, Coventry RI
www.northerncoatings.com