What is waterproofing?
When someone is talking about waterproofing parts or all of their property, they are talking about taking the steps to make sure that the place where they live or do business is dry, comfortable, healthy and in good repair. All sorts of steps can be taken to make a structure more waterproof, and many of these options can be made to work together, creating the best scenario for a dry and water sealed environment. Some of these steps include waterproofing the outside of the property through the installation or replacement of vapor barriers or weeping tile, or correcting issues with foundation and basement walls by fixing and closing cracks. Steps can be taken inside as well by adding or replacing a sump pump, installing a dehumidifier, and cleaning out drainage systems to ensure that they carry moisture away properly.
Why do you need to waterproof your home?
Waterproofing is integral to the healthy maintenance of your property. By making sure that your basement, crawlspace, or foundation is properly water tight, you are ensuring that the moisture that could otherwise wreak havoc on your home and possibly make an unhealthy environment stays out. The investment you making into making sure that you waterproof your home or business is an investment in the longevity of your home and its equity.
How do I know when I need to invest in my property’s waterproofing?
Normally speaking, when a waterproofing issue arises, it is easy to determine that there is an issue that will require attention. Moisture penetration presents itself in many noticeable ways, such as a damp or musty smell, crystallized mineral deposits left on the floor or walls, cracks in the walls and floor, and sometimes even pools of standing water, which can be repaired through interior waterproofing or avoided with a sump pump installation. At other times, the evidence of a waterproofing issue can be more dramatic, like if you suffer from basement flooding after a storm or during a spring thaw.
The more difficult parts of waterproofing assessment are both in accurately finding the source of the moisture penetration, and being able to get to it in order to correct it. Some situations can be as simple as installing a battery pump backup to your sump pump if your home suffers from power interruptions. Inside the property, this can mean pulling down drywall or pulling up flooring in order to find source of the problem and to remove any damaged materials. It could also just mean you need to invest in a drainage system installation or a drain cleaning and inspection service.
For exterior waterproofing, this can mean some digging in places in order to scope out a clog in the weeping tile or sewer hookup, or more thorough excavation in order to uncover cracks that are bigger on the outside of the property, replace or repair weeping tile or fix a vapor barrier.
It is always important to deal with a leak or other moisture issue as soon as possible. Left untreated, these issues will often only grow bigger, compromising the structural integrity of the building, fostering unhealthy mold problems, and damaging any property that you might be storing in the vicinity. For professional service with satisfaction guaranteed, we’re here to help, so contact us today for a free estimate on your waterproofing needs.