Waterproofing walls protect your home, especially in high rainfall or humidity areas. Moisture can travel through the paint and materials, leading to structural damage, mould growth, and an unpleasant appearance. Here’s a concise guide to help you understand how to waterproof your walls effectively.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Waterproofing your walls is essential to prevent structural damage and mould. Key steps include:
- Sealing cracks.
- Using waterproof exterior paint.
- Re-caulking windows and doors.
- Waterproofing during construction.
Basements are especially vulnerable, so inspect for leaks and ensure proper drainage. Regular maintenance of roofs, gutters, and downpipes is important. Avoid common mistakes like only sealing from the inside or using inadequate products.
Hire professionals for long-term solutions for severe issues like rising dampness or major flooding.
Steps To Waterproof Your Walls
1. Inspect And Seal Cracks
Cracks are the primary entry points for moisture. Check walls, especially around windows and doors, as these areas are more prone to cracking.
Use putty or hydraulic cement to seal any visible cracks. Ensure this is done before the wet season to prevent water from entering your structure.
2. Apply Exterior Paint With Waterproofing Properties
Exterior paint enhances the appearance of your home and provides a protective barrier against moisture. Choose a paint designed for waterproofing.
Many modern exterior paints offer excellent protection against water and humidity. For added durability, ensure you use the correct undercoat.
3. Re-Caulk Around Windows And Doors
Old windows and doors can lose their seals over time, allowing moisture and drafts to enter. If replacing them isn’t an option, re-caulk the frames.
When properly applied, high-quality caulking can last 5-7 years. Focus on areas around sinks, showers, and tubs, as these are prone to water ingress.
4. Waterproof During Construction
The best time to waterproof your walls is during construction. Adding a liquid waterproofing compound to your cement mix provides long-lasting protection, and integrating waterproofing at this stage is much easier than fixing leaks afterwards.
5. Waterproof Basement Walls
Basements are particularly susceptible to water damage. If you notice streaks or damp spots on the walls, it’s important to investigate.
First, identify the source of the water. Is it condensation or leakage? You can perform a simple test by taping aluminium foil to the wall and checking for moisture after a day.
Dos For Waterproofing Basement Walls:
- Check cracks, mortar joints, and around pipes to identify the water source.
- Do fill cracks with hydraulic cement: This type expands as it dries, sealing cracks effectively.
- To waterproof the inside of basement walls, Apply products like paint, which forms a waterproof barrier once they dry.
Don’ts For Waterproofing Basement Walls:
- Don’t repair walls during a flood: Always wait until the area is completely dry before making repairs.
- Remember window wells: If your home wasn’t built with proper drainage, install window well covers and fill the wells with gravel.
Why Do Walls Get Leaks?
Modern buildings often use a combination of reinforced concrete and lighter materials like concrete blocks or bricks. Over time, cracks can develop in these materials due to structural shifts, temperature changes, or earthquakes. These cracks allow moisture to seep in, leading to damp walls. Understanding the causes of leaks is the first step in preventing them.
Ways To Prevent Water From Sinking Into Walls
1. Check The Roof And Gutters
Water usually enters from the top of a wall, especially with no overhanging roof. Inspect the roof and gutters for cracks or improper drainage. In some cases, concrete gutters may need cleaning and repairing to prevent water from overflowing onto walls.
2. Maintain Proper Drainage Around The Foundation
One common cause of basement leaks is poor drainage around the house. Ensure the ground around your foundation slopes away from the house at a 2% gradient. Gutters and downspouts should be in good working order to divert water away from the foundation. If you experience persistent basement flooding, consider installing a drain tile system.
3. Install A Drainage System Inside
If water is consistently a problem, installing an interior drainage system might be necessary. This involves creating a canal beneath the basement floor to collect and redirect water. It is a more expensive solution, but it can provide long-term protection.
4. Rising Damp
In regions without damp-proof courses, moisture can rise from the ground through the walls. This problem can be fixed by cutting a horizontal groove into the wall and filling it with cement. This barrier prevents moisture from travelling upwards. In some countries, silicone injections are used to stop rising dampness, but they may not work with certain materials.
