The Coating for a Foundation Wall Calculator computes the number of pails (5 gal) needed to coat a foundation wall.
INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:
- (W) Width of Foundation Wall
- (GL) Height of Foundation Wall below Grade (below ground)
Pails of Coating (P): The calculator returns the number of pails of foundation and roof coating needed. It also returns the square feet covered.
The Math / Science
A foundation wall or flat roof is a measurable surface area. Pails of coating (as pictured) specify the number of square feet they will cover. The product shown lists a range of 350 ft2 to 500 ft2 for one 5 gallon pail over masonry and roof surfaces. The Foundation Coating calculator computes the surface area based on the width and the height and divides the surface area by the high an low range to give the user an idea of how many pails of sealer that will be needed for the job. Note that the Grade Level is used in the calculation.
The formula for Foundation Coating for a Wall is:
P = (W ⋅ H) / PC
where:
- P = pails of foundation coating
- W = Width of Foundation
- GL = Grade Level (height below ground)
- PC = Pail Coverage (350 ft2 to 500ft2)
The Coating Calculator has functions to compute the amounts of coating 
substance applied to a surface to protect, enhance, or provide specific properties. More than just paint, coatings can offer additional functionalities such as corrosion resistance, waterproofing, anti-fouling, thermal insulation, or electrical conductivity.
- Coating for a Foundation Wall: Computes the number of pails (5 gal) needed to coat a foundation wall based on the length and height.
- Concrete and Masonry Water-proofing: Computes the number of cans (1 gal) of concrete and masonry water-proofer needed to cover an area based on the width and height and number of coats.
- Corrugated Metal Panel Paint or Coating Volume: Computes the amount of paint or other coating (e.g., spray insulation) on an area of corrugated panels.
- Driveway Coating: Computes the number of pails (4.75 gal) needed to coat or seal a driveway. It provides a minimum and maximum number of pails and the surface area in square feet, all based on the length and width of the driveway.
- Foundation Coating: Computes the number of pails (5 gal) needed to coat all four walls of a foundation. It provides a minimum and maximum number of pails and the surface area of the foundation below grade in square feet, all based on the length, width and height of foundation below grade.
- Pipe Coating Amount: Computes the amount of coating material for the exterior surface area of a pipe based on the pipe diameter, length and the thickness of the coating.
- Roof Coating: Computes the number of pails (e.g., 5 gal) needed to coat a flat roof.
coating materials 