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April 19, 2023

Essential Steps for Waterproofing Your House from the Outside

When it comes to protecting your home from water damage, the solution is not just about fixing leaks and drips from inside. Exterior waterproofing is also crucial for maintaining the integrity of your home’s structure and avoiding further damage from external elements. In this blog, we’ll explore some key tips for how to waterproof your […]

When it comes to protecting your home from water damage, the solution is not just about fixing leaks and drips from inside. Exterior waterproofing is also crucial for maintaining the integrity of your home’s structure and avoiding further damage from external elements. In this blog, we’ll explore some key tips for how to waterproof your house from the outside, so that you can protect your property and ensure that it remains a safe and comfortable place to live in all weather conditions.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: SAFETY SHOULD ALWAYS BE YOUR TOP PRIORITY WHEN ATTEMPTING ANY DIY PROJECT. BEFORE PROCEEDING, IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU CONSULT WITH A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL AND WEAR ALL NECESSARY SAFETY GEAR TO PREVENT INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THERE ARE RISKS INVOLVED IN DIY INSTALLATIONS, AND WE CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES THAT MAY OCCUR DURING THE PROCESS. BY PROCEEDING WITH THIS PROJECT, YOU ACCEPT FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE OUTCOME AND ANY CONSEQUENCES THAT MAY RESULT.

What goes into waterproofing your house from the outside

1. Excavating the ground around the perimeter of the foundation

Excavating around the perimeter of the foundation is the first and most crucial step in waterproofing a home from the outside. This process involves using heavy equipment like a backhoe to dig a trench around the foundation, exposing the outer edge of the foundation wall to the elements. It is essential to remove any soil or debris that is blocking the foundation, which can cause water damage to the home. Once the trench is dug, the next steps are repairing any failing paint, sloping the ground away from the house, cleaning the gutters regularly, and applying insulation material and drainage board. Sealing the exterior of the building with waterproof sealant and applying a heavy coat of membrane for asphalt-modified polyurethane material will ensure that the foundation stays dry. For plumbing footing, waterproofing is done to keep water out of concrete. In summary, excavating is the necessary first step in exterior waterproofing, it allows the home's foundation to stay dry and free from water damage, providing peace of mind to homeowners.

2. Repairing and repainting failing paint

When it comes to waterproofing a home from the outside, repairing and repainting failing paint is an essential step. First, it's important to excavate the ground around the foundation and adjust rain gutters to properly redirect water away from the home. Cleaning gutters regularly also helps prevent water damage. Applying insulation material and drainage board, as well as waterproof sealant, can add an extra layer of protection. But don't forget about the paint! Removing all loose paint and spot priming bare areas is crucial. And for wooden surfaces, using a waterproofing paint or primer is a must. Don't neglect this step in the waterproofing process, or you could be dealing with costly water damage down the line.

3. Sloping the ground away from the house for proper runoff

In order to properly waterproof a house from the outside, it is crucial to address the issue of proper runoff. This can be achieved by sloping the ground away from the house. As mentioned earlier, the soil must be adequately graded away from the foundation before any seed or sod is planted. Additionally, the rain gutters should be adjusted to redirect water from the roof and should be cleaned regularly to prevent any blockages. By taking these measures, homeowners can ensure that there is proper drainage and that water does not accumulate around the foundation of the house. This is especially important since prolonged wet areas or yard erosion can cause heavy runoff, leading to potential leaks and damage to the house's foundation. By following good water management practices and taking the necessary steps to redirect and capture runoff, homeowners can effectively waterproof their houses from the outside and mitigate potential issues before they arise.

4. Adjusting rain gutters to redirect water from the roof

Adjusting the rain gutters is an essential step to waterproofing your home from the outside. As mentioned earlier, gutters are designed to channel water away from your home's foundation. If they are not properly adjusted, rainwater may accumulate near your foundation, causing damage and leaks. To redirect the water from the roof, start by inspecting the gutters and removing any debris that might be blocking the flow of water. Next, make sure the gutters are level and sloping towards the downspouts. If they are not, adjust them accordingly to prevent standing water. It is also a good idea to install gutter extensions to direct water farther away from your home. Keeping the gutters clean and functioning properly is crucial to maintaining a dry home. By adjusting the rain gutters and ensuring proper water flow, you can successfully waterproof your home's exterior and protect against potential damage.

5. Cleaning gutters regularly

Cleaning gutters regularly is an essential step in waterproofing your home from the outside. As mentioned in the previous sections, redirecting water from the roof by adjusting rain gutters is crucial in preventing water damage to your foundation. However, even with properly adjusted gutters, debris and dirt can accumulate, obstructing the free flow of water. That is why homeowners must clean their gutters regularly, at least once a year if there are no overhanging trees. If there are trees surrounding your home, it is advisable to clean your gutters more often to prevent clogs. Gutter cleaning does not have to be a daunting task, and one can either use a regular gutter cleaning service or do it themselves safely from the ground using an extension seal. Cleaning gutters should be a part of the regular home maintenance routine to keep your home dry and protected from water damage.

