(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best hardware sealers

Just a sealer that works pretty great.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BZZ49G/

My thinking is that the stronger the glue, the more crud i get out of the records. I've had good results with this epoxy. Most of the time it comes off the record. Off course, it gets kind of expensive (two packs per record), so I just ordered some of this stuff. You kind of want to work in large batches, so it's not uncommon to have every flat surface in the house covered in drying records. There was only the one time that the cat sat on one and had to go to the vet; lucky it wasn't one of my grailz.

Best bet for the heating pipe is firestop putty. You can pack it with steel wool (if it's a steel or iron pipe) or copper cleaning pads (if copper) if you need to fill up space before sealing the pipe to the wall with putty.
If you have substantial openings between the plaster and the switch and outlet boxes, use expanding foam, and then caulk around the remaining crack with a non hardening caulk.
Use the same caulk for the baseboards and cracks at the edges of wall and ceiling.

Mass loaded vinyl could be a part of the "next step" of beefing up the mass and decoupling of the present wall, but as you say it is expensive. You would need it floor to ceiling for the length of the wall, and securing and covering it would be a construction project.

Thats great advice thanks! I was hoping to get a glossy finish, is this the same you suggested but glossy? https://www.amazon.com/StoneTech-Finishing-Sealer-Natural-1-Quart/dp/B003YD7L3Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1525125784&sr=8-13&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=Stonetech+sealer

it's taken off the paper from the greenboard around the plumbing/shower as well – would a sealer do the trick for that as well? Would something like this work?

Better than expanding foam, just use plumbers putty. Can be found for $1-$2 at hardware stores. or a little more expensive on amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Oatey-31177-Stain-Free-Putty/dp/B006E356S8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1542947322&sr=8-3&keywords=plumber%27s+putty

if you really want foam:

https://www.amazon.com/Loctite-TITEFOAM-Insulating-Sealant-1988753/dp/B01N21KQ4I/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1542947298&sr=8-7&keywords=expanding+foam

If the rainfly is only leaking at the seams, you could try seam sealing it instead of replacing the entire thing

https://www.amazon.com/Gear-Aid-Silicone-Seam-Sealer/dp/B06VW7SDSD

I think it would be good practice, but I don't think I'd describe recreating any shape as easy.

https://www.amazon.com/Cheng-Concrete-Sealer-500-Ml/dp/B003YM7RRK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480099341&sr=8-1&keywords=cheng+concrete+sealer

https://www.amazon.com/Cheng-Concrete-Countertop-Wax/dp/B003YM5LH8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1480099341&sr=8-2&keywords=cheng+concrete+sealer

works pretty well

Have you tried Rainguard?

From their product description:

Rainguard Hydro-LOK creates a clear, deep-penetrating and non-film-forming chemically reactive water repellent that contains no silicone oils, paraffin wax or urethane. Excellent mold and mildew inhibitor Install down to 40°F (4.4°C) Does not alter surface appearance.

You can buy it from Amazon for $17.50

fair points. the platform seems ok. no signs of distress. it’s purely a cosmetic wall. some more pictures attached. don’t think lifting the footing is probably too much work than this wall is worth, but maybe i’m thinking that’s a bigger project than it is.

https://i.imgur.com/mjqqYGy.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/9Jjgp0f.jpg

Should i fill the gap with some adhesive? is something like this a waste of time?

https://www.amazon.com/Liquid-Nails-LN-905-10-Ounce-Landscape/dp/B000BPHN4A?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_4

what about an L bracket to the house on the inside?

You can go two ways here, especially using the Doug fir. Personally i would use a tinted gel stain ( they come in every color imaginable, just Google -fu) and then tung oil for a beautiful durable finish. Tung oil is highly underrated and and under used, IMHO. Hi can make the lowest grade lumber finish out like high end furniture with sanding and those products.

If you are set on the latex paint, use de-waxed shellac. Here is a link-
https://www.amazon.com/1-Quart-Zinsser-Bullseye-SealCoat/dp/B001DT6TFC#

Yeah something like this

http://www.amazon.com/Texsport-Waterproof-Sealer-Backpacks-Outerwear/dp/B000M7RRU2

I don't have it in front of me, but they have a concrete type caulk that may blend right into that driveway. I have some in my garage that I used to clean up hairline cracks in my foundations that was caused by settling.

I think it's this: https://smile.amazon.com/DAPConcrete-Watertight-Filler-Sealent-ounce/dp/B000H5S09G/

Yep, /u/wheezergeezer is 100% correct. The cracks are holding moisture.

The problem comes if water is in those cracks when it freezes. Which will expand and attempt to push the top layer off the house. A good sealant will create a hydrophobic surface that sheds water, not allowing it to remain behind and cause problems.

I like the silane/siloxane water repellent, because I feel it is a durable and proven product, but that is just me:

https://www.masoncontractors.org/2016/11/25/benefits-of-silane-siloxane-sealer-for-older-brick-buildings/

https://www.amazon.com/SX5000TM-Penetrating-Solvent-Based-Silane-Siloxane-Repellent/dp/B00DCC5OZY

you could try something like this if you want to be sure. I considered it but never actually pulled the trigger for my basement.

https://www.amazon.com/Concrete-Foundation-Crack-Repair-Basement/dp/B008DG6OK8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1CP8U3A34ETNR&keywords=basement+sealing&qid=1557943977&s=hi&sprefix=basement+sealing%2Ctools%2C184&sr=1-4

But can you work between the two houses? It would be better to use a foundation sealant from the exterior.

https://www.amazon.com/Liquid-Rubber-Waterproof-Sealant-Coating/dp/B00NI150Z8

I'm using this

https://www.amazon.com/Prazi-Usa-PR-1600-Seal-A-Tube-2-Pack/dp/B003U6H3X8/

It was like 3 bucks locally. working great. I have a tube a caulk I opened a year ago, just recently had to use it, there was no problem with the caulk.

I used a few layers of a clear matte spray paint like this to seal it.

I like this stuff, it is a penetrating sealer so it doesn't change the appearance of the brick.

amazon link

You could use anything like bathroom or kitchen caulk or silicone. I found this on Amazon UK

I've used a bunch, here is what is on my workbench today, you can get it from Michaels or any craft store.

https://www.amazon.com/Plaid-Acrylic-Aerosol-6-Ounce-CS200307/dp/B000XZXNU6/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&qid=1473074088&sr=8-19&keywords=sealer+spray

I always put a fan on the miniature after you spray it. Sometimes there is a reaction with humidity which makes the miniature go frosty white. There is a way to reverse it with a hot air dryer if that happens.

You might consider using a black liquid rubber product. Just brush it on. Or spray.

So another thought- you could wash and remove all of the old coating, and then recoat the interior with a polyurethane coating like this.

Do yourself a favor - get yourself some Kilz Premium and go to town on those walls. Those older weeping basements are misery otherwise.

This will keep it from being so dank and at the same time, brighten your workspace.