Exterior Wall

How do I waterproof my exterior wall?

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    Waterproofing is based on the premise that water should not be allowed to penetrate a surface in the first place.

    It may seem apparent, but even seasoned builders often make the mistake of trying to seal leaks from the inside first. It's important to keep in mind that pinpointing the initial place of water infiltration can be challenging because water can permeate deeply into a building or even totally soak it.

    When the external walls of a building are exposed to precipitation or a high relative humidity, water and moisture can seep through the brickwork and influence the internal walls of the building. Because of this, it may take a long time for your walls to dry, which can lead to the formation of mould and irreparable damage.

    How can you prevent water and mould from affecting your walls? We have a wide range of external waterproofing services at Hitch Property Constructions.

    What Causes Leaks?

    Most modern structures use reinforced concrete ring beams along the top and reinforced concrete column shafts to give the necessary wall strength. An infill of local red bricks or light concrete blocks has been inserted between the columns and beams, and then a skim coat of hard concrete has been applied on top. The infill is like blotting paper, and the reinforced concrete often has cracks and voids, indicating that it is of low quality.

    Buildings of this type are notorious for cracking due to the frequent ground movements that occur here and the frequent earthquakes that we experience in Bali (There are many of them, and most of the time we don't even notice them because of how small they are, but occasionally one may jolt you awake).

    It's unusual to find a tradesman who will go through the troubleshooting process of eliminating possible causes of a problem before treating the first thing he thinks of as the source of the trouble. This is due to the fact that it is simpler for a tradesman to treat the symptom than the cause.

    Exterior Wall

    How Are Exterior Walls Harmed By Inadequate Waterproofing?

    Wetness will be retained for much longer in walls that have not been properly waterproofed on the exterior. Mold thrives in this environment, and the damage could worsen, allowing water to seep in where it doesn't belong.

    Selecting The Best Waterproofer

    Choosing a paint with the right properties for waterproofing is crucial. The best brands are those that allow the outer walls to "breathe," allowing excess moisture to escape and not accumulate. Furthermore, you will need to acquire a plaster additive. Using the right plaster is a great method to enhance the wall's aesthetic value and may even increase the wall's durability. As a result of its adaptability, concrete, a material designed for use in masonry that can be put to virtually any surface, is the best coating to employ.

    The seals produced by silicate-based brands are often regarded as the best in the industry. If applied in such a manner that it targets the same materials that are used in concrete masonry, this substance forms a flawless coating that is versatile and may be used even for walls that haven't been painted or sealed. Due to the material's construction, it can be installed even on bare walls without prior painting or sealing.

    Waterproof additives inserted within the plaster can prevent water infiltration and its associated problems, even though the great majority of exterior plasters already include waterproofing qualities.

    Wall Preparation for Waterproofing

    Waterproofing the external walls of your home requires first repairing and patching any holes or cracks that may be present using a high-quality filler. The filler needs to dry completely before any excess can be removed by grinding or sanding. This will guarantee a dust-free, uniform surface after the job is done. Waterproofing can be applied once the walls have had enough time to dry.

    The best tool to use while applying waterproofing is a roller or brush made of high-quality materials. It's possible that the walls will need a second coat of paint. If that's the case, wait for the initial coat to dry before adding a second. If you want to prevent water from getting through your barrier, you'll need to make sure it's sturdy enough. If you really want to know if something works, there's no better way than to put it through some kind of test.

    How Can We Prevent Water from Penetrating Walls?

    What steps should we take now that we know there is water hidden behind a wall?

    First, we need to go to a detox centre to deal with our alcoholism; doing so will cease the DTs and the red, watery eyes.

    Visit an ashram as your next destination. Learn to accept your water problems and develop an unconditional love for all living things by enrolling in a nine-month long transcendental meditation course.

    You should finish up by getting a massage and a fresh cut.

    Finding the water's entry point is priority number one. Since it is general known that water always flows downhill, we shall start at the highest point.

    Does the roof offer any shelter to the wall at its peak, or does it face the elements unprotected? Look for cracks, even tiny ones, at the top of the wall if the roof doesn't overhang it and fix them if necessary. Is there a covering on top that prevents water from penetrating? Have you checked to see if the roof is concrete and if there is a parapet wall around it? Water could be seeping in via the parapet wall, or it could be entering through the junction between the concrete roof slab and the wall.

