Water damage to your home is expensive to repair and can be extremely hazardous to your family’s health. Fall and winter bring cold, damp weather, which can freeze pipes and soak through poorly sealed openings.
To protect your home and family, take the time to waterproof the house well before the first freeze hits. Here are four key areas that need attention to prevent water damage.
1. Basements
To effectively waterproof a basement, you first need to inspect the basement floor and walls for cracks or gaps that could allow moisture to seep in. Use a sealing compound or caulk to patch cracks.
Next, apply a waterproofing sealant or membrane to the basement floors and walls. Two to three layers will provide better protection.
Install a sump pump and pit near the lowest point of the basement to collect and pump out accumulated water. Adding perforated piping around basement walls can also improve interior drainage as a supplementary measure to prevent a wet basement.
Basement waterproofing can be complicated, so I recommend hiring a professional waterproofing contractor for best results. An expert can assess risk areas and remedy them appropriately.
2. External Doorways
External doors serve as protective barriers to keep out wind, rain, snow, and floods. Water intrusions from poorly sealed doors regularly cause preventable damage. Before the weather turns harsh, you’ll want to safeguard doorways against leaks.
Apply silicone caulk annually along interior and exterior door frames to seal gaps. You’ll then install door sweeps and thresholds with weatherstripping at door bases. Replace worn sweeps and weatherstripping as needed. While weatherstripping cannot withstand major flooding, maintaining it effectively blocks normal rainfall.
3. Windows
In older homes, windows cut into wall openings without proper flashing or sealing invariably leak over time.
To prevent leaks, apply fresh waterproof silicone caulk yearly along window interiors and exteriors. Ensure window sills and frames have appropriate sloping, drip edges, and flashing to direct water away from window-wall joints. Finally, install proper drainage in basement egress window wells and meeting area codes.
While minor window leaks may be patched with caulk, recurring or worsening leaks, likely indicate a need for full window replacement or installing storm windows. Consult a contractor to assess severe window leaks.
4. Roofing
A leaky roof demands immediate attention. Unresolved leaks rapidly damage ceilings, insulation, and belongings and can lead to mold and mildew.
For small roof leaks, thoroughly clean the leak area and apply sealant or a rubberized roof patch per the manufacturer’s specifications.
For larger leaks or persistent problems, however, you’ll want to call a professional roofer. A professional roofer can inspect, diagnose, and fully repair or replace the roofing as required. Attempting to patch bigger issues yourself may lead to thousands in repair costs later.
If you suspect water damage inside your walls or ceilings, call a specialized water and mold remediation company immediately. They locate damaged areas, properly dry the home, replace compromised materials, and prevent mold issues later. Don’t delay getting help.
So, Is Waterproofing Your Home Worth It?
Given the potential for expensive repairs and health risks from water damage and mold, investing in waterproofing your home is worthwhile. Proactive waterproofing saves substantially on repairs later and provides peace of mind before rainy seasons.
While DIY projects can tackle minor sealing and patching, professionals often perform optimal basement and roofing waterproofing the first time. Ongoing maintenance of drainage systems and monitoring leaks should become standard, too.
Waterproof early and rest easy when storms come.
FAQs About Waterproofing Your Home
What are the early signs of water damage?
Visible stains, peeling surfaces, warped wood, saturated insulation, moisture deposits, and pooling water indicate leaks.
When should I waterproof my house?
Late summer or early fall, before winter, threatens plumbing and the building most.
What is the average waterproofing cost?
Costs vary drastically depending on repairs needed. Minor DIY sealing averages $200-$500. Extensive professional drainage installation, vapor barriers, sump pumps, roof repairs range from $5,000 to $20,000+.
How long does waterproofing last?
Minor waterproofing measures like caulking should be taken annually. Larger waterproofing solutions, properly installed with quality materials, last 10-15 years or a home’s lifetime. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance on life span estimates. Inspect and maintain systems yearly.
