Brian Jeffries
December 01,2022
Brian Jeffries, a seasoned BPA Advisor. Brian is dedicated to sharing his wealth of knowledge on construction projects and materials. With a focus on architecture and building envelopes, Brian contributes valuable insights that shape the discourse around innovative construction practices and materials.
As a homeowner, you’re going to come across many challenges. This can include trying to decide if you should hire a contractor or go the DIY route instead for your home improvement project. But even after making that decision, you’ll still be hit with a wave of confusion. It can even be challenging when having to choose from Thoroseal vs Drylok.
For starters, they can paint walls and can be used for sealing, however, they’re still two different things. How well can both of these perform? Today, you’ll learn all about which of these two brands is going to be the best for you!
Thoroseal vs. Drylok: Types of Projects
A great way to narrow down which option is best for you concerning Drylok vs. Thoroseal would be by navigating the types of projects each brand can perform. Here are some of the benefits for the two.
Drylok
Drylok has a pretty big reputation since it’s so known for being a basem*nt waterproofing paint.
Thoroseal
The Thoroseal is suitable for a variety of waterproofing applications, such as above and below grade concrete and masonry waterproofing. However, it cannot be applied to painted surfaces, so you may be limited on options for the projects it can do.
Drylok vs. Thoroseal: Advantages & Disadvantages
The advantages and disadvantages of Thoroseal vs Drylok, so let’s dive into what makes each of these so unique!
Drylok
Advantages
- Ideal for DIY'ers
- Can be easily purchased in-store and online
- Widely known brand
Disadvantages
- Easily flakes due to moisture
- Efflorescence must be checked before starting the application
- It cannot be used for floors or ceilings, only for walls
Thoroseal
Advantages
- Better quality
- The coating is cement-based
- Strong resistance to absorbing moisture
Disadvantages
- More costly
- Not often stocked in stores
- Application is messy
Thoroseal vs. Drylok: What are the Main Differences?
While there are some similarities between Thoroseal vs. Drylok, such as pricing, it’s vital to also check the factors that make both of these so different. So let’s take a look at some of the striking differences between the two brands.
Coverage
Thoroseal covers around 105 square feet per gallon, while Drylok is going to provide coverage for about 75-100 square feet per gallon. In this case, Thoroseal is going to be considered far more suitable for larger projects.
Vapor Permeability
The vapor permeability is a major factor that needs to be considered when making a choice. So, what does this mean? The vapor permeability is the capacity of vapor that can get inside the walls after the coating is finished. Having a great vapor permeability means that it’s going to dry faster. Drylok has more excellent vapor permeability than Thoroseals. On average, Drylok takes around ten hours, while Thoroseal is going to take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours. If you’re in a hurry, then Drylok is going to be the better option.
Moisture Absorption
Did you know that moisture issues are related to the ability of wall coatings that can handle water pressure? If your wall is not able to handle moisture, then you can expect dampness. The PSI (pounds per square inch) will need to be taken into account. Thoroseal has a resistance of 200 PSI, while Drylok has only resistance of 15 PSI. So it’s clear that when it comes to Drylok vs. Thoroseal, Thoroseal is going to give you better protection against moisture.
Quality
Thoroseal surpasses Drylok in terms of quality. How so? Well, the coating provided by Thoroseal is firm. Plus, this also allows Thoroseal to be more durable. Drylok is comparatively lighter and less firm. The difference in quality is huge, and this may be the biggest difference between the two brands.
Convenience
In terms of convenience, Drylok is the winner of the Drylok vs. Thoroseal debate. There is no need to worry about mixing trouble with Drylok, while the coating mixture for Thoroseal needs to be prepared with caution. Also, when it comes to Thoroseal, you’ll need to mist the walls, too, something you don’t need to do with Drylok.
FAQs
How many coats of Drylok should I apply for a full coating?
Drylok requires two coats for a full coating, and each coat is going to take four to five hours to dry. In total, this is going to take nine to ten hours for the full coating to dry.
Does Drylok cause mold?
Drylok can potentially cause mold due to some of the ingredients.
How long does it take for Thoroseal to dry?
Thoroseal will need two coats, and each coat is going to take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. In total, you can expect it to take 24 to 48 hours for completion.
Thoroseal vs. Drylok: Which Should You Choose?
In general, when it comes to Thoroseal vs. Drylok, you’ll need to consider all factors. What will be best for your project? Remember, they’re not the same product. While both products are excellent in their own way, it’s also going to heavily depend on what your project is.