    Leaks Coming From Broken Concrete Roof Gutters

    There is a major problem on the island of Bali with concrete gutters that leak. It is regarded quite rude to allow roof runoff onto a neighbor's property or into the street. As a result of its notorious untidiness, this is the general consensus. The majority of buildings that are constructed next to a property line have concrete gutters installed along their outer walls to collect roof runoff and channel it away from the structure. There are two major problems with these concrete gutters:

    1. Ground movement is a common culprit in the formation of gutter cracks that let water in through the wall. If the fissures aren't too wide, repairing them might not be too difficult. Ideally, the entire gutter should be waterproofed at once after a thorough cleaning and drying off, but at the very least, the inside should be sealed.
    2. It is standard practise to raise the outside wall of a gutter above the level of the inner wall. When the gutter is full, water will overflow and run along the ceiling or down the interior of the wall, depending on how your structure is constructed. Roof gutters in Australia are often composed of plastic or aluminium, and are built such that, if they become clogged with water, the water will overflow to the outer side of the gutter rather than the inner side. First, make sure the gutter's downspout is wide enough to drain the area of the roof it's attached to, and that there are notches in the gutter's outer face to direct water overflow. These should be installed at a height that is below the gutter's inner face. It's also a good idea to leave some room between the downspouts and the ground where the gutters are. Water won't get caught in the pipe as a result of this.

    Examine The Wall's Surfaces.

    Following a thorough search of the wall's crown, you should turn your attention to the wall's surface. Make sure that everything is double checked, beginning to end. Does it have any sort of weather conditions? It's important to remember that in windy areas, the rain could hit the wall at an oblique angle. Roof overhangs on buildings with good design are sufficiently large and slope away from the building's walls to prevent water damage. When the sun isn't directly on the walls, the temperature inside a building can be kept down by using roof overhangs.

    The best way to stop water from getting inside your house during a rainstorm is to waterproof the exterior walls. Take note of any wall cracks; we'll be fixing those in a slightly different way than the rest of the wall in a bit.

    Warning: if a wall becomes saturated with water, air must be able to circulate through it so that the moisture can evaporate. A wall's inside does not need to be treated with waterproofing in the same way that its exterior is. The risk of persistently moist walls increases if you do this.

    Rising Damp

    As a final safety measure, check for rising damp. This problem arises regularly in parts of Bali where damp proof courses are not typically placed, but it is easily fixed if you have the necessary expertise. In the same way that you wouldn't allow a novice to poach an egg for you, you shouldn't entrust this to someone who isn't competent in this area.

    Making a horizontal cut from the base of the wall all the way up through the wall is the greatest solution. Yes, this needs to be done very carefully, and there are multiple valid reasons why it can't be finished in one go. Once that is done, a high-density cement is used to seal the crack.

    Known as a "sloof," this design element will keep water from seeping in through the foundation. Methods such as injecting silicone solutions are heavily promoted in the United Kingdom but are not available in the United States. The reliability of these methods is usually relatively low. The walls are likely doomed due to the extreme porosity of the batako blocks which make them up.

    Looking for external waterproofing Melbourne? Check out Hitch Property Constructions.

    Sealing The Leaks

    Is there a recommended course of action now that we know what's causing the issue? Traditionally, people have used a skim of high-density waterproofing cement, although this method is not widely recommended. Waterproofing film of this type is notoriously fragile and prone to cracking. Whenever concrete skim is placed on a wall that receives direct sunshine, the surface heat causes the skim to expand and separate from the wall. This will create a gap through which water can seep in and flow between the subsurface and the surface above the concrete skim.

    Treatment is best accomplished by brushing on a thick coat of polymer paint. It comes in a rainbow of colours to suit your taste. While we can't say for sure, I'd imagine that you get what you pay for with localised varieties that are marketed at a lesser price. Because cracks are likely to expand and contract in the future, they need specialised care. An included membrane in Raintite looks like a thick bandage and serves the same purpose. First, paint Raintite polymer along the crack on both sides. Next, place a bandage over the crack running its length and paint the bandage until it is completely saturated with the polymer. The bandage can expand somewhat while yet retaining its waterproof characteristics in case the crack shifts. You should know that these polymers have a serious aversion to moisture.

    Before a waterproofing polymer can be applied, the surface must be spotless and dry. Remove any peeling paint, moss, or dirt, and then dry the surface completely. Wait a day for the surface and any cracks to dry up fully before attempting to waterproof it.

    When it comes to exterior walls, Dulux Weathershield is the gold standard; however, it should only be used for general waterproofing on walls that are in good condition to allow for proper ventilation.

    Since we have completed addressing the more difficult difficulties, we can shift our focus to the easier ones. Make the chimp stand on one foot while holding the pan in the other, and have it pick up an egg including one hand as well as a spoon with the other.

