In just about every structure you see, it has been built in a way that water does not damage it, especially in the long term.
The protection mechanism that is installed in the buildings and structures is called waterproofing.
Essentially, waterproofing is where a special sealant is placed all throughout your building or structure to protect it from any damage that water can inflict. Waterproofing also means the installation of materials that are impervious to water to protect your buildings.
In this article, I will talk about the five key things to know about it and why you should consider this, especially if you’re going to make repairs on your house or if you decide to construct a new building for business or other purposes.
Before anything else, why do you need to waterproof your building? There are so many reasons why, but here are just some of the few important ones:
- To protect your house/building from mold and mildew buildup due to the water and moisture
- To protect the structural integrity of your building against rain
- To strengthen the foundation of your building
Now you know how important waterproofing is, here are the key things to know about it:
- Look for a Good and Reliable Contractor
Here’s the thing, although waterproofing is essential when it comes to protecting your home or establishment, the city inspector does not inspect for it.
What I mean by this is that there is no quality control when it comes to this and it can spell doom for you and your building.
To avoid any problems when you’re going to waterproof your house or establishment, you need to look for a good and reliable contractor.
Look at your local ads or better yet, ask your friends who have their homes waterproofed before.
The key here is to hire one that knows what he’s doing and has been waterproofing buildings for years.
- Ask the Contractor for Options
In waterproofing, there are a couple of options you can make. It is best to ask your contractor what options you have before they carry their out their job. One question you could ask your contractor is what type of method is he going to use?
Common types of waterproofing options are a sealant and a synthetic membrane. The former is applied like a paint and the latter is applied by stretching it and applying it to the walls and foundations of your building.
Of course, there are other methods available and your contractor should be knowledgeable enough to recommend some to you.
- Key Places to Waterproof
Now, if you plan on waterproofing your home, there are some places where it is needed the most. Here are just some of them:
- Bathroom- Have your contractor waterproof the walls and have them inspect if the shower or the faucet is installed properly.
- Basement- If you have a basement, it is important that you have it waterproofed because water can get collected there. If it is not handled, it could reduce the structural integrity of the whole building.
- Roofs- this can be treated with a sealant, but ask your contractor on the best possible option for your roofing.
- Any place where wood is rampant- if you have a place in your home or building with predominantly wooden parts, you have to have it waterproofed as well. Failure to waterproof these will result in mold and mildew buildup which can be a major health hazard to the inhabitants.
- Inspect Your Building While Waterproofing is Being Done
While your contractor is working, have them walk you through the process. Ask pertinent questions and make sure that they’re doing a good job.
- Have Your Building Inspected by a Third Party Contractor
After the job is done, the last thing you should do is have it inspected by either another contractor or from a friend who is knowledgeable in this field (like an engineer).
This is to ensure that the job was done correctly and that water cannot damage your structures anymore.
If you live in the United States, there are a lot of reliable contractors you can find. If you reside in LA, you can find a whole lot of commercial waterproofing services in Los Angeles.
Conclusion
Waterproofing is essential because it protects your home and establishment from water damage. It can also protect you from mold and mildew because waterproofed structures prevent them from proliferating.
I hope that this article has enlightened you about the key things you need to know about waterproofing.