Construction & Contractors Blog
Building materials are often vulnerable to damage when exposed to moisture. For instance, concrete will crack, and wood will warp due to moisture wear. Therefore, if you are building a new home or adding an extension to your old one, you should consider the importance of waterproofing. Waterproofing will prevent the penetration of moisture and protect your building from accelerated wear due to water damage. If you are planning on waterproofing your structure, use these simple guidelines to protect your building from failure.
Plan for Drainage When planning for waterproofing, you must consider the importance of drainage in your new home. In simple terms, damage occurs when water is allowed to rest on a surface. Stagnation will allow for moisture penetration and damage. You can prevent most water damage through proper sloping of the wet areas, such as the bathroom and the kitchen. Ensure the flooring is graded to allow for the outflow of water to a drain channel or pipe.
Prepare the Surface You must prepare the building for waterproofing to ensure ideal performance. In general, waterproofing membranes and paints must be applied to a surface suitable for promoting adhesion. Therefore, if your building is not adequately prepared, you might notice peeling and delamination as the waterproofing product cures. You must plan for surface cleaning to eliminate grease, dust, oils and general dirt from your floors and walls. Compare the benefits of mechanical and chemical cleaning for your building before making the surface preparation decision.
Avoid Penetration The building will be vulnerable to damage if the surfaces have areas that allow penetration. Simply speaking, if the applied membranes leave gaps that allow moisture to flow, the underlying material will be compromised. Therefore, you must ensure that each surface is protected from these weaknesses for optimal protection. For example, make sure that the application does not leave uncovered sections. The membrane must be even for ideal performance. Also, look out for cracks and pipe penetrations. These areas must be repaired with caulk to prevent unwanted moisture damage.
Monitor for Damage Finally, you should monitor the waterproofing material for damage after application. Waterproofing coats are forgotten after the initial installation. As a result, the protective measure will not function correctly due to the lack of maintenance. Therefore, you must check on the natural wear of the protective layer. Look for cracks and holes in the material; these could allow for moisture penetration. Moreover, peeling and bubbling of the membrane could mean significant compromise. Additionally, plan for immediate surface repair to ensure long-term performance.
For more information on waterproofing, contact a professional near you.
Share20 December 2022
When we moved into the house we had a really cute patio, but it was so small that if more than two people wanted to share a meal or sit together there wasn't room. That's why I have been extending the patio and working on ways to make it more hospitable for the whole family to spend time out there, such as getting the music system to connect to some speakers in the structure. This blog has some tips for homeowners who are looking to attempt a patio renovation or extension and has some tips on which jobs to DIY and when to call in the professionals.