Waterproofing Tips

Barrierology 101

Keeping water and moisture on its side of the border, so to speak, has been a problem since The Flood. Over the millenia, folks have tried everything and anything to stem the endless tide: thatch, such as straw, reed, leaves and other dried vegetable matter as a barrier against water entering their home. In time, other more sophisticated waterproofing materials were used. These included: animal skins, timber shingles, and natural stones like slate. The architectural designs of the day such as high pitched roofs helped overcome some of the shortfalls and limitations of the materials that were used. Over the centuries other waterproofing materials were used such as metals eg. copper, lead, zinc, and tin. With the discovery of oil, and advances in chemistry more efficient petroleum-derived waterproofing products such as bituminous, butyl rubber, neoprene rubber, hypalon etc.were developed. Of course, technology marches on and it won't be long until today's waterproofing membranes such as polyurethanes, acrylics and polyesters will seem as primitive as leaves and animal skins are today.

Waterproofing possibilities

All things great and small can benefit from waterproofing. Modern technologies make it possible to waterproof all kinds of stuff such as concrete, cement render, fibre cement sheets, gypsum boards, timber, wicker baskets, the entire city of Seattle and the Rain Forest.

The world is full of wonderful products available through your home center or professional waterproof contractors that can meet your waterproofing needs.

Waterproofing explained

Waterproofing is the formation of an impervious barrier which is designed to prevent water entering or escaping from various sections of building structures. Internal areas that are waterproofed include bathrooms, shower recesses, laundries and toilets. Whilst external areas waterproofed extends to roofs, planter boxes, podiums, balconies, retaining walls and swimming pools.

The Cost of Waterproofing

The answer to how much a waterproofing project will cost can be summed up in two words: It depends. Every situation is different. Costs are determined by the work that needs to be done, the method used to correct the problem. Get inspections and estimates from at least three professional waterproofing contractors before hiring someone. In most cases, they will do the estimating and inspections free of charge.

Crackology

Where do cracks come from? Why are they here? Where are they going? have puzzled philosophical homeowners for centuries. The short answer seems to be that cracks can be caused by outside forces beyond our control such as an errant 18-wheeler, a settling foundation, or water pressure build up around and/or under your foundation. *Its movement that causes your foundation wall to crack. Of course, if you had an average of 47 tons resting on you, you'd crack too.