Waterproofing is one of the less glamorous parts of creating a new home or renovating an old one. However, it is an important step in the construction of the house which you can’t afford to skip. Waterproofing your home is nothing but protecting it from moisture, dampness and rain.
It is no secret that waterproofing your home will cost you an arm and a leg. That is why many homeowners avoid hiring a professional water proofer and go ahead and waterproof their homes on their own.
Going the DIY route while waterproofing your home can be daunting. There are so many things you need to figure out from the work area, choosing the right waterproofing material, to choosing whether you want to opt for traditional waterproofing or use modern waterproofing sealants.
Fret not, we are here to make your life easy. Here is a comprehensive guide that will help you become a pro when it comes to waterproofing your home.
Signs which indicate you need to waterproof your home
Though we highly recommend you waterproof your home during the time of its construction, here are some signs which indicate that you need to hurry and waterproof your home before it is too late.Delaying your home waterproofing canlead to structural damages which will not just cost a bomb but might also put your and your loved ones’ safety on risk.
- Cracks on the floor, ceiling, and walls
- Damp walls
- Leakage in the ceiling
- Dampness in basement
- Peeling paint
- Mould& mildew growth
- Musty smell
- Family members developing allergies like wheezing, coughing, skin rashes
Tips for DIY Waterproofing your home
Find out the cause
There are several causes of water damage. Leaking pipes, leaking terraces, floods, heavy rainfall, and damp basement are some of the common causes which can lead to water damage. It is important to find out the cause of the water damage in your house before you start your waterproofing project.
Make a plan
Figure out the areas that need waterproofing before you decide on the waterproofing technique. Typically, your terrace, ceiling, bathroom tiles, bathroom walls and basements are common areas which require waterproofing. Decide on a budget that you are willing to spend and accordingly choose a waterproofing technique.
Buy materials
Once you have decided on your waterproofing technique, you can accordingly go ahead and buy equipment, tools and waterproofing products that you will require to waterproof your home. Asian Paints’ SmartCare range is perfect if you are looking for waterproofing materials , which are formulated using specialised waterproofing chemicals and advanced waterproofing technology.
Prepare the work area
The worst mistake you can make while DIY waterproofing your walls, ceilings or floors is doing so without first thoroughly cleaning your work area. This is because if there is any debris, dirt or dust on the work surface then it will reduce the effectiveness of the waterproofing sealants and reduce their shelf lives.
So, ensure that you thoroughly wash the surface and fill in the holes and the cracks before you apply the waterproofing products.
Waterproof properly
You must never use a DIY waterproofing sealant as they are not at all effective and they will wear off in no time. So, save yourself time and energy and shop for high-quality waterproofing materials, which will last you for many years. We recommend you read the backside of the waterproofing sealant to learn about the process of application and the curing time and accordingly follow the instructions.
Make sure that you let the surface dry completely after you waterproof it. We recommend homeowners avoid waterproofing their homes during monsoons or when it is extremely cold or hot. Spring and autumn happen to be the perfect seasons to waterproof your home.
Remember to check your waterproofed areas during monsoon or after a few weeks to ensure that it was a success. In case it doesn’t work, go ahead and seek professional help to waterproof your home.
Since waterproofing your exterior walls is taxing, we would advise you to hire a professional waterproofer to waterproof your home exterior. Get in touch with the experts at Asian Paints to get an affordable quote for waterproofing your home.