Benefits of Exterior Waterproofing
Your home should be a safe haven, offering protection and comfort from the outside elements. Part of that is maintaining a waterproof exterior. Water intrusion can end up leading to structural damage, basement flooding, mold growth, and more, all of which is a headache and expensive to fix. Luckily, implementing exterior basement waterproofing can protect your home from various water-related issues, saving you money and even your home.
What is Exterior Waterproofing?
Exterior waterproofing is a comprehensive approach for protecting your home from water damage. To prevent water from penetrating and seeping into the structure, the area around the foundation is excavated and a waterproof sealant or membrane is applied. A crucial step to waterproofing is ensuring proper drainage away from the foundation, including sloping the ground away and using gutter downspout extensions to carry water away from the home.
Implementing exterior basement waterproofing can help you prevent basement flooding, prevent mold growth, and help prevent foundation cracks from appearing. Certain waterproofing materials, such as tar and specialized sealants, are vital in keeping your home dry and safe from water damage.
Exterior vs. Interior Waterproofing Methods
Exterior basement waterproofing is focused primarily on preventing water from entering the home’s foundation in the first place. On the other hand, interior waterproofing deals with water management concerns from inside the basement.
Interior waterproofing often involves solutions such as utilizing a sump pump to remove water that has already entered the basement. While useful, interior waterproofing is more reactive and does not necessarily address the root cause of the problems. Exterior waterproofing is more proactive, protecting against initial water infiltration and reduces the risk of water damage significantly.
Both interior and exterior waterproofing serve essential purposes, but when it comes to preventing water intrusion and protecting the foundation from structural damage, exterior waterproofing is the more effective method.
Protect Against Water Damage
Exterior waterproofing is the ultimate defense against water-related issues and damage. Preventing basement flooding keeps possessions safe and reduces the risk of water damage requiring costly repairs. In addition, it safeguards foundation walls and the overall structure of the home to extend the lifespan and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Protecting against water damage will also help prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Mold not only damages property, but also poses health risks to those who live in the home. Exterior waterproofing can provide a great way to keep your living space safe and healthy.
Extend the Lifespan of Your Home
Homes are built with the hope they will last for many years to come, but water damage can significantly impact the longevity of your home. A major concern to the home’s structural damage would be foundation cracks caused by hydrostatic pressure, especially near the frost line. Exterior waterproofing will provide an effective barrier against this damage to preserve the foundation and increase your home’s lifespan. Investing in proper waterproofing measures will help you avoid costly structural damage and maintain the home’s stability.
Promote Energy Efficiency & Improve Indoor Air Quality
Saving money and becoming more energy efficient is a goal for many homeowners, and exterior waterproofing can help. By sealing potential air leaks and improving insulation around the foundation, you can reduce your home’s energy consumption to save money on your heating and cooling bills.
Additionally, exterior waterproofing helps maintain a healthier indoor environment by preventing allergens and pollutants from entering the home through cracks and gaps. It also plays a role in preventing radon gas, which is the leading environmental cause of any cancer, from infiltrating living spaces to further improve the indoor air quality of the home.
Increase Property Value
Investing in exterior waterproofing can increase property value as potential buyers are more inclined to invest in a home with a dry, well-protected basement. It provides peace of mind as the likelihood of water-related issues in the future is greatly reduced. Exterior waterproofing is seen as a wise investment, enhancing property value and increasing marketability that will provide significant returns if you decide to sell the home.
Fix it Right the First Time With a Qualified Foundation Repair Contractor
Exterior waterproofing prevents water intrusion, but it also provides numerous other benefits to create a safer, healthier home. From safeguarding against structural damage and mold growth to securing your home’s future, it’s essential to get ahead of water damage before it becomes a problem.
Ensuring the effectiveness and long-term benefits of exterior waterproofing requires working with a qualified foundation repair contractor. With their expertise and experience, you can rest assured that the waterproofing is done correctly and any potential vulnerabilities are addressed to secure your home from water damage.
If you’re considering waterproofing the exterior of your home’s foundation, contact Stratum Structural Systems. Our team of experienced professionals will help protect your home so you can enjoy having peace of mind for years to come.
