Waterproofing: Why It Is So Essential

Waterproofing is a concept that gets nowhere near the amount of coverage that it should. Underplayed, under promoted, and underutilized, it is nonetheless one of the most powerful tools a homeowner can use to protect their biggest and most important investment. For the uninitiated, it may come as a surprise to learn how much damage can occur when a house is not properly protected from water. It may be the lifeblood of the planet, but it is a cancer when it seeps into a house.

Many products in the marketplace today come with some degree of waterproofing. Whether it be the container your favorite beverage comes in or that fancy watch you wear on your wrist, they are designed in such a way that contact with water isn’t going to ruin them. Other products are not made so impervious. With these objects, you have to take great care to see that they don’t get wet. The same is actually true of a house. The last thing you want is moisture coming in through the walls. Why? Because it can damage the structure in a fundamental way that will cost thousands to repair. It can also act as a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and even insects. 

Perhaps you’ve heard of the phenomenon known as a “sick house”. This describes a house that is filled with mold or some form of bacteria to the point where people cannot live in the structure without succumbing to illness. While not always the case, a poor job of waterproofing is often the root cause of this. When water gets in through the roof or the walls, it is merciless in its destruction. This is true even if you live in an area with average rainfall. If you happen to be the victim of floods, then it becomes even more important to make sure that your house is secure and safe from the incoming water. 

If you have (rightful) concerns about waterproofing, you should contact a professional in your area and have them come out to your house for an inspection. The worst thing you can do is to wait until there’s a problem before you take action. Cleaning up water damage can be very expensive. Not to mention the fact that extensive water damage could ruin some irreplaceable belongings. Far better to take some preventative measures now than to wait until it is too late. Your house, your family, and your most precious belongings are counting on you to do the right things.