The Truth About Waterproofing Paint
This society is full of misnomers. That 0.7mm lead you load into your mechanical pencil is not made from lead but graphite, when you smack your funny bone, you’re not actually hitting a bone at all but the ulnar nerve, and Chinese checkers is a German-invented game with absolutely no roots in traditional checkers. You can imagine how nervous it makes us when we see DIYers putting their faith in something called “waterproofing paint” to solve their moisture problems.
What is waterproofing paint?
Waterproof paint, also called waterproofing paint, is a type of house paint, different than exterior painting, that has become increasingly popular among homeowners. It is ideal for areas within a home that experience a lot of moisture, such as bathrooms, because it stops the moisture in the air from penetrating the walls, within which it can promote the growth of mold and mildew. By creating a water-resistant or waterproof layer on the external most layer of the wall, the paint is able to prevent future moisture problems.
What’s the problem with waterproofing paint?
The problem is not in the paint but in the way it is often used. Some homeowners notice moisture problems in their basements and decide to coat their basement walls in waterproofing paint. Unfortunately, this does not fix the problem and may even cause more moisture issues in the future. Putting a new coat of paint on the walls is a temporary solution whether that paint is earmarked as waterproofing or not because it addresses the symptom, not the cause.
Imagine that water is finding its way through your basement walls and into your basement. Now put a waterproof layer around the inside of the walls. Can you guess what will probably happen? By waterproofing the wall interiors, homeowners are trapping the water inside the walls, where it can continue to wreak havoc on the foundation. Instead, the source of the intrusion must be found and corrected.
Identifying the cause of water intrusion is one of the trickiest parts of home maintenance. Water building up in one wall on the second story may be getting in through a roof leak on the other side of your home. Similarly, moisture getting into your basement could indicate a large number of problems. The best decision you can make to keep your home’s foundation strong and dry is to consult basement waterproofing professionals when a moisture problem occurs.
The foundation experts at Zablocki Waterproofing can take care of your basement waterproofing and foundation repair needs. Contact us online for a free cost estimate.