Basement DryLok or not?

[brnbngls]

I'll be finsihing my basement soon. It's all 12' block. I was going to get a 5 gallon bucket of DryLock to seal it. When I mentioned that to some folks, they tell me that DryLok prevents the walls from "breathing" the way it was intended. Others have said if I want to finish it, I must use the DryLok. I've seen pictures of some of the basements ATOT users have done and wondered what your opinions are.

 

[xanis]

Well I can tell you that having moisture in the basement is unavoidable. I also have the cement block walls and I didn't put any DryLock on... I just use a decent dehumidifier (which I have to empty of water every so often) and I'm fine.

 

[conehead433]

I would say that if you live in an area that has frequent rain use the DryLok. The assertion that a basement can't breathe is kind of stupid since for the most part it is underground and obviously can't breathe.

 

[xanis]

Well let me add that I live in eastern Pennsylvania and we get a fair amount of rain in the summer. I've been using a dehumidifier for about two years now, and my basement has been dry and mold-free. DryLock isn't expensive or anything ($18 or so IIRC) but it takes time to put it on properly... I just empty my dehumidifier about twice a week, three times is there's been a lot of rain. I've heard good things about DryLock though, so my suggestion would be to get both just to play it safe.

 

[bctbct]

If you dont have a leak, you dont need drylock. Stuff does work BTW.

 

[Squisher]

I've always used it because it resists peeling when moisture seeps in through the walls.

You can't really expect drylok to stop water, but it's designed to hold up to dampness.

 

[markgm]

I sealed my basement with it when I moved in, it's poured concrete. It most likely still needs a dehumidfier, it just doesn't need to run as long. Easier to put it up and finish the basement than to finish it and then wish you did it!

 

[imported_Tick]

Do it, it's really cheap insurance.

 

[bctbct]

You guys do realize that there is waterproofing on the outside of the wall, and a crack in the wall normally a causes a leak and that if you drylock it now before the crack.....its going to leak anyway??

Want a dry basement. Keep the water away from your house through good drainage and placements of downspouts.

 

[creedog]

go with the drylock, never a bad idea. Athough the previous poster is spot on about making sure tha your downspouts drain away from the house.

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

Originally posted by: bctbct
You guys do realize that there is waterproofing on the outside of the wall, and a crack in the wall normally a causes a leak and that if you drylock it now before the crack.....its going to leak anyway??

Want a dry basement. Keep the water away from your house through good drainage and placements of downspouts.

exactly. my house had some seepage in the basement, but after keeping the gutters clean and running the downspouts out (underground) 50 feet, I've had zero leaking.