Water and moisture are a threat to each and every home. Whether it’s a leaky roof, damaged gutters or a flooded basement, poor waterproofing solutions can spell disaster for structural integrity. Water and moisture can also lead to mold, mildew and rot — problems that pose serious risks to both health and property, and can cost a fortune to address.
So how do you guard against these problems? Read on to learn about three waterproofing solutions to ensure that your home is kept safe and dry throughout the changing seasons.
1. Gutters
While often neglected, gutters are an incredibly important part of your home’s waterproofing system. The function of gutters is to direct water away from the foundation of your home. If gutters are damaged, clogged or leaky, rainwater is likely to collect around the foundation of the home — which could cause serious structural problems.
At least once a year, you should clean out your gutters and check for damage. Many homeowners prefer to hire a professional for this, to make sure it’s done right — and to make sure that any trouble spots are identified and repair. If you choose to inspect your own gutters, look for areas where the gutters are pulling away from your home’s roof, have peeling paint, or are rusting. These are indicators that it may be time to replace or repair your gutter system.
2. Roof
It’s fairly obvious that your roof is an especially susceptible part of your house when it comes to water exposure. Whether you live in a region with regular summer showers or brutal winter blizzards, the roof is your home’s first line of defense against intruding weather.
It’s imperative to have an effective waterproofing material installed between the rafters and the shingles of your roof. Depending on where you live and how your home is designed, this could be tar paper, roofing felt, or another recommended waterproofing material. Always check with a specialist to find out if your roof might be in need of repair or require replacing shingles or adding waterproofing.
3. Basement
When it comes to basements, flooding is your worst nightmare. Whether the basement is finished or not, flooding creates a whole litany of issues. Not only is basement flooding difficult and time consuming to clean up — it can lead to cracks and damage to your home’s foundation.
If you’ve experienced basement flooding, your solution will likely be foundation sealing. Repairing existing cracks and resealing your basement walls will often prevent future instances of leaking and flooding. That said, it’s important to always check with an expert to make sure your home’s foundation doesn’t require more serious attention.
Waterproofing that works
If your home is suffering from regular leaks or water damage, consult a waterproofing specialist for suggestions of what the best solution should be. Make sure to choose a masonry and waterproofing specialist that is experienced and reputable. This will guarantee a job well done — and for the right price. When it comes to the waterproofing of your home, it’s never worth settling for less than perfect work.