Waterproof Your Home – Steps You Should Take

HOW TO WATERPROOF THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOUSE

Because there are so many different ways for water to enter your property from the outside, you’ll need to think about external waterproofing from a variety of perspectives. Here are three key indicators:

Fill Up Any Gaps Or Fractures

Gaps and cracks in exterior elements such as siding panels and door and window trim are common in most homes (especially older ones). The home’s foundation is subject to water ingress from things like rainy weather and exterior washing because of these gaps and fissures. 

To avoid this, go around your house and use a paintable latex caulk approved for external use to cover all apparent gaps and cracks. To guarantee a good seal, apply a plastic foam filler for any gaps greater than a quarter-inch in width.

Repaint Any Paint That Is Peeling Or Flaking

Paint isn’t only for decoration; it also protects your home’s wood siding from dampness. Consider having your external paint repainted before the rainy season arrives if it is in poor condition. In general, when it comes to repainting your home, it’s best to be proactive. 

Plan to repaint at a predetermined interval rather than waiting for the paint to break down. This will provide an ample window of performance without increasing the possibility of water intrusion difficulties.

Roof Waterproofing Components Should Be Inspected And Resealed

A roof has a number of ventilation pipes and other openings that are all sealed to keep water out of the gaps and leaking into the attic. Many homeowners, however, overlook the fact that sunlight accelerates the deterioration of rubber collars, caulking, and other waterproofing materials. That’s why it’s crucial to have your roof evaluated on a regular basis to ensure these materials are in good working order. Replacing a rubber pipe jack collar or reapplying caulking to your roof isn’t expensive, but the expense of failing to do so might be substantial.

HOW TO WATERPROOF THE INTERIOR OF YOUR HOME

While wet weather isn’t a problem for your home’s interior, the existence of water fixtures, regardless of the season, poses a constant risk of water damage. That’s why waterproofing your bathrooms and kitchen is equally as critical as waterproofing your roof and siding.

In the bathroom, use a high-quality silicone caulk to fill all gaps, cracks, and seams around sinks, showers, and bathtubs. Sealing any corners inside the shower, as well as any cracks in the grout, is very crucial to prevent water from escaping into the walls or floors. To avoid moisture incursion, you should also seal the edges of your bathtub.

In three easy steps, you can caulk your bathtub:

1. Apply a single bead of caulk down the bottom of the tub with a caulking gun.
2. To push the caulk bead into the space, wipe it with your finger.
3. Wipe the caulk with a slightly damp sponge to smooth it out once more. You may need to repeat this procedure a few more times; just remember to rinse the sponge in between.

The gaps between the sink, countertop, and backsplash are the most crucial areas to seal in the kitchen. Water will not leak into the wall or the under-counter cabinets if these holes are sealed. These places, like the bathroom, can be sealed with silicone caulk.

It’s important to remember that sealing your bathroom or kitchen isn’t a one-time task. Any sealant will eventually wear out and no longer give the protection it once did. Annually inspect your bathroom and kitchen and reapply any caulking that appears to be worn out or flaking.

HOW TO WATERPROOF BASEMENT OF YOUR HOME

Symptoms Of Water Damage In Your Basement

The following are some telltale indications of a flooded and leaking basement:

Paint That Is Peeling

There are a variety of reasons why paint starts to peel off walls; it’s possible that the paint didn’t match the wall or that the painter didn’t properly prepare the wall before starting the job. Excessive wetness in the same location, on the other hand, can be a contributing factor. However, peeling paint isn’t the only issue; when water damage occurs, spalling (when stone or boulders shatter into tiny pieces) can develop on the walls.

Walls That Leak

Condensation and damp areas can be caused by exposed and unfinished basement walls. Water can seep into the walls through pipes that leak behind the concrete, or water might seep into the walls through the earth. Stray water enters your home through leaky walls and wears away your house’s floors, walls, and foundation.

Mildew/Mold

Mold and mildew thrive in conditions where there is too much moisture in the air. Standing water, on the other hand, isn’t going to be a problem. Mold and mildew are enough to wreak havoc on a home. If left to develop, they might become a health threat.

The Ground Is Sinking

One of the most obvious indicators of basement water collection is this. Your home may be suffering from soil erosion or foundation damage if the floor begins to sink. Waterproofing the area will prevent further damage as you work to restore the floor to its original state.

BASEMENT WATERPROOFING OPTIONS

Although floor damage recovery and foundation repair should be left to the professionals, there are a number of waterproofing strategies you may use to prevent basement flooding and reduce the risks associated with dampness. To keep your basement dry and comfortable, follow these waterproofing tips:

Selecting Waterproof Carpeting

If your basement has water problems, covered surfaces can become moist. Fortunately, you can protect them from holes and standing water by taking some precautions. If your basement has already overflowed or has mold and mildew problems, waterproofing the floors could be a good choice.

Apply A Water-resistant Sealant To The Walls And The Floor

Cracks in concrete or cemented walls can occasionally be noticed, allowing water to leak in from the outside. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to seal basement walls; the procedure is as simple as filling the crack with waterproofing paint or hydraulic concrete.

Chipping Paint

First, have a look at the paint. If it’s peeling, inspect underneath to see if there are any flaws allowing moisture to get in. Clean and prepare the surface with a wire brush before waterproofing basement walls to remove any residues. Before repainting, apply a thin layer of waterproof sealer and let it cure completely.

Invest In A Dehumidifier

Mold and mildew removal is a smelly chore if your basement waterproofing efforts lead to mold and mildew cleanup. Your salvation will be a dehumidifier unit. Dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air before it causes damage to walls, paint, and furniture.

Dehumidifiers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all easily plug into wall outlets and can be emptied when their basins fill up. Many can be fitted with pipes that allow them to drain reliably into a tub or floor pipe, reducing the need to physically discharge them.

Keep Water And Wood Surfaces Apart

Wet places that connect to wooden surfaces and structures, notably flooring and support beams, can develop dry rot.

Removing the source of dampness, such as loose pipes connecting to the wood, is a good way to prevent dry rot from creating harm. To reduce the risk of dry rot, consider separating the wood from the soil around the foundation.

Look For Outdoor Concerns

Even while mold, peeling paint, and dry rot may be visible on the inside, the problem is frequently exacerbated by external factors. Check your drains and gutters for spills that could cause water to flow toward your home when waterproofing your basement.

Take Long-Term Damage Prevention Measures

Waterproofing may supply you with more than just repairs and damage remedies; it can also provide you with peace of mind. Along with the precautions outlined above, there are a number of other procedures that homeowners may take to ensure that they are better prepared in the event of unexpected water damage. 

If your basement is threatened by the water table, you may want to consider installing a water diversion system. Similarly, placing your furniture and valuables in a location where they will be protected from encroaching water is a long-term prudent decision.

Summary: Steps You Should Take To Waterproof Your Home

When it comes to water incursion, even little issues can have major ramifications. A little leak, for example, can be a trigger for dry rot, which, if left uncontrolled, can spread throughout a home’s foundation and become harmful (not to mention a costly repair bill). That is why it is vital to learn how to waterproof your home as a precautionary measure. Waterproofing your property will help to prevent water incursion from both exterior and interior sources, whether you seal your exterior siding or your kitchen sink.

If you have any questions about Steps You Should Take To Waterproof Your Home contact me today.

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