7 Reasons Why You Need to Waterproof Your Home

Water in all the wrong places can be a horrible nightmare for any homeowner. Not only does it damage your home, but it can also cause a variety of health problems.

The bad news is that water seepage and dampness are impossible to avoid, especially during heavy rainfall and winter. No one can predict a storm or hurricane from happening. But what about other sources of moisture such as leaky pipes, cracks in the foundation, and malfunctioning appliances? The good news is that you can prevent the latter by waterproofing your home. 

Waterproofing means making a surface water-resistant or inaccessible by liquids. Without any water seeping through, your home will be much more durable. There are a lot of waterproofing techniques, but it all depends on your home’s needs. 

Why You Should Waterproof Your Home

Although a little bit of water surely won’t harm your home significantly, leaky pipes, outdated appliances, and an unmaintained home can do more damage than you think. Instead of waiting for disasters such as water damage, mold growth, or expensive repair bills to strike, it’s recommended that you start waterproofing your home early on.

Here are seven reasons you should get your home waterproofed if you’re not convinced yet.

Prevent Mold Growth

Mold growth and moisture go hand in hand. When water enters your home, it only takes around 24 to 48 hours for mold to begin growing. If you have a damp area left untreated, the chances are that mold is already growing. If it’s on a hard surface, removing mold won’t be too much of a hassle.

However, if it’s on a porous surface or, even worse, a place you can’t reach, mold will spread and can affect the air quality of your home. Waterproofing your home by getting rid of moisture or damp areas will help prevent mold growth. 

Reduce Chances of Flooding

A tiny leak may seem trivial, but if things go awry, a leak can turn into a flood in a matter of minutes. Due to flooding, your home will most likely go through extensive water damage, which can bring in various problems such as mold growth, structural damage, and deterioration of a home if left unchecked. 

By taking extra measures and sealing cracks or making sure water is diverted away from your home, you might be able to save your home from flooding. 

Reduce Costs for Repairs

Water damage is bound to cause your repair bills to skyrocket. Especially if the damage is significant. Also, if your home has a basement, flooding might be more likely to happen, and the damage is expected to be much more severe since basements tend to have little ventilation and high humidity. Due to this, you might need to hire a professional, and we all know that won’t be cheap.

Waterproofing your home early on will reduce the chances of your home going through costly damage thanks to issues such as flooding or leaks. It’s also highly recommended that you should waterproof any home with a basement. Doing so will help you save money and increase your property value, unlike bad home improvements, which is always great for real estate investors. 

Lower Electricity Bills

With leaks and damp spots, you might notice that it’ll take more electricity to heat or cool your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, overworking your heating and cooling system can increase your bills up to 10-15% each year. 

If you plan to waterproof your home, specifically your basement, you’ll be able to save up to around $250 annually. This is because leaks in the basement tend to contribute to humid indoor air. So, if you’re looking to save up electricity and protect your home from water damage, now might be the right time to start waterproofing your home. 

Prevent Health Problems

As mentioned before, mold growth in a home can contribute to a lot of health problems. If left untreated, mold can grow worse and probably cause respiratory problems, throat irritation, and get in the way of your day-to-day life. 

Today, we spend most of our time at home. So, it’s important to maintain our homes so that it becomes a place we love being in, not a place that brings problems. No one wants to work from home filled with mold and musty smells. 

By waterproofing certain parts of your home, you can create a much healthier environment for you and your family. Waterproofing will prevent water from seeping in and staying long enough to cause mold growth. 

Protect Your Home’s Structure

Moist soil might compromise your home’s foundation. Water seepage usually affects joints and edges of where the floor meets the wall. Since these areas are generally unseen, you might not notice the damage until it has grown severe. 

Instead of waiting for the problem to grow worse, start taking action today and work on waterproofing your home’s foundation. Although you might need a professional to help you out and it might be a bit pricey, the investment will be worth it since it will prevent worse problems in the future. 

Protect Your Basement 

If your house has a basement, waterproofing your home isn’t an option— it’s a requirement. The reality is, basement floors are usually made of a thin layer of concrete and are at risk for moisture and water seepage. If your basement floor has water seeping in, it won’t take long until your basement is flooded. 

Since your basement is the foundation of your home, having a flooded basement will surely deteriorate your house. So it’s essential that you protect your basement by waterproofing it. You can do this by repairing any cracks in the foundation or through gutter maintenance. 

A Few Ways To Waterproof Your Home

Now that you’re convinced that you should waterproof your home, here are a few ways you can do it. 

Reduce Moisture

During heavy rainfall or hot summers, humidity might be higher than usual. An excellent way to combat high humidity is to opt for a dehumidifier or air conditioner if opening up your windows doesn’t help much. During these times, your goal would be to reduce moisture and increase air circulation. 

You should also keep an eye on your furniture, carpets, and laundry. Make sure that you dry everything properly and never bring any damp items into your home. 

Repair Leaks or Cracks

Due to wear and tear or other factors, cracks and leaks may happen over time. Most of the time, water will seep into your home and can cause floods or water damage. The solution to this is to repair any cracks or leaks as soon as you spot any signs of wear. The sooner you repair cracks or leaks, the less expensive the process will be. 

Gutter Maintenance

Clogged or broken gutters are usually the main culprits for floods and water damage. Gutters are created to divert water from the house. When your gutters are clogged or damaged, they won’t be able to do their job correctly. In the end, they can cause flooding in your home. 

A simple yet effective waterproofing method is to take care of your gutters and keep them clear of debris. If you notice any signs of clogging, then it’s time to get them repaired or cleaned. 

Wrapping Up

Waterproofing your home is something that some homeowners find unnecessary. We beg to differ because you never know when water will seep in, leaks start to happen, or floods will strike. Before these things happen and cost you a fortune to repair, taking a few practical waterproofing steps will help you reduce the chances of getting water damage and flooding from sources of moisture.