Waterproofing Your Home? Understanding Where to Protect Your Home
Waterproofing is a must for any person who lives in an area that gets a lot of rain or has a foundation that is vulnerable to seepage. Some areas get a lot of snow and ice in the winter months. If your home isn't waterproofed, you could have a lot of problems with your foundation. Waterproofing and protection against moisture are important in other areas of your home too. Keep reading to learn more about your options.
Areas That Need Waterproofing
Waterproofing and drainage systems not only prevent water from entering your home but protect your basement and foundation against mold and rot. Waterproofing and drainage systems are imperative to the structural integrity of your home.
A typical home has several areas that require waterproofing:
- The basement—If you have a basement foundation, waterproofing for the exterior walls is crucial. You may also need a mechanical drainage system to help with moisture problems that start at the foundation. A sump pump can pump water out of the basement in the event of a leak.
- The exterior walls—A waterproof membrane is required on either side of the exterior walls. In addition to basement foundations, these systems might be needed for crawl spaces and other areas of a home's exterior where water can seep in.
- The foundation—Waterproofing should extend past the grade level to prevent seepage around the basement walls and into the soil below.
- Roofs and chimneys—Roofs and chimneys should also be waterproofed to protect against leaks and decay. Chimney stacks are notorious for leaks, and it can often be a good investment to have them professionally waterproofed where they meet the roof slope.
Often, you think about waterproofing for the foundation around your home but waterproofing services can help seal many other areas to protect your home against moisture.
Waterproofing and Drainage
The combination of waterproofing and a drainage system is the most widely used method for commercial and residential buildings. These systems are designed to protect the interior from flooding, water intrusion, and moisture problems. This method includes a barrier or membrane, waterproofing compound, flashings or other sealants, and a drainage system. These systems can include both exterior and interior solutions to protect your home.
Exterior envelopes include roofing membranes, exterior basement wall drains, and exterior wall coverings. These waterproofing systems protect the home against moisture penetration at the roofline, basement walls, and other exterior areas where water can enter into the structure.
Interior systems should also be considered when protecting against moisture intrusion. They include sub-slab depressurization systems, perimeter drains, vapor barriers, and sump pumps. These interior systems work together to protect against moisture intrusion at every point in the home, including under slab areas where water can collect.
If you are concerned about your home's outdated waterproofing and drainage system, contact a waterproofing service. You can discuss how you can protect your home and implement various techniques.