    Simple Procedures for Exterior Wall Waterproofing

    Examine The Walls For Flaws.

    Waterproofing the outside walls is the best course of action if they become wet from rain or other sources of moisture. But this is true only if the walls are already wet. Before searching for waterproofing materials, it is important to eliminate any other causes of structural dampness. It might be a burst water pipe, but it might also be moisture on the interior of the wall. The options are practically infinite. When you've fixed the problem, you can then take preventative measures by applying a waterproofer.

    Clean your gutters 

    Clogged gutters not only cause water to spill over and run down your walls, but they also collect water, which can be absorbed by the wood or fascia boards on your roof, causing decay, leaks, and mould. Clogged gutters not only cause water to back up and run down your walls, but they also prevent rainwater from draining away. All of these problems can be avoided, and your home's health maintained, with just two annual gutter cleanings.

    Choose The Appropriate Waterproofer.

    In order to keep their homes, dry from rain and other environmental moisture sources, homeowners can choose from a wide range of waterproofing products on the market today. Below is a list of items that you may want to consider buying:

    • In order to keep water out of concrete, you can coat it with a concrete waterproofing coating, which is a cement-like compound that sticks to masonry and concrete permanently, can be applied to any surface, even painted walls, and is impervious to water.
    • sealant for concrete and masonry that contains silicates and forms a waterproof layer when applied to uncoated or unpainted surfaces.
    • In comparison to standard acrylic wall paint, waterproofing paint offers improved waterproofing ability. If you want your walls to be able to breathe and release moisture, you need to choose a formulation that allows this to happen. This product can be used over previously painted surfaces.

    Plaster Waterproofing Additive Should Be Used.

    Plastering helps with the aesthetics, reinforces the walls, and prevents moisture from penetrating the walls. Most exterior plasters already have qualities that render them waterproof but adding a waterproofing additive to the plaster will ensure that water infiltration problems are solved and never recur.

    Get Your Walls Ready For Waterproofing.

    The exterior walls of a structure must be fixed and brought up to a reasonable standard before any substance can be applied to waterproof them. This means that you need to use a high-quality filler when fixing cracks and holes. It's important to have the filler as dry as possible before grinding it. To ensure the waterproofer adheres effectively to the substrate, sand down any rough or uneven areas, wash away any dust with some water, and let the walls dry completely before proceeding.

    Use the waterproofer.

    The waterproofer can be applied with a roller or a brush. If you need to apply a second coat, wait until the first one is dry before doing so. Use enough of the product to create a seal that cannot be broken.

    Test 

    The effectiveness of the products used for waterproofing the outer walls of a structure can be gauged by conducting a water-tightness test. For this test, you'll want to keep the nozzle at a 30-degree angle and spray water on the wall's surface for a few hours. If the results of a moisture metre show that your home is completely dry, then it will pass the inspection. Waterproofing the outer walls of your home will not only protect it from costly damage but also raise its resale value.

    Waterproofing The Outside Properly

    Waterproof A Wall

     

    High attention to detail is the single most significant requirement for successfully waterproofing a building's exterior. Absolutely, it's imperative that you take an interest. You should take your time, use high-quality supplies, and be pleased with the results. Waterproofing your house will not turn out right if you don't have these materials.

    Moisture moves from the outside of a structure into the basement through four main channels. Water circulation is the first. Since water will follow the path of least resistance, if that leads into your basement, it will do so. Water will always go where there is the least number of obstacles. After diffusion, capillary action is the next most important process. Despite its durability, concrete has a porous structure due to its composition. Think of capillary action as being analogous to a wick. For the duration of its curing time in water, concrete will absorb up to three times its weight in water. As the concrete cures, it emits moisture in the form of water vapour into the structure's interior.

    Vapor diffusion is up next. Vapor diffusion is the transfer of water vapour and operates in a manner analogous to that of capillary suction. Humidity levels can be increased by water vapour entering a building through even the slightest of openings. The last component is the wind direction and speed. Opening a door or window does more than let in fresh air; it also forces stale air from lower floors out of the building and into the living quarters. The "stack effect" is the phrase for this occurrence. In a way, your home acts like a chimney, sucking air from the basement and distributing it throughout the upper floors. In our homes, forty percent of the air comes from the basement.

    At Hitch Property Constructions, we offer Melbourne external waterproofing services.

    What Should You Do?

    In the event that water is entering your property through the basement or crawlspace, external waterproofing is a must. In order to effectively waterproof your property, excavation will be required. The foundation must be exposed, and issues with the building's appearance must be fixed.

