Waterproofing your home prevents water damage and mold growth. It is necessary whether the building is being constructed or remodeled. Waterproofing begins with hiring a professional expert to inspect the property and examine the water sources, possible effects, and solutions. Here are some of the most common issues homeowners face with waterproofing and solutions to help resolve them.
Waterproofing Compromising Ventilation
One potential issue is that waterproofing can compromise ventilation. When you install a product like tar or caulk, it can create an air barrier that prevents air from escaping through splits and cracks in your home’s exterior. This can result in moisture buildup inside your walls and ceiling. To resolve this issue, install a ventilated roof assembly over the existing roofing system so that air can circulate freely through your home’s walls and floors instead of being trapped inside by the waterproofing membranes.
Improper Installation
Most waterproofing fixtures are designed for DIY installation but require professional expertise for proper application. For example, caulking requires precise application techniques and special tools for optimal performance. If you apply it incorrectly or too thin, the materials may not provide sufficient protection from water intrusion into your home’s exterior walls or windows. Direct Waterproofing can help you to resolve issues that require expert input.
Leaking Windows or Doors
Windows and doors are common areas where leaks occur if they are not properly sealed when installed. Leaks from these areas cause damage to your home’s interior if left resolved. A good solution is to check all windows and doors for gaps in their seals and replace them if necessary.
Cracked Concrete Slabs or Foundation Walls
These signs indicate they were not properly waterproofed during construction or exposed to moisture from flooding rains or leaking pipes. If you notice cracks in your foundation wall, call a professional to assess the severity of the problem and determine whether it needs immediate attention or can wait until future maintenance.
Install French drains or sump pumps in your basement to remove excess water from the space. You can also install a dehumidifier in your basement to reduce humidity levels inside the walls.
Leaky Foundation
Water bubbling up from your basement floor might indicate a leaky foundation. You may have cracks in your foundation, and water is seeping into your basement. These cracks can be caused by shifting soil underneath your house or tree roots growing into the foundation walls. If you have cracks or leaks in your home’s foundation, call a professional to help you fix them.
Missing Flashing
Flashing is a small metal on your roof that helps prevent water from entering your home through any openings. Missing flashing can lead to leaks inside your home when it rains outside. Ensure all flashes are properly installed to prevent water from entering your ceiling or basement through gaps in the walls’ edges where they meet.
Drainage Issues
Drainage issues occur when water cannot exit your foundation walls or basement floor. This leads to flooding and other problems, such as mold growth and mildew. To fix this issue, install drainage systems in your house to help remove water from your basement and keep it dry. Clear the drains and ensure the gutters are well placed to prevent flooding and water leaking to the basement of your foundation.
Damp Basements
If your basement smells musty, chances are you have a problem with dampness causing the mold growth in your basement walls and ceiling joists. This happens when water enters through cracks in your foundation through the wall cavities. If this repeatedly happens over time, it can cause serious damage to your home’s structure and insulation value. To prevent this, ensure all the cracks are sealed, and the water in the basement is pumped out.
Leaky Gutters
Rain gutters are important for waterproofing since they collect rainwater from roofs and prevent it from splashing into exterior walls. For gutters to function effectively, they should not leak. Any water that gets into your home through the gutter system causes significant damage. To solve this problem, clean your gutter regularly. If there are still leaks after cleaning, you should replace them or have them repaired by a professional contractor.
Loose Shingles
If your shingles appear loose or “buckling” underfoot, consider replacing them before they fall off during a windstorm. Re-roofing a home requires professional help because it involves removing old shingles and installing new ones correctly over the entire surface area so that water doesn’t pool and leak through any spots where new shingles don’t cover old ones completely.
Several factors lead to waterproofing problems. Poor installation, natural calamities, or overexposure. It is difficult to prevent waterproofing issues completely, but taking precautions reduces maintenance costs.
