What Is Exterior Waterproofing And What Are Its Pros And Cons?

Construction & Contractors Blog

If you're looking to commence construction on your new house, one of the things you'll need to do is to protect it from water damage. This is where waterproofing comes in.

As the name implies, waterproofing is intended to keep water out of certain areas of the building. It is usually carried out when a house is being built but can also be done to address water seepage issues that may arise post-construction.

While every new house requires a combination of interior waterproofing and exterior waterproofing systems to stay dry, exterior waterproofing may be your best bet for preventing moisture damage to your home.

Continue reading to find out what exterior waterproofing is, as well as its benefits and drawbacks.

What Is Exterior Waterproofing?

Sometimes referred to as positive-side waterproofing, exterior waterproofing is an important pre-emptive measure designed to keep water out of your home. It's typically carried out when a house is still under construction because it requires carrying out extensive excavations of the soil around the foundations of the new buildings.

Once the excavation work is completed, a waterproofing membrane and a waterproofing coating are applied to the exterior of the building's foundation to stop moisture seepage into the interior surfaces.

Digging up the foundations of existing homes to repair leaky foundations is usually discouraged because it can further compromise the structural integrity and health of the buildings. Owners of older homes may need to obtain a building permit from their local council before installing exterior waterproofing systems in their homes.   

What Are Its Pros And Cons? 

Exterior waterproofing offers a combination of advantages and disadvantages that must be carefully reviewed before it can be applied to your new home. As a preventative measure, it tends to be more effective at stopping water seepage than interior waterproofing. As a result, it's highly recommended for homes located in moisture-prone regions.

On the downside, it's more invasive due to the amount of excavation work needed to install it. Plus, it's generally more expensive than interior waterproofing because it requires more labor and material.

When it comes to protecting your home from water damage, waterproofing is an absolute necessity. Waterproofing helps keep water out of certain areas of the home in order to maintain its structural integrity and health. While exterior waterproofing is often a home's first line of protection against moisture seepage, you may need a combination of interior waterproofing and exterior waterproofing systems to effectively address moisture seepage concerns. Don't hesitate to contact a waterproofing contractor for more information on exterior waterproofing.

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23 July 2021