The process of waterproofing is crucial for keeping your building in good condition. If moisture penetrates into your structural walls, you will have a lot of problems. For instance, the dampness will promote the growth of mould and general fungi. This could result in wall staining, bad odours and reduction of air quality. Also, persistent moisture seepage will cause the walls to degrade, and this could result in structural failure. Therefore, if you have noticed dampness in your building, you should plan for immediate waterproofing. Here are some critical tips to get you started.

Find Moisture Source

You should find the source of moisture before beginning the waterproofing process. If this problem is not resolved, the dampness will not be resolved, and this could lead to waterproofing failure. There are numerous potential sources of moisture around walls and basements. The most common is the pooling of rainwater around the building due to poor surface drainage. Pipes in the building could also be leaking, leading to moisture build-up. Once the source is identified, you should conduct repairs before proceeding with the project.

Clean the Surface

If your building has not had good waterproofing for a while, there will be some stains on the walls. These are caused by the accumulation of water on the surfaces. It is important to clean off the residue from the water damage before carrying out other activities. Ideally, you will need to clean off the efflorescence. This white material is common on concrete walls and falls due to the porosity of the material. There might also be fungal stains on your building. These should be cleaned off using bleach or other similar cleaning agents. It is always advisable to allow your structure to dry off before waterproofing to avoid trapping the moisture.

Repair the Cracks

Structural cracking is not uncommon in buildings with poor moisture protection systems. This problem can be attributed to the seepage of water into the walls and subsequent weakening of the construction materials. If you apply waterproofing products on the building before resolving the cracking, the fissures will allow water to penetrate again. Therefore, you should inspect your building and identify all cracks and other forms of damage. If the problem is not extensive, you can seal using patching products like hydraulic cement. If the cracks are wide and long, you will need to consult a contractor.

Finally, you should choose the right waterproofing supplies for your improvement project. The selected products should be well matched with your building materials for optimal performance. Reach out to a professional for more information about waterproofing.