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Waterproofing Paint in Crawl Space

Waterproofing paint image

Applying Waterproofing Paint

Applying waterproofing paint in a crawl space can be extremely difficult, but is it worth it? The waterproofing paint manufacturing industry makes a great product. In many cases, the problem is not the waterproofing paint but how it is applied. The waterproofing paint has been tested to withstand water intrusion through cinder block walls and concrete at a certain psi when it is applied correctly.

Waterproofing Paint PSI

The PSI (Pounds per Inch) of most waterproofing paints are between 20 and 35. What this means is that the paint will resist water pushing through it (if properly applied) at the rated pounds per square inch. Here are the stats of a well reviewed waterproofing paint I found on the Home Depot website.

XYZ Brand 1 gal. Mold and Mildew-Proof Waterproofing White Oil Based Paint (Case of 2) ultra-low-odor formula designed to waterproof interior and exterior concrete. Waterproofing paint is guaranteed to stop up to 34 PSI of water pressure and prevents the growth of mold and mildew on the paint film for 5 years - guaranteed.

  • Use on interior and exterior concrete and masonry surfaces either above or below grade
  • Limited Lifetime waterproof guarantee and unique 5-years mold and mildew-proof paint film guarantee
  • Covers up to 100 sq. ft.
  • Bright white, non-gritty finish applies easily to dry walls with brush or roller
  • Prevents water seepage through cement, masonry and concrete block walls and basement floor slabs
  • Not recommended for foot traffic
  • Dries to the touch in 1 hour
  • Clean up with mineral spirits

Waterproofing Paint Cost

Given the information above, the paint sells for $29 a gallon when purchased in a 5 gallon pale. So you invest $145 to cover 500 square feet for 1 coat and $290 for 2 coats and $435 for 3 coats which is most likely the appropriate amount to apply. Instead of apply paint, why not use a plastic vapor barrier over the block wall in the crawl space?

Here is a video to help explain more:

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Do you need help with mold removalcrawl space encapsulationcrawl space insulationvapor barrierwaterproofingfoundation repairbasement waterproofing, or controlling humidity in your crawl space?

If you live in GeorgiaDelawareNorth CarolinaSouth CarolinaTennesseeOhio, or Kentucky, Crawl Space Ninja can help!

 

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About Michael Church

Michael Church has been involved with indoor air quality since 2005 and feels the unhealthy crawl space is one of the major problems causing poor indoor air quality.

11 Comments

  1. Jason on October 22, 2020 at 12:56 am

    I am curious what approach should be taken when working with a mud pad type concrete floor in crawlspace? I don’t know if a vapor barrier was installed bellow concrete or not? This is a non-vented crawl open to my basement via removed exterior windows. Crawlspace is underneath an addition.

    • Michael Church on October 28, 2020 at 12:15 pm

      Hi Jason, thanks for reaching out, here is a video we did about rat slabs, not sure if this helps but hopefully it will. https://youtu.be/oSR-lEvhZ7g

    • Lina on September 23, 2022 at 9:32 am

      Hi Jason. I am dealing with the same type of crawlspace situation and I am wondering what you ended up doing with yours? I am also not sure if a vapor barrier was installed below the concrete, but I feel like moisture seeps through the concrete and wondering how to insulate it. I am considering either a plastic barrier or rubber paint, and unsure which is best. Thank you.

  2. Jared on March 9, 2021 at 10:55 am

    What should I use to seal the floor joist/wood in my crawlspace?

  3. Keena Holt on May 2, 2021 at 9:39 pm

    Hello and thank you for your time. We desperately need help with a moldy crawl space. We live in a rural area in Arkansas with no one to help. I’d love some advice. Thank you.
    Keena Holt

  4. Kevin on October 12, 2022 at 4:18 pm

    I just moved to Tennessee from Cali. A crawl space is nothing I’ve ever had to deal with. Buying a brand new home that has a crawl space, actually pretty big, it has a normal door then slopes up to front of the house. It is covered with plastic (black). I want to use it for storage, can I cover with say plywood? Or do you have a cleaver idea? Thanks in advance.

  5. Tim Kaminski on March 23, 2023 at 8:00 pm

    Hello,

    I live in florida. Does this product resist WDO’s?

    • Michael Church on April 19, 2023 at 4:56 pm

      X70 Is capable of resisting molds and fungi but not other wood destroying organisms like termites. I am not aware of a waterproof paint that resists termites.

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