Common Mistakes To Avoid During Waterproofing
1. Sealing From The Inside Only
Addressing water intrusion from the outside is important as much as possible. Sealing cracks and waterproofing the interior of walls can help, but the best defence is stopping the water from getting in the first place.
2. Using Inadequate Products
It is important to choose the right waterproofing products. Opt for high-quality paints, sealants, and membranes designed for your specific environment and wall material. Due to climate differences, products that perform well in one region may not be suitable in another.
3. Ignoring Gutters And Downpipes
Many water problems originate from poorly maintained gutters and downpipes. Please ensure they are clear of debris and properly sized to handle rainfall. Downpipes should also direct water far enough away from the foundation.
Waterproofing Interior Walls
While the exterior is your first line of defence, it’s also important to ensure interior walls don’t trap moisture. Walls need to breathe to allow any moisture that does get in to evaporate. Avoid waterproofing both the inside and outside of a wall, as this can lead to trapped moisture, causing more damage over time.
Using Polymer Paint For Cracks
Polymer paint is a good option for cracks that may shift over time. It is flexible, allowing it to stretch and cover moving cracks. This product, which comes with a bandage-like membrane, can be particularly useful.
The membrane adds an extra layer of protection, stretching to accommodate any movement in the crack and maintaining a waterproof seal. This approach ensures long-lasting protection for cracks that shift due to structural movement or temperature changes.
Additional Waterproofing Tips
1. Inspect Regularly
Make regular inspections a part of your home maintenance routine. Cracks, worn-out caulking, and damaged gutters are often the first signs that your waterproofing is compromised. Catching these issues early can save you from costly repairs in the future.
2. Choose The Right Products For Your Area
Different climates require different waterproofing approaches. In Australia, homes are often exposed to extreme weather, from intense rainfall to prolonged periods of dry heat.
Choose products specifically designed to handle the local weather conditions. For example, polymer-based waterproofing paints or high-performance exterior coatings can withstand heat and moisture.
3. Hire Professionals For Major Work
While there are many DIY waterproofing options, some jobs require professional expertise. For complex issues like extensive basement flooding or rising dampness, it’s advisable to consult with a professional. They have the tools and experience to fix the problem at the source, ensuring a long-term solution.
Conclusion
In conclusion, waterproofing your walls is critical in maintaining your home’s structural integrity and overall health. Whether dealing with minor cracks or more severe issues like basement flooding, taking proactive measures to prevent water intrusion can save you from costly repairs and long-term damage.
You can ensure a dry, safe, and durable living environment by using high-quality waterproofing products, regularly inspecting your home’s exterior, and addressing any problems early. For more complex issues, consulting professionals is always a wise choice to ensure lasting protection.
FAQs About Wall Waterproofing
How Do I Waterproof My Walls?
Waterproofing is best done during construction. Using a high-quality liquid waterproofing compound with cement and sand at the starting stage can be effective. Otherwise, use a waterproof coating before painting your exterior walls to prevent water leakage.
Do You Need To Waterproof Exterior Walls?
Check walls for faults: Waterproofing external walls is the best solution if they become damp due to rainwater or moisture. Before shopping around for waterproofing products, it’s important to eliminate any other causes of structural dampness.
What Is The Most Waterproof Paint?
Epoxy paint is a common waterproof paint for concrete because it is tougher than other options, provides good adhesion to porous substrates, and is highly water resistant. However, it is important to use a breathable paint for cellar walls.
Can Concrete Be Made Waterproof?
Waterproof admixtures are used to create waterproof concrete. The admixtures reduce the chance of water ingress by reducing concrete’s permeability and drying shrinkage.
What Can Be Used To Waterproof Concrete?
The most common way to waterproof concrete is to use a liquid waterproofing product specifically designed for that purpose. Liquid waterproofing gel is a thick substance that turns into a rubber-like coating once applied to the outside of a concrete wall.
