Looking for the best waterproofing paint is a struggle every house owner goes through. The constant struggle to keep the garage walls and basement dry is frustrating.
Not only it causes certain health hazards, but in a home, it also causes structural problems and promotes the growth of allergens, molds, and pests which might carry different types of diseases.
So, the best way to avoid this is to waterproof the basement walls. Two of the most dominant brands are Blue Max and Drylok, but deciding which one to pick is a tough choice.
A Quick Comparison Table
Since both brands do a remarkable job at waterproofing basements and preventing leaks, and creating a barrier to stop water from seeping in, let’s look at the key differences between them to get a better idea:
| Specifications | Blue Max | Drylok |
| Coverage per 100 sq. ft | One coat per gallon | Two coats, over two gallon |
| Water Pressure | 80 psi | 10 psi plus resists hurricane winds of 98 mph. |
| ICF Approved | Yes | Unspecified |
| Warranty | 20 years | 15 years |
Key Differences Between Blue Max And Drylok
While waterproofing paints certainly help to keep the basement dry, they have their own specialties. Let’s look at the main variance between these two and help you figure out which one to go for.
- Interior Vs. Exterior
The outer part of the wall and the inner part, are the two places where measures can be taken to stop water from penetrating the basement walls.
Interior sealing requires the inner part of the basement wall to be coated with a sealant that is waterproof.
Exterior sealing is more expensive since it requires more labor, equipment, and time.
Digging below grade, uncovering the foundation, and sealing or shielding it with a protective layer are all steps in the exterior sealing process.
Drylok Extreme can be used both on the interior and exterior walls. Application to the positive and negative sides of the wall can be done seamlessly.
Ames Blue Max on the other hand is ultraviolet sensitive. It, therefore, needs to be coated on the top for exposure to sunlight. So, prior to external application, top coating for protection from UV light is mandatory.
Other than this, along with the basement, it can be used for foundations, sealing cellars, below-grade walls, and ICF coating.
However, when it comes to ponds, fountains, or pools, it certainly is not recommended.
- Adhesion
The adhesion of Blue Max is undoubtedly one f its kind. It works incredibly well by creating an air-barrier membrane that stops fungus, mildew, and mold from growing and spreading by stopping them from getting enough oxygen. It has an adhesion of 198.8 psi.
Drylok does not have any such special adhesive properties.
- Application
Before application, it is important to ensure that the entire area has been dried completely. Next, cleaning the area is necessary to get the best output. If there is any presence of mold, remove it.
Efflorescence, other coatings, and old paints must also be removed before waterproofing to make sure that the adhesion of the paint is proper.
Plug any cracks and holes with hydraulic cement to stop water from coming inside the basement.
Reseal doors and windows. Now the basement is ready for the application of the waterproof coating.
When it comes to application, Drylok does not need any special skill set. Stir well and avoid thinning, and ensure that the temperature while painting is 50°F.
After applying the first coat, wait for two to three hours for it to dry properly. Then apply the second coat.
Ames Blue Max is at its finest when it is applied with a roller. The special adhesive and the high-strength liquid rubber flow smoothly into crevices and cracks.
It builds up a strong rubber to seal leaks in places where they occur which can stretch up to 1200% in order to prevent cracking or peeling in moist conditions.
Which One Is Better For You?
Now, deciding which one to pick for your basement is more of a personal choice and preference. Since both companies have their own advantages and disadvantages, weighing the pros and cons might be one way to do it.
Ames Blue Max certainly does wonders for covering up holes and cracks moles due to the adhesive property of the high strength that flows directly onto those spots and creates a strong rubber that seals everything properly.
However, one of the most concerning parts is its longevity.
According to some of the recent reviews of Ames Blue Max, it does not last as it used to in earlier times even though the company claims otherwise.
If it gets exposed to the alkalinity of concrete, the product starts to disintegrate, making the whole daunting process useless.
Therefore, after around two years, the entire wall where Ames Blue Max was applied for waterproofing, started to blister, and disintegrate. This means that you must redo the whole basement once again 2 years later.
Now, if you are someone who moves frequently, then this is not a problem at all and can go for the Ames Blue Max waterproofing without any second thought.
However, if you are a house owner who plans on living in that house for a long period of time, then Drylok is certainly the right choice for your basement.
Whether you choose to do the coating on the inside, or on both the inside and the outer part for better protection is completely up to you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Both Ames Blue Max and Drylok Extreme are amazing. But in general, considering the internal part of the basement, Blue Max’s adhesive property is unbeatable and is better.
Yes, with latex paint, Blue Max can be painted over after around seven to ten days of the application.
It varies a little depending on the weather and thickness of the layer, but usually, Blue Max dries within 2 hours.
Without a doubt, Drylok Extreme works very well for basement walls.
Conclusion
To sum up, there is no alternative to protect your basement without waterproofing it. Blue Max vs. Drylok is a heated conversation when it’s about waterproofing, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to an individual’s situation and planning.
Whether they plan to move out soon or settle down, the short-term, and long-term goals regarding the house are a huge factor in picking the right one from Blue Max vs. Drylok within a suitable price range.
I find your comments to be very contradicting and therefore not helpful.
For example, you say Blue Max is vulnerable to the alkalinity of cement (duh) and deteriorates after 2 years, yet under your “quick review chart” you state that Blue Max has a 20-year warranty, whereas Dry Lock only has a 15-year warranty.
These kinds of comments are NOT helpful……….sorry