I have recently decided to re-paint my basement walls with some waterproof paint in order to help brighten the place up a bit. The walls are 8″ CMU and I have now noticed that along several mortar joints that there appears to be some moisture trapped behind my new paint job. It has discolored the paint and turned it brown along the mortar joints. Some are so bad that they are beginning to turn black. The interesting thing is that it is encapsulated behind the paint. Has anyone else had this problem and what can I do to remedy the situation?
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Replies
Waterproof paint? Like pool paint?
This will keep the water on the side it is originating from. It will not stick well to the cement (as you have found out by the blisters) if the water is coming through the walls. You indicated that it was blistering from the mortar joints, so I assume we are talking about block walls. Traping the water in a block wall may fill the cavities with water.
You will have to take care of the drainage problem first. Most foundation leaks are caused by bad grading around the house. If you have a possitive slope away from the foundation all the way around the house then look to see for cracks in your foundation.
There are epoxies that will cure leaks. Some can be applied without digging. Consult with a foundation expert in epoxy fixes.
jet -
the paint i used was for basement walls - "dry lock" i believe. it is really thick and has a texture to it. anyways, it sticks great to the block and it is not blistering at all. it is merely discoloring along some of the mortar joints.