Construction & Contractors Blog
One of the most common problems that homeowners experience is basement or foundation leaks. When moisture seeps through, it can cause structural damage and even damage your belongings. That's why it's so important for you to protect your home from these leaks. One of the best measures that you can employ to prevent basement and foundation leaks is exterior waterproofing. Here's a look at what you should know about exterior waterproofing for your home.
Exterior Treatment Is Essential, Even With Sealed Interior Walls
Many homeowners waterproof the interior of their basement walls and assume that treatment is sufficient. In fact, the interior waterproofing will create a barrier that prevents moisture from reaching the interior of your basement, but this barrier isn't enough by itself.
When you only treat the interior walls of your basement, water can still seep into the outer walls and settle inside the concrete. Over time, this will cause the concrete to deteriorate, weakening your foundation and causing serious structural damage. That's why it's important that you prevent water from being able to get in at all. That's where exterior waterproofing comes in.
You'll Have To Prep The Exterior Surfaces
If you want to get the best possible result from your exterior waterproofing efforts, it starts with careful preparation. This means taking time to prep the exterior walls correctly so that you get a thorough, even seal along the surface of the walls.
Start by removing any surface dirt from the exterior walls. Dirt on the surface will get between the wall and the waterproofing sealant, preventing a proper seal. Once the surface is clean and dry, it's time to make sure that any existing damage is addressed. Cracks, chips, and other similar damage must be patched before you seal the walls. Use a quality filler material, allow it to cure, then sand it smooth before you seal the walls.
Be Prepared To Apply Multiple Coats
Ensuring adequate waterproofing means making sure that your waterproofing sealant is thoroughly covering the wall surface. In most cases, that means applying multiple coats of the sealant for peace of mind.
When you invest in your exterior waterproofing sealant, buy enough to do two or three coats of sealant on the walls. That way, you can be sure that your basement is adequately protected from moisture penetration.
If you aren't confident in your own ability to waterproof the exterior walls of your basement or foundation, you should reach out to a waterproofing contractor for professional support.
Share14 May 2021
There's a common misconception that all construction workers and contractors do the same job. On one hand, this is kind of true. Construction workers and contractors all built things. However, most people in this field have a specialty. Some hang drywall. Others paint. Still others know how to pour foundations or install roofs. While some construction workers and contractors move from field to field throughout their careers, others spend their career honing one particular skill. Either approach is fine, from our perspective. What we really care about is the excellent work that these workers do, and that's what we plan to feature on this website.