Saturday, April 9, 2016

Benefits of Waterproofing

In building construction, waterproofing is a fundamental aspect of creating a building envelope, which is a controlled environment. Waterproofing is usually required by building codes for structures that are built at or below ground level. Most waterproofing is an exterior coating, on the positive side (exterior) of the wall, although another option is to use an admixture that makes the concrete itself impervious to water and water vapor. Accordingly, the benefits offered by waterproofing are far more important than the cost.

Ways in Which Waterproofing Benefits Foundations

waterproofingPart of any home, the basement is just as important as any other room. As the basement is normally located on the lower level of a home, it has the potential to take in water. Flooding is a constant threat to basements. Having the basement waterproofed by a contractor will prevent the basement from water damages and protect belongings stored inside of it.

Basement waterproofing can also help to avoid allergen and remove musty odors which are commonly associated with older basements and moisture problems. Dry air in basements makes them more bearable places to be and to help make temperatures more consistent.

Before new construction starts, it’s wise to have every new foundation waterproofed. There are two basic types of waterproofing materials that homeowners can choose from:

  • Spray on foundation waterproofing products
  • Polyethylene foundation membranes

Both types are not compatible with one another as it all depends on what type of foundation the homeowner has. This determines the best type of waterproofing material to be used. Waterproofing the foundation must provide:

  • Withstand water under extreme pressure
  • Stop water vapor from getting into the basement
  • Span cracks in the foundation

Before waterproofing came along, many foundations were only damp-proofed. This only stopped the water vapor. Water that was under pressure was still able to force its way into an already damp-filled basement making matters worse.

Damp-proofing is a lot different from waterproofing because it tends to be fragile and cannot bridge gaps in the foundation. New construction uses waterproofing these days because it makes it easier to stretch over cracks and withstand water.

Benefits of waterproofing include constructing seamless barriers. This protects personal belonging from becoming ruined. Water damage can destroy a lot and make a foundation less sturdy. This often enables a homeowner to increase their living space.

Many people find that waterproofing their foundations is in response to other problems. Basement leaks, standing water, and moisture buildup along the walls can stem from it seeping through the concrete.

The homeowner will realize they are having water/moisture problems as the paint peels off of the basement walls or by finding mold growing in the basement. Basement waterproofing can help these and many other problems from stirring up, but basement waterproofing can also be at an advantage to the foundation.

Often times, water problems are ignored by a homeowner. This results in future foundation problems which often come with hefty repairs and outstanding repairs bills. When water is coming up through the slab, or through cracks in the foundation, it is an indication that water is building up around the foundation of the home and needs immediate attention.

Hydrostatic pressure that comes from the water invades the soil and directly outside of the foundation and pushes against the foundation weakening it. Structural damages can be a result of this. The wall could eventually collapse or bow in.

Waterproofing the basement will prevent any structural damages from occurring and foundation issues. When starting to notice signs of trouble, don’t take matters on alone. Call a certified waterproofing expert that can take on problems and prevent future ones from occurring.

Structural repairs are often very expensive and decrease the value of a home but on the contrary, waterproofing can prevent structural damages and increase the value of a home. Most people looking for a home to buy will have inspections done first.

With a sealed basement, the possibilities are endless. Basements are great places to create a new livable room out of. They can increase the storage space of a home as a homeowner will have peace of mind knowing their belongings are not dampened.

Mold grows in areas where moisture and humidity collide. Black mold is extremely dangerous as it leads to health problems such as:

  • Asthma
  • Allergies
  • Respiratory issues
  • Sinus complication

A homeowner can improve the strength of their structure as the foundation is what it responsible for holding up the entire home. When water seeps into the foundation, the foundation becomes weaker and vulnerable to major problems.

There is a lot that waterproofing can do for a home. Waterproofing is the solution to keeping a basement from taking in water and also eliminating structural damages.

Waterproofing does not need to be an invasive procedure. We at AAA Waterproofing Pros are your certified foundation contractors and we specialize in structural waterproofing are able to work with the client to design a suitable waterproofing solution.

The post Benefits of Waterproofing appeared first on AAA Waterproofing Pros.

No comments:

Post a Comment