Waterproofing your Property

Not a lot of people really know what it means to waterproof your home, which is perfectly understandable. Your home is built to protect you from all kinds of weather, including rain. So what then, is the purpose of waterproofing your home? It’s quite simple really; it’s to keep the sub-structure of your home, everything inside your walls and underneath the floor, free of water which can cause it some potentially serious harm. If you’re still not sure what the point of it is, then just keeping reading on and we’ll explain it all.

So, what is waterproofing? What makes it so important?

Waterproofing involves applying a specialised type of sealant, sort of like a membrane, to the surface of a house in order to prevent any water seepages or leaks from penetrating the structural areas within the home. When building or renovating a home this is one of the most vital tasks, as not applying it during these types or not applying them properly, can cause a myriad of serious problems to the structure of the house. The potential problems, such as weakening the base of the home, can costs thousands of dollars to fix in the future, and that’s just repairing the damage done. Among the problems come potential health risks from mould and mildew growing in damp places, both in and out of sight. Here are a few other potential problems that can be caused by the lack of, or the improper use of waterproofing: rising damp, peeling paint, fungi, rotting timbers and the corrosion of metal structures.

Where is waterproofing applied?

Any area of the home that is subjected to water or any kind of moisture needs to be waterproofed; the most obvious cases of this include bathrooms and en suites, kitchens and laundries. It doesn’t stop there though, it’s also required on your roof and walls, on balconies and retaining walls, even inside closely packed garden beds and underneath concrete slabs.

Types of Waterproofing

There are several types of waterproofing, each dependant on the location that the product will be used in. The most common form is a sealant that can be very similar to paint, in that it has to be applied in layers. Among the other methods of waterproofing, is the use of membrane, which is typically made of either acrylic or polyurethane. Good quality membranes can stretch and shrink in order to accommodate for the movement and shifting of the building, either by being flexible due to the material used, or by using bond breakers. The final method, though least preferred is a material that is laid in sheets.

Who Does Waterproofing?

Waterproofing is best done by a qualified professional, or by a very experienced plumber, as professional application is both essential and required. Leaving even the smallest gap free and open can lead to water seeping through and causing serious problems. This is why it is best to never do this yourself, and instead rely on a fully qualified professional.

If you’re looking for more information on water proofing your home, or you want to find a qualified professional in your local area to get the job done, try out our directory.

One of the easiest ways to Template is to find your nearest supplier on our list.

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