6. Applying insulation material and drainage board

After excavating the ground around the foundation and repairing any failing paint, it's time to start thinking about insulation and drainage to keep your home's foundation dry. One option is to install a drainage board and insulation material on the exterior side of the foundation wall and footing. This not only provides insulation, but also helps to ensure that any water that may get through is directed away from your home. Some insulation panels come with integrated air barriers or vapor barriers for added protection. When applying these materials, be sure to leave an inch or so gap at the bottom to prevent wicking up any moisture. And don't forget that with an ICF foundation wall, the waterproofing membrane must be applied to the exterior side of the exterior EPS insulation board. By taking these steps to properly waterproof your home from the outside, you can protect your foundation and help prevent costly water damage.

7. Sealing the exterior of the building with waterproof sealant

Now that the ground around the foundation has been excavated and the slope has been adjusted, it's time to seal the exterior of the building with a waterproof sealant. This step is essential to prevent any moisture or water infiltration that can result in mold growth, structural damage, or other issues. It's critical to choose a high-quality sealant that is specifically designed for the type of surface being sealed, such as brick or stucco. Additionally, applying a heavy coat of membrane made of asphalt-modified polyurethane material can provide an extra layer of protection. The combination of sealant and membrane creates an effective barrier against water and moisture. Finally, it's a good idea to water-proof the plumbing footing to keep water out of concrete. These steps, along with the previous sections, provide a comprehensive approach to waterproofing a home from the outside, ensuring its protection against the elements for years to come.

8. Applying a heavy coat of membrane for asphalt-modified polyurethane material

After excavating and repairing the foundation, sloping the ground away from the house, and installing proper drainage and insulation, it's time to seal the exterior of the building with a waterproof sealant. To ensure maximum protection, a heavy coat of membrane made of asphalt-modified polyurethane material should be applied. This can be done by either troweling or spraying on the material, depending on preference. Imperfections in the coat can be repaired with a peel-and-stick membrane. It's essential to ensure proper waterproofing around plumbing footing, as this will prevent water from seeping into the concrete. For an added layer of protection, excavating for exterior waterproofing and installing a waterproof coating or membrane is highly recommended. With all of these steps, homeowners can rest assured that their home is fully waterproofed from the outside, protecting it from any unwanted moisture or water damage.

9. Water-proofing plumbing footing to keep water out of concrete

Water-proofing the plumbing footing is a crucial step in keeping your basement dry. This involves sealing the point where the pipes enter the concrete foundation to prevent water from seeping through. It is important to be careful while excavating so as not to compromise the soil beneath the footing, which can weaken the foundation. Sloping the ground away from the house and ensuring proper runoff will also aid in keeping water away from the foundation. Regular cleaning of gutters and adjusting them to redirect water from the roof can also prevent water damage. Along with these preventative measures, applying insulation and drainage board will further protect your home from excess moisture. Finally, sealing the exterior of the building with waterproof sealant and applying a heavy coat of membrane for asphalt-modified polyurethane material will create an additional layer of protection against water damage. By completing all of these steps, your home should remain properly waterproofed from the outside.

10. Excavating for exterior waterproofing and installing waterproof coating or membrane.

The final step in waterproofing a house from the outside is to excavate the ground around the foundation and install a waterproof coating or membrane. This process is critical to prevent water from seeping into the basement or foundation walls, which can cause structural damage and serious health issues. By excavating the ground around the perimeter of the building, repair and repainting failing paint, sloping the ground away from the house, adjusting rain gutters, and cleaning them regularly, you can ensure that your home is well protected from leaks and water damage. Applying insulation material and drainage board followed by sealing the exterior of the building with waterproof sealant is also important to prevent water infiltration. Finally, the installation of a heavy coat of waterproof membrane for asphalt-modified polyurethane material comes with an estimated cost of $3.35 to $6.50 or more per square foot installed providing extra protection against water penetration. Waterproofing plumbing footing and using a liquid applied membrane for a foundation wall are also essential steps to keep water out of concrete. By following all of these steps, your home will be well-equipped to handle heavy rainfall, and you'll have peace of mind knowing your foundation is safe and secure.

Are you ready to transform your home or business with beautiful, durable stucco? Look no further than Wallder Construction LLC. Our team of expert stucco professionals is dedicated to delivering top-quality results on every project. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards enhancing the beauty and value of your property. Don't settle for anything less than the best – choose Wallder Construction LLC for all your stucco needs!

Disclaimer: This post was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence, and we have edited it to the best of our abilities for accuracy and relevance. Please note that pricing may vary and is not one-size-fits-all. Additionally, we have no affiliation with any of the companies or products listed in this post besides Wallder Construction LLC.

Article written by Samuel
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