Behr, a famous name in an otherwise cluttered industry, is best known for its extensive line of paint products. However, they also produce a basement and masonry waterproofer, breaking into a market traditionally dominated by more specialized companies.

Their waterproofer is a surface sealer that will not penetrate into the surface of your concrete to react chemically to block out moisture. Instead, the solution is applied to the walls or floors like a paint, which will help block water from seeping into the concrete from the surface. However, if you have hydrostatic pressure pushing up from beneath the concrete underground (especially in places near bodies of water with high water tables), the water will come up through the concrete. This water will filter through the concrete’s pores until it reaches the surface, which will cause the sealer and paint to bubble, flake, peel, and may even lead to efflorescence.

If you are not worried about water coming through the concrete from the opposite side, then the Behr Waterproofer is an adequate option. However, it has ingredients – such as magnesium silicate hydrate and titanium dioxide – that are on the New Jersey State Right to Know List and the Pennsylvania State Hazardous Substances List. Additionally, under California Prop 65, it is disclosed as containing a chemical known to the state of California to cancer, birth defects, and other reproductive harm. While this does not mean it is inherently dangerous if you take necessary precautions during the application process, it would make sense to consider other, less harmful options on the market.