It is almost everyone’s dream come true to have their own house built. It’s even a more exciting feeling to see it being built from scratch, one part at a time. However, once the anticipation phase is over, a lot of realities would eventually start to sink in: house chores, maintenance, bills, and mortgage. These are just some of the regular responsibilities that come along with owning a house. But, if there’s one thing that would truly top as one of the most stressful things to deal with in having a property built, it would be water slow, gradually trying seep into your home’s structure. This construction mishap can make or break the overall lifespan of your home.
Fortunately, there are now several technologies and practices that will ensure a waterproof structure, whether it is a simple home or a commercial building. It is important to know the basics of the waterproofing process to help you assess whether your building contractor is actually doing it for you.
Waterproofing often and should ideally start with the foundation of any building. It is often applied as part of the concrete mix. Contractors these days will often choose from either polymers, sheet membranes, or elastomeric waterproofing material. As to which one of these is the best, it will then only differ in terms of the cost and time allowed for the entire construction.
Aside from directly applying waterproofing materials on the concrete walls and foundation, there are also other methods that can be done without directly affecting your base. A lot of water seepage concerns stem out from poor drainage system, this is why if you want your building or house to be waterproof, there needs to be a proper pipe system first that actually gets the water off from your main structure. This is exactly what is being done when you have your own Foundation Drainage System. This will guide any accumulated water out and away from the main structure where it can be efficiently pumped or dried out.
When it comes to the sink and bathroom, areas of the house that are often soaked in water, there should also be other precautionary methods to be done to prevent the water from leaking to other parts of the house. For instance, bathrooms are usually located adjacent to bedrooms, and once water from it starts to seep inside the bedroom, it can create unnecessary moisture than can be damaging to certain materials and things including furniture, bags, and linen. In this case, waterproofing is done by using water sealants or coating to fill in or tighten the gaps between the walls and pipes. Most of these materials are thick and elastic enough to keep water where it should be.
However, it is crucial to remember that one of the worst damages caused by water happens in your basement or foundation. This can create significant structural damage to the house or building when not properly prevented. To waterproof building foundations, one of the most practical techniques that is being incorporated is the Positive Waterproofing. This is done by digging around the perimeter of the building where layers and layers of the waterproofing solution is applied. This is best done during dry season as a crucial preparation for monsoon.
Waterproofing for major parts of the house is best done by a professional plumber in Singapore. However, minor leakage especially in the bathroom and kitchen can be a DIY process as long as you are already equipped with the right waterproofing material. Remember that water is an unforgiving force of nature, and the only way to deal with it is by being proactive.