Why Waterproofing is Essential for a Healthy Home

Why Waterproofing is Essential for a Healthy Home

Home is a place where we can experience a safe and healthy environment. So keeping it clean and dry is very important. In order to keep your home healthy, waterproofing plays an essential role. It is a part of home maintenance as it prevents all the damages caused by water, especially cracks and leakages. If your home is waterproofed properly especially during construction, it will help to prevent damages caused from extreme weather conditions later. Otherwise, it will lead to time consuming and costly repairs. We have to do waterproofing in a regular basis as it improves the safety and durability. In this blog, we are going to discuss why it is important to waterproof your home and the reasons behind.

Benefits of Waterproofing

• Reduces moisture content and keep your home dry and clean. 
• Prevents mold and mildew growth caused due to excess humidity and water exposure. The growth of these mold and mildew attracts mosquitoes and rodents causing diseases.
• Controls serious health issues like allergies and respiratory diseases by controlling the growth of pests and microorganisms inside the house.
• Improves the strength and durability which results in an extended life of your home.
• Prevents clogging of water especially in the terrace.
• Improves energy efficiency as it reduces temperature. It then reduces electricity bills due to the  limited use of air conditioners and fans.
• Prevents rusting and corrosion of metal components.
• Also prevents decaying of wooden structures.
• Improves property value of your home by maintaining structural integrity, which in turn improves the appearance.
• Protects foundation from water seepage.
• Improves indoor air quality by preventing moisture accumulation. Presence of microorganisms inside your home may lead to poor quality air and breathing this air causes asthma, coughing, breathing issues and other health issues like skin irritation, eye infection and more.
• Prevents flooding caused due to heavy rains and other disasters.
• Reduces maintenance and repairing cost of water damages of the building. Otherwise you have to spend more money and time in changing the building to the good old condition.
• Controls dampness inside the house which will help in protecting the walls from cracks and leaks.
• Provides safety to the people living inside by ensuring a healthy environment.

People are less bothered about the consequences caused by water infiltration. So they don't consider waterproofing their buildings as a serious thing. Waterproofing makes your home more comfortable to live in. It won't give you any kind of tension and stress related to water damage. It gives you a secured feeling and peace of mind.

14 Common Types Of Waterproofing

Water Proofing

Waterproofing is the process of making an object or structure resistant to the penetration of water or moisture. There are various methods and types of waterproofing, each suited to specific applications and materials. Waterproofing protects structures against water infiltration which can cause expensive and irreversible damage. It is mostly invisible after construction is completed. Every day the basement of a building, or the outermost layer of a tunnel, is exposed to intense fluctuations in moisture levels and temperatures, all contributing to its deterioration.

Here are some common types of waterproofing:

1) Membrane Waterproofing: Membranes are applied to surfaces as sheets, sprays, or liquids to create a waterproof barrier. These membranes can be made from materials like bitumen, PVC, TPO, EPDM, or even bentonite clay.

2) Cementitious Waterproofing: This method involves applying a cement-based mixture that forms a rigid, waterproof coating when it dries. It is often used in construction to waterproof basements, tanks, and swimming pools.

3) Liquid Waterproofing Membrane: Liquid-applied waterproofing membranes are typically made of flexible, polymer-modified asphalt or other elastomeric materials. They can be applied in multiple coats and are often used on roofs and decks.

4) Sheet Membrane Waterproofing: These are pre-fabricated sheets made of materials like modified bitumen or synthetic rubber. And they are applied to surfaces by rolling or adhering, creating a waterproof barrier.

5) Bentonite Waterproofing: Bentonite clay is used in this method. It swells when it comes into contact with water, forming a watertight seal. It is often used in below-grade applications.

6) Polyurethane Waterproofing: Polyurethane waterproofing coatings are durable and flexible. They are often used for roofs, decks, and basements.

7) Silicone Waterproofing: Silicone-based coatings are known for their excellent resistance to UV rays and weather. They are often used in exterior applications.

8)Injection Waterproofing: This method is used to seal cracks and joints in existing structures by injecting a waterproof material (often epoxy or polyurethane) into them.

9) Integral Waterproofing: This involves adding waterproofing agents directly to the concrete or mortar mix during construction. It is a preventative measure used in building foundations and walls.

10) Roofing Membrane Waterproofing: These specialized membranes are designed for use on flat or low-slope roofs. They can be made from various materials like EPDM, TPO, or PVC.

11) Exterior Waterproofing: This involves excavating around the exterior of a building's foundation and applying a waterproof coating or membrane to the outer surface to prevent water infiltration.

12) Interior Waterproofing: This method addresses water infiltration from inside the structure. It may involve installing drainage systems, sump pumps, or applying sealants to interior surfaces.

13) Crystalline Waterproofing: This type of waterproofing relies on crystalline compounds that penetrate the concrete and create a waterproof barrier as they react with moisture.

14) Green Roof Waterproofing: For green or living roofs, specialized waterproofing systems are used to protect the building structure from moisture while supporting vegetation.

15) Swimming Pool Waterproofing: Swimming pools require specialized waterproofing to prevent water leakage. Waterproofing membranes or coatings designed for pools are commonly used.

The choice of waterproofing method depends on factors such as the type of structure, the materials involved, the location, and the specific waterproofing requirements. Each type of waterproofing has its advantages and limitations, so it's important to select the most appropriate method for the intended application.

Read More:- Top 6 Basement Water Damage and Waterproofing Solutions