Waterproofing Paint to Protect Interior and Exterior Walls
The interior and exterior walls of any home are vulnerable to the effects of moisture. Though most walls will last a long time in good conditions, rain, humidity, and leaks can really reduce their life expectancy. That’s where waterproofing paint comes in. Want to learn more? Keep reading!
There has always been a need to protect certain structures from the effects of water absorption. That’s why you’ll see so many products and techniques today that exist solely to prevent that problem.
One of the most popular options right now, though, is waterproofing paint. It’s relatively cheap and very easy to apply yourself. It also has some other great benefits. We’ll go into more detail about them below.
What is waterproofing paint?
Waterproofing paint is a type of paint that exists to seal and protect your interior and exterior walls by keeping them from absorbing any water. The nice thing about this is that it keeps them permeable, it just doesn’t let the water in, which keeps your walls from deteriorating from the moisture.
Characteristics of waterproofing paint
- It’s made of synthetic components.
- It comes ready-to-use. That being said, you may need to dilute it if you need it to go deeper into a wall.
- It’s extremely durable in dry climates–up to 5 years.
- It’s great for protecting both interior and exterior walls.
- It dries quickly and is very easy to apply.
What are the advantages of waterproofing paint?
On top of everything we just mentioned, this type of paint also has some other benefits worth mentioning. For example:
- When you apply it to the wall, it creates a layer that lets the wall breathe and dry, which helps block moisture.
- It prevents the spread of mildew and damp, even when the problem is coming from the other side of the wall.
- It effectively reduces the capillary absorption levels of water.
- Plus, it can handle atmospheric and ground humidity without causing bubbles or peeling.
- Once dry, you can paint over it with water, latex, oil, or synthetic paint.
Why is it a good idea to use waterproofing paint?
All the benefits we’ve mentioned should be reason enough for you to consider using it. But if you’re looking for reasons why it’s important, remember that most houses have issues with moisture, whether big or small.
Sooner or later, it will start to wear down the surfaces of your walls. The paint will start to peel off and the actual construction materials will start to deteriorate. It will also lead to bad odors and ugly water stains that can end up spreading.
But beyond the aesthetic side of things we just mentioned, having moisture problems in your home can also be a health issue. That won’t be the case for everyone, but exposure to mildew and microorganisms can certainly cause respiratory problems and trigger allergies. This is why it’s best to prevent the problem before it starts.
A description of the product
The specific description of a waterproofing paint may vary depending on the manufacturer. One of the most common ones on the market has a liquid latex base. This makes it specifically for use on surfaces with water and moisture issues.
The nice thing about these is that they work for both interior and exterior surfaces. You can also use them on a variety of materials, like cement and stone, along with brick and wood.
They come in various forms and sizes. But basically, one gallon should usually cover roughly 300 square feet. You need to stir the contents well before you start applying it to anything, though, for best results. You should also keep it well-sealed whenever you’re not using it (even for small amounts of time) to keep it fresh.
If you want to apply a second coating, you should wait 4-6 hours. The outer surface usually takes about three hours to dry. But remember, all this does is keep the water from coming in. If there are any holes or cracks in your wall, you need to repair those first, with the right kinds of product.
Tips
There are some tips worth following if you want your waterproofing paint to be effective. There are also some safety measures you need to know about when you’re handling it.
- Don’t use it on painted surfaces.
- You can use it on damp surfaces, but not surfaces that are damp within.
- If you live in an especially damp climate, you should reapply it every two years.
- Because it has aggressive chemical components, you need to use a proper face mask and glasses when you’re applying it.
- For the same reasons, you need to make sure the place you’re using it is well-ventilated.
- This is a flammable substance, so never, ever smoke near it.
- Never leave it in reach of children or pets.
Still haven’t figured out what to do about moisture problems in your home? Give this product a try and see for yourself how wonderfully it works!