Water damage to a foundation can bring troubles to your home. It can affect the structure of your home, resulting in unsightly fissures and the appearance of mold and mildew. But fear not; the solution against this watery menace is the foundation exterior waterproofing.
This is a protective shield embracing the walls and foundation of your abode, deflecting the advances of moisture with unwavering resolve. Beneath the surface, a network of drainage systems guides water away from your dwelling. The landscape surrounding your home is sculpted to ensure water flows away, preventing any lingering infiltration.
This external waterproofing is a financial investment in the durability and security of your house. You are protecting your home’s foundation by avoiding the dangers of water damage. This article explores the foundation exterior waterproofing process and how it safeguards your property from moisture damage.
Types Of Waterproofing Systems
Foundation exterior waterproofing can be done by installing various waterproofing systems, including.
1. Drain Tile Systems
The Drain Tile System protects against moisture’s constant advances. Its mission is to collect the water that seeks to infiltrate the earth and redirect it far away from your home’s foundation.
The Drain Tile System is meticulously crafted to prevent water from accumulating around your home’s foundation. The system kicks into gear when water seeps into the earth from external sources or porous soils. It gathers moisture from any area where it first appears. Then, a network of pipes or channels guides this water away from your home’s foundation, denying it any opportunity to cause harm.
Various types of drainage systems are at its disposal, each with its unique strategy. The French drain, for instance, is like a trench filled with perforated pipes, redirecting water to a lower point where it poses no threat.
2. Membrane Waterproofing
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Membrane Waterproofing can shield your home from the relentless force of water. This method fortifies your foundation by applying a particular material. This material can be rubber, plastic, bitumen, or other synthetic wonders, each with unique properties, but all with the same purpose—to stand as a bulwark against water’s advance.
The foundation must be clean and dry. Cracks or openings must be sealed, leaving no chink in the armor. The membrane is applied once the stage is set, creating a seamless barrier that water cannot breach. It wraps the foundation like a protective cloak, ensuring that rainwater or groundwater remains outside.
3. Crack Injection
Even the mightiest walls can develop chinks, and that’s where Crack Injection comes to the rescue. This method involves filling up tiny gaps and fractures in concrete foundations with an expanding polyurethane or polymer substance.
This substance forms an impermeable seal when injected into the voids and fractures, blocking the attempts of water and other unwelcome invaders to enter. This technique is ideal for small fissures and fractures that might compromise the stability of your foundation. When traditional repairs seem impractical, Crack Injection mends what’s broken.
Drilling holes into the foundation’s surface is the first step in the procedure. The sealant substance is then pumped, sealing the gaps and fissures. The substance becomes a robust and waterproof barrier after curing.
Importance Of Exterior Waterproofing
Exterior waterproofing is essential because it can help prevent various problems, including.
1. Mold And Mildew Growth
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Exterior waterproofing protects against mold and mildew, which thrive in the presence of moisture. When your home has an unsealed and vulnerable foundation, it becomes a magnet for moisture. Mold and mildew thrive in the ideal evaporating rainwater, groundwater, and humidity conditions. They establish themselves in this wet, gloomy setting and stealthily grow and spread. The sanctuary you call home becomes a source of discomfort and concern.
But this is where exterior waterproofing steps in, preventing moisture from penetrating the walls and foundation of your home. It prevents mold and mildew the moisture they crave, rendering them powerless.
2. Structural Damage
Exterior waterproofing can also protect against structural damage. Though seemingly benign, water can weaken the foundation upon which your home stands, setting the stage for cracks, instability, and costly deterioration.
When given the opportunity, rainwater, groundwater, or moisture from the earth can seep into the foundation. The foundation, the walls, or even the flooring may develop cracks. Although at first small, these fissures have the potential to expand and spread, creating severe structural problems. Your home might become unstable and hazardous due to the foundation settling unevenly. A damaged foundation also requires complicated and expensive repairs.
3. Rot And Decay
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Exterior waterproofing protects against the slow and silent menace of rot and decay. Given the opportunity, rainwater, snowmelt, or groundwater can seep into vulnerable areas. Wood, a common component of many homes, becomes particularly vulnerable.
As moisture penetrates its fibers, it provides sustenance for fungi and microorganisms. These opportunistic invaders feed on the wood’s cellulose, breaking it down over time. The result is wood rot that weakens the structure of your home.
Wood rot and decay can compromise the integrity of load-bearing beams, flooring, and your home’s frame. Left unchecked, it can lead to costly repairs, not to mention potential safety hazards.
Bottom Line
If water damage haunts your home, seeking the guidance of a seasoned professional becomes paramount. These professionals have the skills and expertise to examine your foundation and recommend the best waterproofing system based on your requirements.
This professional inspection doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, it crafts a solution honed to the specific conditions of your home. Each home is unique, and neither are their waterproofing needs.
The recommended waterproofing system can include simple yet effective methods like crack injection or sealants, which may suffice for minor incursions.