Come hail, storm, or rain; you can guard your precious house against all-natural calamities today. Most importantly, you can protect your home from water damage. Water damage may be sudden or continuous. It could happen over a few years, without you even noticing it. Damp and water seepage leads to significant repairs and surmounting costs. Thankfully, you can save yourself the repair cost, time and effort by waterproofing your home; if you are building your home from scratch, rope in the best contractors for the job. Or else, you can also initiate repairs when you spot the damage. Read about a few ways here.
The Foundation Comes First
If you think that a solid concrete foundation can leave you in peace for the rest of your life, you are wrong. Cracks can develop within a year or so, as concrete is porous. If we explain it better, it apparently stops liquid water, but vapors can seep in anytime. You should always create a few drains to let the water out without storage. Additionally, you can also go for wall treatments to stop the seepage of water.
It is always advisable to do this at the beginning. Repair works can be cumbersome and expensive. A drainage mat is something very useful in such cases. Polystyrene foam works as primary protection in most cases. Your contractor also has to ensure to use glue that goes with Polystyrene. Some eat through the waterproofing foam board.
Consider a Canopy
This is the first protective structure for your home. If you do not want to place buckets all around the house, select the best roofing material. Now, here is a positive thing about the canopy. You can change it after building the house, or after years. It is an external job that can help you keep water coming from the top at bay. Metal ones are the most durable. Call seasoned professionals to gauge the extent of cover required. Metal roof repair is quite convenient for most homeowners, as they can undertake it without compromising on the liability of the house.
Now, leaks, tears, crevices, and ponding are things of the past. Moreover, they are lightweight and low-maintenance. It can also raise your home’s value for an asphalt one. Calling for maintenance on a routine basis, especially after a snowfall, can help you reduce the costs of further damage control.
Pay Attention to the Walls
You should also take care of the walls around the house. They are also made from concrete in most cases. It is also best done during the construction phase. A liquid compound is mainly used with cement to prevent water leakage. You should also choose water-resistant paint. Apart from the aesthetics, you need to ensure this to increase the longevity of the external walls. Calking around the window frames and in damp areas like bathroom walls can also help you to waterproof the walls. It can last for 5-7 years if done correctly. Say bye to warm drafts and do not allow air to escape through window frames.
Take Care of the Gutters
Debris, ice, water, and external matter collect on your gutters throughout the year. It can also clog the drainage in the long run. Moreover, rotting plant materials like leaves and twigs can also lead to mosquitoes. You need to get your gutters cleaned at least twice annually. If you are not comfortable doing it alone, you can rope in a professional gutter cleaner as well. The downspout of the gutter is very vulnerable to dirt and debris.
Inserting a garden hose through the spout can help you alleviate a part of the problem. It prevents any major blocks down the way. You can also install other protective equipment like downspout guards, gutter screens, and mesh guards. If you are occupying an older building, you have to consider a replacement.
Protect the Windows and Doors
If you have used wooden doors and window frames, they can swell in damp weather. Moreover, improperly laid ones can also let in moisture. You can get the gaps and crevices sealed with silicon. Most builders and contractors leave the walls around the windows and doors a bit weaker for frame installation. So, you will notice seepage often.
Get weather stripping done. It helps to remove moisture from entering through the window openings. It does so by rerouting the water. Foam weatherstripping is in today; you can utilize it. Door stripping is also required to keep the external weather external. Fiberglass stripping can prove to be useful for doors. You can increase the home’s energy efficiency as well.
You can try these five ways to keep moisture out. Technology is coming up with more such applications. So stay updated to leverage them.
