Waterproofing your wall and other surfaces in your home is an essential but complicated process, especially if you’re doing it yourself. You need to know what to do and avoid, so that the waterproofing wall will last as long as possible, keeping water out of your walls and other areas in your home. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind while trying to waterproof your wall correctly.
What Parts of Your House Need to Be Waterproofed?
- Exterior Walls
The best way to waterproof an exterior wall is to apply a sealant or membrane to it. Sealants can be tinted to match any color, but if you’re building a new house, you should wait for the exterior walls to be sealed before painting. The seal will prevent water damage while construction is still underway. Many professional painters offer affordable prices for sealing exterior walls before painting them.
- Basement
If you have a basement, look into waterproofing and water-resistant paints for the walls. Not only will they prevent further damage to your home, but they’ll also look great and improve how your basement feels. A good paint job can do wonders for a dingy basement. Just be sure to seal cracks or holes in your walls, so that moisture won’t get in as quickly as it would otherwise.
- Bathrooms
Bathrooms are notorious for their high humidity levels, leading to moist, and moldy, surfaces. To avoid mildew buildup, it’s important to take steps like installing a ventilation fan and placing a dehumidifier in your bathroom. In addition, you should caulk around your tub or shower, and change your air filters regularly.
- Roofs
When you waterproof your roof, you’re not just protecting your home from water damage, but also yourself from a potentially fatal problem. If your roof leaks, it can easily lead to mold and mildew problems. This causes all sorts of health problems for people who regular exposed to them. Be sure to use a sealant specifically designed for waterproofing roofs, so that you have no issues with leakage.
Ways to Waterproof a Wall
- Waterproof Paint
Paints are an inexpensive way to waterproof your wall. If you have a mildew problem, painting over it is one of many ways to protect your home from excess moisture. Make sure to only paint with oil-based paints, as latex or water-based paints will not provide enough protection. To make sure that your wall is arid before applying any paint, start by covering everything with a plastic tarp to ensure you don’t get any unwanted drips on your wall or floors.
- Waterproof Sealant
It is crucial to not only waterproof your wall but to use a good quality waterproof sealant. The sealant will keep moisture from seeping through your wall and make any leaks easier to find and repair. Before you start, know that there are two different types of waterproof sealants, exterior and interior. You must get one rated for use on walls since they can sometimes be used for either situation.
Wall waterproofing, also known as wall tiling, will protect your walls from water infiltration and make them long-lasting. You can implement waterproofing techniques like membranes or coatings to prevent moisture from damaging the home, your possessions, and even your health. However, these techniques often require special preparation to have the best outcome, so you should always contact a contractor to help you with waterproofing your wall.