How to Waterproof Your Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you’re a homeowner or a contractor, waterproofing is an important step in protecting your property from damage. Waterproofing not only helps protect your property from water seeping through the walls and ceilings, but also helps to prevent mold and mildew growth. Let’s take a look at how to waterproof different areas of your home, room by room.

Basement and Crawl Spaces

Basements are especially prone to water damage because they’re below ground level, so it’s important to waterproof them properly. Water seeps through the walls, floors, and even the foundation of your home if not properly waterproofed. To waterproof these areas of your home, start by making sure all cracks and gaps are filled with mortar or sealant. Then, apply a coat of paint or sealant over any exposed surfaces such as concrete blocks or natural stone walls. Finally, install sump pumps in wet areas for added protection against flooding. Depending on the size of your basement or crawl space, we recommend using Polypropylene Waterproofing Membrane or our 5”x33’ Waterproofing Band.

Attic

Your attic can be another source of water damage if it isn’t properly sealed off from outside moisture. Start by inspecting the roof for any missing shingles or damaged flashing that may let in moisture. Replace any damaged material with new shingle material or flashing tape as needed. Next, inspect the corners around windows and doors for any gaps where air may be leaking in. Seal these gaps with caulk or weather stripping as necessary. If your home is located in an especially high-moisture area, we also recommend installing Outside Waterproofing Corners / Inside Waterproofing Corners. It’s also important not to forget about any pipes or fixtures around your home that may be susceptible to water damage over time if not properly maintained. To help protect these areas, use pipe wrap tape along the length of each pipe before applying a layer of liquid rubber or polyurethane coating over it for added security against moisture build-up and potential leaks in those areas. Additionally, you should clean out your gutters regularly, and seal any cracks for extra protection against water leakage and potential roof damage due to clogged gutters. Use the same process on any fixtures that could benefit from an extra layer of protection, such as outdoor faucets or garden hoses, before they become corroded due to exposure to harsh weather conditions over time.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are prone to moisture problems due to shower steam and humidity from baths and showers. To waterproof these rooms, start by making sure all grout lines between tiles are sealed off with silicone caulk to prevent water from seeping into underlying materials. Next, apply a coat of paint over any exposed surfaces such as tile walls and floors using an oil-based paint that is designed for bathrooms specifically (this will help create a more durable barrier against moisture). If you’re interested in heated flooring, we recommend installing a Waterproof Heat Membrane. This will ensure there is an impenetrable hydrophobic barrier protecting your flooring from damage, whether you choose water-heated flooring or electrical. Finally, inspect bathroom fixtures such as sinks, toilets, showers, and tubs for any signs of wear or tear; replace old fixtures if necessary so that they don’t become sources of water damage down the line. Depending on the size of your shower or other bathroom fixture, there are several waterproofing options available in our store. For larger bathrooms, the 48″x72″x1.5″ XPS Tile-able & Pre-sloped Waterproof Shower Base Kit with 36″ Linear Drain In Center is a perfect option. Paired with a 6 ft XPS Foam Shower Curb, you’ll be able to enjoy your shower with absolute peace of mind.

Conclusion

Waterproofing your home is an important step in protecting it from water damage caused by leaks or floods – especially if you live in an area prone to heavy rains! With this guide in hand, you should now be equipped with the knowledge on how to waterproof different parts of your home effectively; whether you decide to do it yourself or hire professionals for larger projects like basement waterproofing should depend on your individual needs! Either way, you will rest easy knowing that you have taken steps toward ensuring that your home stays safe from water damage!