    Waterproofing the foundation walls via spraying or rolling on a polymer substance is the next step after cleaning. As soon as the coating has dried, a dimple board product should be applied over it to protect the freshly sealed surface and enhance water drainage. The next step is to instal a network of drainpipes with the appropriate slope for constant drainage. This incline could either lead to a basement or a drainage ditch, depending on how the land is laid out. When it is done, a clean, 34-inch-thick rock is placed over the drain. The depth of this rock backfill might range from one foot to as much as sixty percent of the wall's height, depending on the ground conditions. Soil can be filtered without clogging the system by wrapping the rock with non-woven geotextile material. Soil backfilling can commence once the geotextile material has been installed. Native clayey soils that are impervious to water incursion are required for backfill. Water can more easily go through a region that was previously backfilled with loose soils as opposed to clay soils, which act as a barrier to water movement.

    Properly waterproofing a building's exterior is not a straightforward process and should not be attempted by untrained personnel. You are providing security for your house, so you should take care to do the job right and find a permanent solution to the issue. Waterproofing the external walls of your home will not prevent water from penetrating your foundation walls. Your basement or crawlspace floor could leak because of this water.

    An inside drainage system will assist your outdoor drainage efforts rather than replace them in this case. Installing a drainage system within your home is not the same thing as waterproofing. Inside drain systems are a type of water management that can assist you deal with the surplus water that pools around and under your home's foundation.

    Also, remember that if you plan to use the sump pump system to transfer water from the outdoors to the basement, it needs to be capable of doing so. High-quality sump basins, contemporary sump pumps, and battery backups make it possible to redirect water away from your home.

    The subfloor and the basement's foundation can be protected from water damage by installing a foundation drain tile system. Groundwater can be drained using these technologies. Establishing an efficient foundation drainage system is critical for a dry basement and stable structure above ground.

    Conclusion

    Waterproofing prevents water intrusion. Choose a weatherproof paint. Better items have permeable exteriors to prevent moisture from accumulating. Before waterproofing your home's external walls, address any damage. Smooth, easy-to-handle rollers and brushes are great for waterproofing.

    It mounts on unfinished walls without painting or sealing. Check for cracks if the roof doesn't overhang the wall. Roof runoff on a neighbour's property or roadway is unfriendly. Plastic or aluminium gutters drain water from Australian buildings. Rainwater can enter a property during a downpour if the outside walls aren't waterproofed.

    Good-looking buildings have broad, sloping roof overhangs. Saturated walls must be ventilated for water to evaporate. As affordable as Dulux Weathershield for interior walls, it comes in several colours. Waterproof external walls if they get wet from rain or other moisture. Homeowners have several alternatives for weatherproofing.

    We've included the greatest waterproofing products and other items below. Moisture from a building's exterior can enter the basement four ways. First is water movement, capillary action, water vapour diffusion, wind direction, and speed. Exterior wall waterproofing prevents costly repairs and boosts home value. After cleaning the foundation walls, a polymer must be sprayed or rolled on.

    Backfill requires clayey, water-resistant soils. Nonwoven geotextile draped around rocks can filter dirt without clogging. Loose backfill soils are more permeable than clay soils and dam water. You'll need a high-quality sump basin, a modern sump pump, and a battery backup to move water away from your property.

