Peeling Paint and Why Waterproof Paint Isn’t the Answer

Peeling Paint

When it comes to home improvement, many homeowners will do their best to cut down the costs associated with bringing their visions to life. It is therefore common to find that many will opt for quick fixes to problems they encounter.

However, the basement is not a place for quick fixes. You can’t cut corners when it comes to ensuring good and long-lasting results in your basement.

Painting the Basement

When homeowners are faced with peeling paint in the basement, their first reaction is to use waterproof paint. Waterproof paint is designed to provide a waterproof barrier to prevent moisture and water from penetrating through to the surface.

Waterproof paint may seem like the perfect solution to the homeowner looking to save money. It is easy to use and it can be applied by either homeowner or a contractor. It is also inexpensive. However, it doesn’t offer an effective solution.

More Than Meets the Eye

Peeling paint isn’t a superficial problem. It is an indication of a moisture problem in the basement. Applying waterproof paint is a short term solution. The paint will eventually begin to peel and flake if the underlying moisture problem is not solved.

Keeping the Moisture at Bay

If you plan to spruce up your basement walls, it is important to invest in solutions that will keep the moisture out of the basement. The following are some solutions to consider:

1. Vapor barriers

Vapor barriers are installed along basement walls to keep moisture from seeping through the walls and causing havoc on the inside surface of the basement walls. Vapor barriers are a common method used for waterproofing basements.

2. Drain tile

Installing drain tile ensures that water from the surrounding soil is guided away from the basement walls. This keeps the basement walls dry and ensures that your paint job will remain intact.

3. Dehumidifier

Installing a dehumidifier in the space will ensure that you control the level of humidity in the basement. While waterproofing will keep moisture out of the basement, a dehumidifier will help to prevent moisture building up within the basement from other sources in the home.

Peeling paint is a sign of a deeper problem. Don’t be tempted to brush it off as a bad paint job. Be sure to contact a professional waterproofing contractor to help you identify the source of moisture and apply a long term solution for it.