Fishroom v2.0: concrete foundation walls

[User]

Hi guys

Im currently starting my fishroom v2.0 build- I moved into a new house and have a 14x20 basement space that has concrete foundation walls on two sides

question: should I coat the concrete with drylok, or leave it uncovered and rely on ventilation and moisture management to prevent condensation and damage?

Obviously I’ll have the moisture management in place regardless, but should I coat the walls first?

I only ask because I’ve had cinder blocks as tank stands in my old fishroom for 4 years and there is zero sign of any issues, despite the occasional spill. Can concrete stand up to saltwater air as long as I keep the humidity down?
Thanks

Old fishroom with block stands

 

[lapin]

Yes it can up to a degree. If you want piece of mind coat the walls. It is an easy job with a roller

 

[Billdogg]

I'm a big fan of Dryloc. I'd suggest at least 2 coats. Great stuff! I'd also make sure you cover the ceiling with something to keep the moisture away from all that insulation

 

[User]

I'm a big fan of Dryloc. I'd suggest at least 2 coats. Great stuff! I'd also make sure you cover the ceiling with something to keep the moisture away from all that insulation

Yep- going with green board, 2 coats of killz2 and then a bathroom latex paint.
I used the same combo on my plywood walls in my first fishroom- which I am
Having to demolish because the realtor thinks it’ll affect sales price. Anyway. I pulled a panel and the wall behind it had zero indication of moisture after 3.5 years

 

[User]

Holy cow- I just found out you can tint drylok, and one of the colors is very close to UNC Tar Heels blue.

done!

 

[User]

Slow going but making a little progress

 

[User]

Walls are done. Pipe hangers and plumbing next.

 

[Jekyl]

Dehumidifier is about the same price as a 5gal bucket of drylok.

 

[User]

Dehumidifier is about the same price as a 5gal bucket of drylok.

Dehumidifier wouldn’t serve the primary purpose for painting the walls- which was dust, spalling and effervescence control.

 

[Billdogg]

Dehumidifier is about the same price as a 5gal bucket of drylok.

Yes it is. And IMHO, you need both. Or a vent with humidistat to get rid of the moisture. The dryloc will prevent the wicking of moisture in to the room through the cement.

 

[User]

Yes it is. And IMHO, you need both. Or a vent with humidistat to get rid of the moisture. The dryloc will prevent the wicking of moisture in to the room through the cement.

Ventilation is already planned. 6” in line blower controlled with a humidistat.

the drylok was for spalling, effervescence and dust control. I had my wood workshop in my old basement and I would have to vacuum up fine concrete dust pretty much weekly.

My fishroom that I built out in that house had ventilation and never got above 60% humidity. I didn’t run a dehumidifyer and the walls never had any moisture condense on them. They were insulated however.