    Content Summary

    • Waterproofing is based on the premise that water should not be allowed to penetrate a surface in the first place.
    • It's important to remember that pinpointing the initial place of water infiltration can be challenging because water can permeate deeply into a building or even totally soak it.
    • Because of this, it may take a long time for your walls to dry, leading to mould formation and irreparable damage.
    • The infill is like blotting paper, and the reinforced concrete often has cracks and voids, indicating that it is of low quality.
    • This is because it is simpler for a tradesman to treat the symptom than the cause.
    • Using the right plaster is a great method to enhance the wall's aesthetic value and may even increase the wall's durability.
    • If applied in such a manner that it targets the same materials used in concrete masonry, this substance forms a flawless coating that is versatile and may be used even for walls that haven't been painted or sealed.
    • Waterproofing the external walls of your home requires first repairing and patching any holes or cracks that may be present using high-quality filler.
    • Waterproofing can be applied once the walls have had enough time to dry.
    • To prevent water from getting through your barrier, you'll need to ensure its sturdy enough.
    • Have you checked to see if the roof is concrete and if there is a parapet wall around it?
    • There is a major problem on the island of Bali with concrete gutters that leak.
    • Most buildings constructed next to a property line have concrete gutters installed along their outer walls to collect roof runoff and channel it away from the structure.
    • There are two major problems with these concrete gutters: Ground movement is a common culprit in the formation of gutter cracks that let water in through the wall.
    • First, ensure the gutter's downspout is wide enough to drain the area of the roof it's attached to and that there are notches in the gutter's outer face to direct water overflow.
    • Following a thorough search of the wall's crown, you should focus on the wall's surface.
    • When the sun isn't directly on the walls, the temperature inside a building can be kept down by using roof overhangs.
    • Waterproofing the exterior walls is the best way to stop water from getting inside your house during a rainstorm.
    • Please take note of any wall cracks; we'll be fixing those in a slightly different way than the rest of the wall in a bit.
    • Making a horizontal cut from the base of the wall up through the wall is the greatest solution.
    • Traditionally, people have used a skim of high-density waterproofing cement, although this method is not widely recommended.
    • Treatment is best accomplished by brushing on a thick coat of polymer paint.
    • First, paint Raintite polymer along the crack on both sides.
    • Before a waterproofing polymer can be applied, the surface must be spotless and dry.
    • Wait a day for the surface and any cracks to dry up before attempting to waterproof it.
    • When it comes to exterior walls, Dulux Weathershield is the gold standard; however, it should only be used for general waterproofing on walls that are in good condition to allow for proper ventilation.
    • Waterproofing the outside walls is the best course of action if they become wet from rain or other sources of moisture.
    • It might be a burst water pipe but also moisture on the wall's interior.
    • When you've fixed the problem, you can take preventative measures by applying a waterproofer.
    • It would help if you used a high-quality filler when fixing cracks and holes.
    • To ensure the waterproofer adheres effectively to the substrate, sand down any rough or uneven areas, wash away any dust with some water, and let the walls dry completely before proceeding.
    • If you need to apply a second coat, wait until the first one is dry.
    • The effectiveness of the products used for waterproofing the outer walls of a structure can be gauged by conducting a water-tightness test.
    • If a moisture meter result show that your home is completely dry, it will pass the inspection.
    • Great attention to detail is the most important requirement for successfully waterproofing a building's exterior.
    • External waterproofing is a must if water enters your property through the basement or crawlspace.
    • In order to effectively waterproof your property, excavation will be required.
    • The foundation must be exposed, and the building's appearance must be fixed.
    • Waterproofing the foundation walls via spraying or rolling on a polymer substance is the next step after cleaning.
    • This incline could lead to a basement or a drainage ditch, depending on how the land is laid out.
    • The depth of this rock backfill might range from one foot to as much as sixty per cent of the wall's height, depending on the ground conditions.
    • Soil backfilling can commence once the geotextile material has been installed.
    • Native clayey soils that are impervious to water incursion are required for backfill.
    • Waterproofing the external walls of your home will not prevent water from penetrating your foundation walls.
    • An inside drainage system will assist your outdoor drainage efforts rather than replace them.
    • Installing a drainage system within your home is not the same as waterproofing.
    • The subfloor and the basement's foundation can be protected from water damage by installing a foundation drain tile system.
    • Establishing an efficient foundation drainage system is critical for a dry basement and stable structure above ground.

    FAQs About Exterior Wall

    Waterproofing a wall from the outside is relatively straightforward and can be finished in a few straightforward steps.

    • Next, you will need to apply a waterproofing sealant to the wall so that it can continue to function properly.
    • In the end, you will need to apply a membrane to the wall that acts as a waterproofing agent.
    • After applying the membrane, you must wait at least twenty-four hours for it to dry before conducting any test on it.

    You can easily waterproof your wall from the outside by following these steps, which will also help to keep the inside of your home dry and comfortable.

    If your home's exterior walls are not waterproofed, you can face damage from invading moisture. Damp walls are excellent breeding grounds for mildew and mould, which can damage the home and lead to health problems for occupants. With proper waterproofing of a home's exterior walls, however, such damage can be avoided.

    The added benefit is that it still allows your walls to 'breathe'. Without breathability, the dampness already in your walls can't evaporate and allow your wall to dry out. Water repellent creams dry clear, allowing any exposed brick to keep its original appearance.

    Brick is extremely porous so that it can absorb water like a sponge; over time, water absorption can cause crumbling and cracking in the brick. Apply a sealer to your exterior brick for protection against water damage and minimize moss growth.

    If that's an issue, clean the wall with a mild masonry stain remover or detergent solution. Rinse, then allow the brick and mortar to dry thoroughly before applying sealer. Among the longest-lasting brick, sealers are made with polyurethane or acrylic, which can give the brick a slight sheen.

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