Waterproofing Basement how to?

[wednesday13]

Need to waterproof my exposed basement ceiling. I've thought of paint obiously, but what would hold up under extreme circumstances? Toying the idea of 10-20mil. plastic with chaulking at the edges. Someone suggested I use drywall for shower ceilings. Any ideas and or past experience are much appreciated.

 

[nolapete]

Ame's Research Blue Max or Permadri Rubber Coat

 

[wednesday13]

yeah I figured i'd end up coming to Ames Blue Max and could try a build with it to kill 2 birds with one stone. Its fairly expensive, but i'd rather pay now than pay in 2 years when my house is ruined ha. Thanks Pete

 

[nolapete]

Blue Max is cheap. About the same prices as a good latex paint.

 

[kallmond]

You could also try Drylok. Why do you need to waterproof the ceiling?

 

[krisisdog]

You could also try Drylok. Why do you need to waterproof the ceiling?

High humidity, condensation....

 

[kallmond]

In my opinion, ventilation is a better option than waterproofing to handle humidity.

 

[nolapete]

In my opinion, ventilation is a better option than waterproofing to handle humidity.

Not really. All ventilation does is slow the problem. You need both. Waterproofing protects from damage.

Blue Max is designed for waterproofing basements and other stuff.

 

[kallmond]

Pete, when you're talking about 4300 gallons, or a 104 degree hot tub, I agree with you completely. But if we're talking about a 300 gallon at 80 degrees with lids, I just don't see where waterproofing will do more good than harm.

Its never going to be "waterproof", all its going to do is condense the humidity into drops which will then run to unventilated areas spurring mold and mildew.

While your gigantic tank (or a hot tub) might require a 3 foot attic fan to properly ventilate, I really believe air exchange to be better than trying to waterproof.

The solution is probably (as you said) somewhere in the middle of the two positions, protective coating on the surfaces (even latex paint) and air exchange.

I am not trying to argue with you, you have 1000x the experience in this area than I do and I acknowledge your position, I'm really just trying to further discussion for my own education.

 

[wednesday13]

Vents seem like a good idea additional to coatings. Blue Max is definetly my choice then. Im thinking 15 gallons should cover it with extra to play with, could be wrong though? My other dilemma is installing some sort of drain troughs for w/c's and any potential emergency lol. The distance needed is around 30-40ft. Here is what i've found so far.

View attachment drain.bmp