A friend of mine has an old concrete foundation that he wants to install beadboard wainscoting over. There is a slight moisture problem in one area where the concrete is damp after it’s been raining. Is there a water treatment that he can apply to the inside concrete to block the moisture? And aside from priming the back of the beadboard, is there anything else that can be done to protect it from a future moisture problem?
I think he intends to use a spar varnish on the front side of the beadboard. Can he use that on the backside in lieu of a primer?
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Applying anything on the negative pressure side, as you're suggesting, is only treating the symptoms, not the problem. Start outside by evaluating the grade and downspouts or lack thereof. What you have here sounds like a drainage issue.
ptp,I didn't go into all the details, but yes, I believe you're right. There is a downspout that dumps water out on a concrete walkway at the corner of the house. There are cracks in the walkway that could be causing the problem. I suggested that he seal those up and maybe put an extension on the downspout at the ground.Assuming that solves the problem, are there water sealers that can be applied to the interior wall that actually work? Is primer on the backside of the tongue and groove beardboard sufficient to protect it if the wall becomes damp occasionally?Thanks for posting!
Have you looked into Drylock?http://www.ugl.com/drylokMasonry/masonryWaterproofer/latex.php The outside needs addressed as well.Chuck Slive, work, build, ...better with wood
Drylok is the product of choice for waterproofing the interior of a foundation. It will cut down on seepage if the exterior is properly graded. I think that in the situation you describe, I would use Drylok on the foundation and back prime the paneling.
ptp,Drylok sounds like the product of choice. I'll recommend this to my friend. As well as back priming the paneling.Thanks for posting!