Everybody wants their dream house to be perfect and without any flaws. Leaking walls and mold infestation is a major setback and ruins your house’s atmosphere and look, which is why you should consider waterproofing your walls beforehand. This is very important for people who live in areas that experience a lot of rainfall and humidity because such weather conditions keep your walls damp leading to the buildup of mold and damage to the internal structure, which will cost you a lot of money to repair.
Therefore, waterproofing your walls is a long-term investment that will save your money, house, and family. Here is all you need to know about waterproofing your walls.
Which areas of your house need waterproofing?
If you want to protect your house from water seepage, moisture buildup, and mold infestation, then you need to ensure all areas susceptible to water leakage are properly waterproofed. These include:
Walls
Exterior walls are constantly exposed to all sorts of weather conditions, be it wind, snow, or rainfall. If you want to protect the foundation of your house, then you need to waterproof all the walls. Weak walls can put the whole integrity of your house at risk.
Basement
It is very likely for basements to get flooded due to pipe leakages and seepage, which makes it essential to waterproof basements. Basements are the foundation of the house, which is why waterproofing walls can protect your overall house.
Bathroom
Bathrooms are the area most exposed to water which is why it is important to waterproof their walls to prevent the buildup of mold.
Roof
The roof is exposed to harsh weather conditions, and water can build up on the roof after heavy rainfall. Retention of water on the roof can cause seepage and leaking roofs. This can make the walls weak, which may even collapse.
Gallery
Galleries and balconies are constantly exposed to the outside weather, which makes them vulnerable to damage by rainfall. This is why it is essential to waterproof them.
How to waterproof the walls
In today’s world, it is very easy to DIY everything due to the availability of materials in the market. You can waterproof your house walls by yourself, but it is recommended that you contact the experts such as those at https://oriolebw.com/ in order to avoid any mess, damage, and additional repair costs.
There are many ways to waterproof your house. The type of material and method used depends on which area you need to waterproof. Here are some of the ways to waterproof your house:
1) Use waterproof cement-like coating
Simply apply the waterproof cement coating on the surface of the walls. It is a type of waterproof polymer cement that provides protection from water seepage and moisture buildup. It is used to waterproof the interior walls, such as those of the bathroom.
2) Use waterproof paint
Exterior walls can be made waterproof by covering them with waterproof paint. They look just like normal paints, but they are waterproof and heat resistant. They protect your wall from damage caused by the weather. The best part is that they can be easily applied using a paintbrush or roller. To provide maximum protection, you should cover your walls with a waterproof primer before applying the waterproof paint.
There are three types of waterproof pants available in the market, including acrylic paints, masonry paints, and epoxy paint. There is the ideal waterproofing material for exterior and bathroom walls but is not preferred for basements. Also, keep in mind that the wall should be dry before you apply the layer of paint.
3) Use silicone sealant
Water can seep down the walls near the sink and ruin the wood cupboards. The best way to make your kitchen waterproof is by using a silicone sealant or water seal tape. You simply have to apply the silicone waterproof sealant or tape at the junction between the sink and the wall. It can also be at the junction between a bathtub and the walls, around windows, and around toilets. It is also used to fill up cracks in the wall or roof.
4) Use silicate concrete sealer
Using a silicate concrete sealer to waterproof your walls is an expensive option as compared to those mentioned above, but it is very effective. A silicate concrete sealer goes onto the concrete lining the wall and reacts with the calcium silicate hydrate on the surface of the wall. It then fills the pores in the concrete and forms a waterproof layer. If done by experts, it also increases the durability, strength, and density of the concrete.
The silicate concrete sealer can also be sprayed onto the walls. Also, remember that you need to apply it multiple times to ensure complete waterproofing. You can also use the liquid membrane method to waterproof your walls, in which you need to spray the polymer asphalt membrane onto the wall.
It is one of the most common ways to make your wall waterproof. You can also work on protecting your house from heat, as heat also damages the walls. You can look into common ways to insulate your house.
Top signs you should consider waterproofing your walls
Water seeps into the walls slowly, and at first, it is difficult to note or spot. But it continues to damage your walls and makes the situation worse. This is why you need to stay alert and look out for these signs:
- Musty and damp smell
- Signs of mold infestation
- Water stains on the ceiling and walls
- Paint peeling off at different places
- Visible cracks in the wall
- Bowing down walls
These are some of the first signs and should not be ignored. If they are not given attention, the water will continue to destroy the walls, and the mold infestation will grow, which will compromise the purity of the air and overall atmosphere. It can cause breathing problems, allergic reactions, and diseases. So look out for these signs and contact an expert immediately if you notice any of them.
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