Foundation waterproofing involves sealing any cracks and repairing any damage to the foundation of a home to reduce the risk of water damage. Foundation waterproofing is important as it can prevent water damage to the floors, walls, and foundation, as well as the development of mold and other health hazards inside of the home.
It is important to understand the benefits of foundation waterproofing and what the risks are for commercial and residential properties in which the foundations are not properly waterproofed. The following is an overview of why foundation waterproofing is important, including what it involves and how often it is recommended.
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What is Foundation Waterproofing?
The foundation of a home or commercial building is simply what the house is built upon. Issues with the foundation can cause major concerns with the building, such as leaky floors, foul odors, mold and water damage. Foundation waterproofing helps to keep water from penetrating through the home’s foundation and into the underlying soil. For homes that have basements or other below-ground structures, foundation waterproofing also protects the room from significant damage.
There are different ways in which a foundation is waterproofed. The first method is to have a proper drainage system. This prevents water from building up around the foundation of the home. The next method is a treatment for the foundation walls to prevent water and moisture from getting through cracks and gaps and entering into the home. Lastly, waterproofing should exist on the ground surface as a last protective barrier to further ensure water does not enter into the foundation. Specific treatment methods may include upgrading the drainage system, applying caulk and spraying on penetrating sealants.
What Happens with Leaky Foundations?
When there is a leak in the foundation of a home or business, water is able to enter into the home or get into the underlying soil. If water reaches the underlying soil, then the soil can soften and cause concerns. Perhaps more notably, water can enter into the lower level and below ground structures, which can cause a range of foundation concerns. Several of the more notable concerns that can occur if a leaky foundation leads to water damage includes:
- Damages to the foundation structure
- Mold development
- Weakened building materials
- Destroys expensive equipment
- Poses a health concern
In the simplest terms, leaky foundations lead to water damage. The water damage can lead to expensive repair costs and health risks. For commercial properties, the development of mold could potentially result in a lawsuit if the mold poses a safety concern to customers and employees.
Risks from Flooding
One of the more obvious risks posed by improper foundation waterproofing is flooding. Flooding inside of a home or commercial property can damage the floors, furniture and even the foundation itself. The water damage in and of itself is a serious concern as it can lead to costly repairs and replacement of the floors, walls, furniture and everything else that is damaged.
Another major risk of flooding is mold growth. Mold growth is not only aesthetically displeasing; it can be dangerous. Additionally, mold is often difficult and costly to remove, so the best way to deal with mold is to prevent it from occurring with foundation waterproofing.
Every home and business is unique, and the potential risks from flooding are different for each residential and commercial property. Owners should assess the risks and ensure their building’s foundation is properly protected through foundation waterproofing to prevent flooding and other concerns.
How Often Should I Replace Foundation Waterproofing?
The length of time that foundation waterproofing products last depends on a range of factors, including the quality of the products, how well it is applied and how much water it is exposed to over an extended amount of time. In general, foundation waterproofing can remain effective for between five and ten years if properly applied.
Ideally, residential homeowners and commercial businesses should have a waterproofing professional come for an inspection annually or bi-annually to assess whether new foundation waterproofing is necessary. The professional can determine what products are needed to keep water away from your foundation and prevent water damage inside of your property.
Reach Out to the Waterproofing Experts
Our team at Waterproof Caulking & Restoration offers waterproof caulking for commercial businesses of all sizes. If you are worried your foundation is vulnerable to water damage, give us a call today to find out more information about the benefits of foundation waterproofing.
We have years of experience with waterproofing foundations for commercial properties, and our experienced team understands how to meet the needs of every property. Ultimately, foundation waterproofing can save businesses money by preventing severe water damage, so do not hesitate to reach out if you have concerns about your property’s foundation. Contact Waterproof Caulking & Restoration today.