Drylock Masonry Waterproofer for Sealing Basement

September 29, 2015, by Debra Lynn Dadd

Question from Bonnie

Hi Debra,

My basement walls are concrete and need to be washed down for mildew and then painted with drylock. I hear it is very toxic. Even being out of the house for a week I am fearful.

Is there any other basement paint/sealer that is less toxic to use? Someone mentioned Sherwin Williams having something like that but I called and no one sounded like they knew. It is an old basement with just small upper windows for ventelation.

Thanks.

Debra's Answer

I looked at the MSDS for Drylock and can see why you are concerned.

It contains several VOCs, including Diethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether, which is one of those hazardous chemicals required by law to be reported if released into the environment (here’s the whole list if you are curious).

Better to use something nontoxic.

Fortunately, someone has already compiled the list: Green Building Supply: Concrete & Masonry Sealer