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Waterproofing is an important and necessary step in the construction of a home's foundation, regardless of the foundation type. Waterproofing prevents mold, rot, mildew, and other types of water damage by forming a barrier between your foundation and outside water. Basement foundations are waterproofed from the outside of the walls by rolling a tar-like substance over the concrete. This substance provides a water-tight seal when dry. This same substance is used on crawl space foundations; it is rolled over the exterior brick or block footings. Pea gravel is laid inside the crawl space with a vapor or moisture barrier laid over the top to prevent ground moisture from invading the space. Even slap foundation receives waterproofing by way of poly sheeting or other moisture barriers. Water can crack slab foundations by expanding and contracting due to the outside temperature. Waterproofing contractors can inform you of the best way to waterproof your home to prevent damage.

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Waterproofing Your Home

Article By Jinky Bagagnan

Waterproofing your home should be one of your priorities when remodeling. Dampness resulting from lack of a sufficient waterproofing system can lead to the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria that can cause health problems. Moreover, a damp basement or leaky foundation, will actually decrease your home's resale value by around 10-15 percent. The following are some of the things you can do to waterproof your home:

Ensure Proper Grading
You should have your land properly graded so that it slopes down and away from your home. You want water from rain and melted snow to flow away from your home, not flow towards it. This way, you can prevent surface water from leaking into your home through the cracks in your home's foundation. By the way, you should probably plant grass on your lawn to ensure that your land's grading will be maintained.

Seal Cracks in Your Foundation
If there are cracks in your foundation, you can be sure that water will leak into your home. Have your foundation inspected by a professional contractor. He can inject the cracks with polyurethane, epoxy or some such foundation-sealing products. There are also other waterproofing products (liquid and sheet membranes) that structural repair contractors can use to effectively seal cracks in foundations.

Install Building Wraps
Waterproof your walls by installing building wraps. Building wraps can help insulate the home as they are designed to prevent air infiltration. They also have waterproofing characteristics; they deflect water away from the home's sheathing and prevent water from leaking and seeping into the interior. There are also building wraps that can "breathe" â€" that is, they allow water vapor and moisture to escape so the walls will stay dry.

Have Your Gutter and Downspouts Checked
Gutters and downspouts help drain rainwater off the roof and direct water away from your home's foundation. Get your home's gutter and downspouts checked regularly to ensure that no leaves and other materials are clogging up your gutters and downspouts; clogging can lead to water spilling over and cause dampness problems in your walls and foundation.

Waterproof Your Roof
Needless to say, waterproofing your home requires that you plug up the leaks on your roof. Check your ceiling for damp spots; they are a good indication of a leaking roof, although they won't tell you exactly where the leaks are. If your roof is graded, you should check the places where water flows and potentially accumulates. If your roof is flat, finding the leaks can be challenging; perhaps you should just coat your roof with an elastomeric sealer. Better yet, hire a contractor to find and repair the leaks for you.

There are many things that you need do to waterproof your home. Talk to your remodeling contractor (preferably one who is a waterproofing expert) to learn more about your home waterproofing options.