Join us on this blog, where we chronicle all things construction. We'll write about plumbing, HVAC, framing, and even road construction. These may sound like very different topics, but they do all fall under the construction umbrella. And actually, they are more related than you might think. Many contractors do several different types of construction and building work throughout their careers, after all. You may wonder if this blog will be relevant or helpful if you're not a construction worker, and to that question, our answer is "yes." In fact, we aim to write for a various audiences so that everyone can benefit from the material.
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A Chronicle of Construction
4 Things To Know About Exterior Waterproofing
Annie Herrera
If you want to keep your crawlspace, basement, and home dry, you are going to have to engage in exterior waterproofing. Exterior waterproofing is about preventing water from getting into and near your home. There are ways to engage in exterior waterproofing of your home.
#1: Start on the Roof
When it comes to keeping water out of your crawlspace and basement, you are going to want to start on your roof. You need to make sure the water that hits your roof is being directed away from your home, which means you need to have an effective and working gutter and downspouts.
You need to make sure your gutters are correctly attached to your home, and you need to make sure they stay clean and free of debris. One way to keep your gutters free of debris is by installing covers that will keep large debris out of them.
You also need to check where your downspouts are directing the water. You may need to install splash pads that send the water in the right direction. You may also want to consider installing downspout lines, which are drains that will carry the water off your roof and far away from your home.
#2: Move onto the Yard
Second, you can install drains around your yard that will help to keep water from getting next to your foundation. Yard drains are also referred to as French drains. Yard drains are easy to install and help to keep subsurface water from stressing out your foundation.
If your home is located at the bottom of a hill or incline, you may also want to add curtain drains around your yard. Curtain drains are placed in a trench and are covered up with small stones, looking like a nice stone border. They will help keep water from moving down the hill and impacting your foundation.
#3: Correct the Soil
Third, you need to examine the soil around your home. Ideally, the soil around your home should be highest next to your home and have a natural grade or pitch away from your home.
This will help to move water away from your home and keep water from accumulating around your foundation. To prevent water buildup around your foundation, you will want to grade the soil around your home with thick soil, such as clay. You can add some small gravel over the top to improve the visual appeal.
#4: Protect the Basement Wall
Finally, you are going to want to protect the basement wall. To do this, you will need to excavate around your home, all the way to the bottom of the foundation walls.
Then, a foundation membrane with drainage panels will need to be installed, or you will need to add a few layers of waterproof coating to the exterior walls of your basement. This will help keep water from penetrating your basement and will strengthen your basement walls.
It is essential to take care of your home's foundation. You will want to hire a professional to help you set up exterior methods to waterproof your basement and control drainage around your home.
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