I'm dealing with some efflorescence on my basement walls after the previous owner painted them with something that's now flaking off. While I know that DryLok isn't the solution, I'm looking for recommendations on what to do next. We're planning on improving the outside drainage, converting a swell into a French drain and fixing other grading issues. However, I need advice on what to do with the interior walls after scraping off that old paint. I've heard that DryCon might be better since it's supposed to 'breathe' and not trap moisture like DryLok, but I'm unsure since it's marketed as a waterproof barrier too. I'm concerned that anything impermeable might cause the same issues. Has anyone actually used DryCon and seen positive results? I'm particularly worried about potential water penetration, especially since my house is at the bottom of a hill, and I don't want to risk damaging the foundation by trapping moisture in the walls.
1 Answer
Your concern about moisture is valid, especially for indoor air quality, though it might not damage the foundation right away. It’s a good idea to wait and see if your exterior fixes really address the issues before applying more coatings. Minimizing additional layers is generally best in this case.
So would you recommend just scraping the old paint and making minor repairs with a standard wall mix instead of going for any waterproofing solutions?