#Best paint for cinder blocks professional#

If installing drywall panels, use moisture- and mildew-resistant drywall.Wood treated with alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ), a chemical that reduces rot, will corrode ordinary nails and screws, so all fasteners should be ACQ-compatible.

Use treated wood if the wood will come into contact with concrete, such as the wood floor plates of framed walls, or wood furring strips that attach directly to basement walls.

But if you’ve got the carpentry skills and want to DIY, know that local building codes often require the use of moisture-resistant and rot-resistant building materials in the basement.

#Best paint for cinder blocks professional#

Such a project requires a working knowledge of construction, so many homeowners hire a professional carpenter for the job. DO use wall construction materials designed for basements.īuilding new walls inside the existing concrete walls is the standard way of finishing basement walls. In some cases, taking steps to keep water away from the foundation, such as installing gutters and downspouts, will reduce basement humidity.įor visible leaks and standing water, waterproof your basement walls, which may include filling cracks or having an interior drain installed beneath the floor to direct water from leaks and seepage to a sump pump that will pump the water out. If the moisture test showed condensation but the walls feel dry to the touch, the solution might be as simple as rolling on a coat of masonry sealant, such as DRYLOK Masonry Waterproofer before painting basement concrete walls.

If condensation is present inside of the plastic, there’s a moisture problem. Then remove the tape and examine the sheeting. Tape a 1-foot by 1-foot square of plastic sheeting (plastic kitchen wrap will do) to the concrete wall in your basement with duct tape, and leave it in place for 24 hours. A simple DIY test will help you to find out. DON’T finish walls until the basement is dry.Įven if your basement walls have no visible cracks or leaks you may still have moisture issues. What’s more, not getting a permit can hold up the sale of your home: When prospective buyers discover that your basement doesn’t match the description recorded in the county records, they may be unwilling to make an offer. You may need to eventually pay a steep fine or have to remove the walls and other updates if the local building authority finds out. If you’re going to build new walls inside the existing concrete walls, however, and/or run wiring or plumbing in the walls, you will most likely need a permit.īecause basement remodels are not visible from the curb, some homeowners may consider skipping the permit application, but failure to obtain a permit can result in a number of problems. While community rules differ, in general, you will not need a permit just to seal or paint the concrete basement walls. RELATED: 12 Finishing Touches for Your Unfinished Basement DO pull a permit before making major changes (but there’s no no need to do this if you’re only going to paint basement walls).