Technique for Water Proofing

There is no doubt about the fact that dampness or moisture can lead to damage of your home construction. This leads to huge expense caused due to unexpected seepage of water into walls or woodwork. Sometimes the presence of moisture can even corrode the steel framework, thus placing the whole structure at risk.


In order to preserve your precious construction and also to avoid future inconvenience, it is highly important that you take strict measures to waterproof your house. There are various waterproofing techniques that can be used during and after the construction of the house. You can choose techniques based on different factors, the prime one amongst them can be considered to be the cost. It is essential to consult a qualified Engineer or Architect for an appropriate waterproofing method to be followed in order to avoid subsequent hassles and damage. The home foundations needs to be waterproofed to prevent mildew, mould and fungus from developing when water and dampness seeps through the walls.

Although a sump pump may not be the only waterproofing option, it is essential in areas where water cannot drain away from the foundation. Sump pumps are installed under the foundation, requiring a pit drilled into the foundation floor, approximately 4-feet by 4-feet. A pit liner is installed and surrounded with gravel. The sump pump is then installed inside the pit. French drains are installed around the exterior of the foundation. Generally, they are installed before the dirt is backfilled; however, they can be installed at a later stage also if required. The drain pipe is perforated allowing excess water to seep into the pipe. The pipe then runs away from the foundation to a drain point, keeping water away from the foundation walls.

Waterproofing paints are also available to cover interior foundation walls; however foundation walls will have to be repainted every few years. The life expectancy of the paint depends on the brand and the extent of moisture you get. This is a simple cost effective measure to control water and dampness from seeping into a basement on a temporary basis. Layers of cement can be added to foundation walls for waterproofing. The cement can be added to exterior walls during the home construction phase or to interior walls after the house has been built. An acrylic additive put in the cement mixture can make the cement adhere to the foundation easier. The cement waterproofing can crack when foundations shift and move as they settle.

Tar waterproofing is another method applied to the outside of the foundation walls. It can be used alone or as a glue to adhere to other waterproofing agents such as felt. Tar can be used on newer homes if combined with another waterproofing option. Rubberized membranes are applied as a liquid to the foundation walls. As it dries it provides a rubber barrier to prevent the water and dampness from penetrating. The rubber membrane can be applied to either the interior or exterior of the foundation walls or even both in high moisture areas.

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