Why is my DRYLOK peeling?

Author: Dr. Joseph Harris I  |  Last update: Thursday, February 5, 2026

The damp is the problem that is causing the flaking, and therefore the sealant will simply get wet again and start to come off. The real issue is that your home is not properly waterproofed. If it was, moisture would not get trapped in your interior foundation walls at all, and could not cause the flaking.

Why is my concrete wall flaking?

Flaking or spalling of concrete surfaces is caused by a deficiency of the concrete which is almost always related to some kind of water problem. When concrete is first poured it needs to be placed and troweled. This placement process can raise water to the surface of the new concrete. If the concrete is overworked.

What is the problem with DRYLOK?

As Drylok is an indoor waterproofing sealant, it does not last forever. Drylok comes with a 7-15-year warranty, and while this is a very long time, it does mean that you may have to renew this sealant again in the future. Give AK Water Works a call to discuss a more permanent option.

Why is my cinder block crumbling in my basement?

If your basement wall is crumbling, you likely have an advanced case of spalling caused by drainage issues, freezing and thawing cycles, minerals in your concrete, or improper building techniques. In extreme cases, your basement may crumble because of uneven foundation settling.

How long does DRYLOK stay good?

Q. How long will DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofer maintain its effectiveness? A. When applied according to directions, DRYLOK® Original Masonry Waterproofer is warranted for 10 years, DRYLOK® Extreme Masonry Waterproofer is warranted for 15 years, and DRYLOK® Floor & Wall Masonry Waterproofer is warranted for 7 years.

HOW TO DryLok a Basement Wall / AND WHY

Is there anything better than Drylok?

Superior Waterproofing Performance: Crystalline Waterproofing offers a higher level of waterproofing performance compared to Drylok Extreme. Its crystalline technology penetrates into the concrete, forming insoluble crystals that block capillary pores and microcracks, effectively preventing water penetration.

What is the warranty on Drylok?

United Gilsonite Laboratories (UGL®) warrants DRYLOK® Original Masonry Waterproofer, when applied according to directions on a properly prepared bare masonry surface, will provide a waterproof coating for ten (10) years from the date of application, warranty includes subsequent owners.

How to fix flaking concrete?

The following are the most common repair options for spalling concrete:
  1. Concrete overlays. Concrete overlays involve the application of a thin layer of new concrete over the existing damaged concrete surface. ...
  2. Topical sealers. ...
  3. Penetrating sealers. ...
  4. Concrete replacement.

How to fix deteriorating cinder block?

Crumbling cinder block - how to fix?
  1. Pull away the loose pieces.
  2. Use a wire brush to clean up the inside of the block 'faces'
  3. Cut metal mesh and adhere it to the back-side/far side of the block.
  4. Completely fill with strong concrete mix/repair mix.
  5. Even out the exterior face.
  6. Repaint.

What causes concrete blocks to disintegrate?

What causes concrete blocks to crack and disintegrate? Cracking in concrete elements, in this case, blocks, is usually either movement or drying shrinkage. Disintegration may be freeze-thaw action, or something wrong with the material itself. Salt attack can cause the material to fret away by various effects.

How many coats of Drylok should I do?

A minimum of 2 coats is required for the fully transferable warranty to apply. Now, inspect the surface for any remaining pinholes and fill them in. If it still leaks, a random pore or pinhole is still open. Find it and fill it.

Why is Drylok turning yellow?

A The yellowish stains leaching through the coats of Drylok and primer on your walls are an indication that water in either liquid or vapor form still is entering your basement. So you have two problems: One is the water infiltration; the other has to do with eliminating the staining on the walls.

Does Drylok extreme cause mold?

While both of our traditional Oil Base and Latex Base DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofers are inert coatings, which mean they will not promote the growth of mold/​mildew, DRYLOK® Extreme has a mildewcide additive to further prevent the potential for mold/​mildew growth on the dry paint film under extreme situations.

How do you fix peeling walls?

  1. Why Does Paint Peel? When you're learning how to fix paint chips on a wall, it helps to know the cause of the issue. ...
  2. Prepare the Area and Remove Paint. Old paint can chip, flake or peel. ...
  3. Patch the Wall. ...
  4. Sand the Patched Areas. ...
  5. Clean Off Sanded Dust and Apply Primer. ...
  6. Paint the Patch to Match the Wall.

Why is the top layer of my concrete flaking off?

Water Damage: Repeated freeze-thaw cycles can cause water to expand within the concrete, leading to flaking. Poor Concrete Mix: Insufficient cement in the mix can lead to a weak top layer, prone to flaking. Rapid Drying: If the concrete dries too quickly after being poured, the surface can become weak and flaky.

What does spalling look like?

You will generally see chipping, flaking, or peeling, and brick material falling from the wall or other structures affected by spalling. Texturally, it's commonly brittle, fragile, or crumbly. These effects become more pronounced as the spalling progresses and the brick continues deteriorating.

What is the life expectancy of a cinder block?

If the conditions are right, concrete building blocks have a lifespan of 100 years or more. This makes them a very durable building material. Indeed, concrete created during the Roman Empire can still be found today, which demonstrates how long-lasting it can be.

Can crumbling cinder block be repaired?

But while cinder block walls may seem intimidating to fix, making reparations is simple if you have the right tools. As long as you assess the damage and fill or replace the affected area, your wall will be restored to good condition again.

How do you strengthen a cinder block wall?

How to reinforce a concrete block retaining wall
  1. Steel reinforcement. This involves placing reinforcing steel elements within the concrete block wall. ...
  2. Grout filling. Grout is used to fill the cores of the concrete blocks. ...
  3. Post-tensioning. ...
  4. Shotcrete reinforcement. ...
  5. Masonry anchors and ties.

Why is my concrete sealer flaking?

When a concrete sealer flakes, it is usually because of one of the following reasons: The concrete was not dry enough when the sealer was applied. If the concrete it too wet, flaking occurs because the sealant cannot bond properly to the surface. The concrete stain was not neutralized in advance.

Why does my concrete paint keep peeling?

What Causes Concrete Floor Paint to Peel? Inappropriate coating for the amount or type of wear and exposure the floor will receive. Poor adhesion, which often occurs when hardeners are added to the concrete. Efflorescence, which occurs as water moves through concrete and leaches alkali.

How do you seal flaky concrete?

If this is the case, remove all flaky material by means of a high pressure washer or vigorous scrubbing over the surface. Once dry, apply two diluted coats of sealer followed by a straight coat.

What are the disadvantages of DRYLOK?

The problem with Drylok is not price, it's performance. As we've established (and Drylok admits), Drylok isn't really a waterproofing material, it doesn't adhere to concrete, it doesn't block out moisture, and still requires more material to cover less space.

Does DRYLOK need to be shaken?

Stir Product Thoroughly: Before application, stir the DRYLOK product vigorously to achieve a consistent texture and ensure uniform coverage.

Can I paint over DRYLOK?

Absolutely. In fact, DRYLOK® makes an ideal base coat. After applying DRYLOK®, wait at least 24 hours and then paint it with a good quality latex top coat.

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