Waterproofing surfaces can be a tricky task as you try to figure out what products can use a waterproofing sealant and which cannot. Thus, we’ve come up with this guide to help send you in the right direction.
Below Grade
You can apply all-purpose Below Grade waterproofer as a primer on floors or walls, as long as there is no sign of hydrostatic pressure. For basement floors, one coat is recommended, while two coats are suggested for vertical walls. However, it should not be applied on exterior substrates.
Concrete
You can also use waterproofing products to seal concrete floors and bind dust particles before installing new carpet, tile, or hardwood flooring. It is compatible with most glues, thin-sets, and mastics needed to install these interior flooring products. It can additionally be used for tilt-up and cast-in-place concrete.
Adding to Paint
Waterproofing products are great for repainting residential or commercial properties. They bind chalky surfaces and can be applied on top of oil- or water-based coatings. Adding them to water-based paints can even improve the spread rate. The high-quality resin enhances the quality of the paint when adding 4 to 8 ounces per gallon of topcoat.
Brick
Waterproofers also work well to preserve brick buildings, so long as they are cleaned of any efflorescence before sealing. Any loose, fragile, or missing mortar joints will require tuckpointing before applying the waterproof products.
Fencing
You can even use waterproofer for sealing wood fencing—either as a clear finish coat or tinted to another color with exterior water-based paint. Try mixing it at a 1:1 ratio to create a solid color, or 1 part paint to 3 parts sealer for a semi-transparent stain.
Aluminum
Have dull aluminum? Waterproofer can also revive aluminum with a clear coat or work as a sealer/primer before repainting aluminum.
Roofing
While waterproofing products are not recommended for asphalt shingles, they work well on terracotta or barrel-tiled roofs to curtail mold and mildew formation. It works by sealing out the porosity of the substrate.
We don’t recommend using it for sealing pools, ponds, birdbaths, or fountains with standing water. Also, you would need a specialized sealer for use on exterior horizontal surfaces, like a driveway.
Try Seal-Krete Original All-Purpose Waterproofer for any general waterproofing needs. We also recommend Seal-Krete Clear-Seal Concrete Protective Sealer for exterior horizontal surfaces as a clear finish coat. Pro Painters, your Houston painting contractor, would love to take care of your waterproofing for you. Just give us a call and we are happy to help with any of your Houston exterior painting needs.
