Preventing water damage should be a top priority when you are building a new home. If you don't waterproof your home properly, water will find its way into areas of the home where it shouldn't be, causing serious damage to the property. The last thing you want is to fork out money on expensive home repairs.
Choosing quality waterproofing products is essential to avoid costly water damage in your home years down the line. But all waterproofing products are not created equal. Different products exist for waterproofing different areas of the home.
Use this expert guide when buying waterproofing products for your new home construction.
Which areas of the home do you need to waterproof?
There are waterproofing systems for different areas of a house, including specific rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens, garages and basements, as well as specific surfaces such as walls, roofs and floors. That said, all waterproofing solutions fall into two general categories — interior and exterior waterproofing.
The main difference between the two kinds of waterproofing is that interior waterproofing prevents water ingress through the cracks or crevices inside your home, while exterior waterproofing prevents water from entering the home from outside. Each waterproofing system is specially formulated to stand up against the elements that it comes into contact with.
While interior waterproofing materials are primarily designed to resist water and moisture exposure, waterproofing materials for exterior areas should be able to withstand various elements, such as rain, snow, ice, hail, UV radiation, changes in temperature and high humidity.
Make sure you use the right waterproofing system for the area of the home you want to waterproof.
How long will your waterproofing system last?
When choosing your waterproofing material, it's also important to consider how long they can provide the best protection for your home. Always use waterproofing products that are designed to last and are backed by a manufacturer's warranty.
How much do your waterproofing products cost?
While a high price can be an indication of a high-quality waterproofing product, the most expensive waterproofing systems are not always the best ones. It is also advisable to avoid settling for the cheapest products, as they may be of sub-standard quality.
Look for products that meet the mandatory legal requirements for waterproofing and are sold at a competitive price.
In addition to preventing costly water damage to your home, the right waterproofing systems will help you avoid other problems such as mould growth and slip hazards. If you are unsure about which waterproofing products to use, consult a waterproofing contractor near you.