Waterproofing exterior walls is crucial in protecting your home from the damaging effects of moisture. Over time, exposure to rain, humidity, and condensation can cause water to penetrate the surface of your walls, leading to a range of issues such as structural damage, mould growth, and even health concerns.
Waterproofing your exterior walls protects your home from these risks and enhances its durability and appearance. This guide will explore the essential steps in waterproofing exterior walls and its long-term benefits for homeowners.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Waterproofing exterior walls is essential to protect your home from moisture damage, structural issues, and mould growth. The process involves inspecting and repairing the walls, cleaning the surface, choosing the right waterproofing solution, and applying it properly.
Proper drainage around the property and regular upkeep ensure lasting protection. Waterproofing’s long-term benefits include preventing structural damage, increasing property value, improving indoor air quality, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your home’s exterior.
Steps To Waterproofing Exterior Walls
Waterproofing exterior walls is a straightforward process that involves a few critical steps to ensure that the walls remain protected from moisture for years.
Here is a detailed guide to waterproofing exterior walls effectively:
1. Inspect The Walls
Before beginning the waterproofing process, it is essential to inspect the walls thoroughly. Look for any signs of damage, such as cracks, holes, or peeling paint. These issues will need to be repaired before waterproofing can commence.
- Check For Cracks: Small cracks in walls can worsen if water is allowed to seep through them. Identify and mark areas that need repair.
- Examine The Paintwork: Peeling or blistering paint indicates that water has already penetrated the surface. This issue will need to be addressed during the waterproofing process.
2. Repair The Wall Surface
Once you have identified the areas that need attention, the next step is to repair any damage to the wall surface.
- Fill Cracks And Gaps: Use a high-quality filler to seal cracks and holes in the walls. Ensure the filler is compatible with the type of material your wall is made from.
- Sand The Surface: Once the repairs are complete, sand the surface to ensure it is smooth and ready for the next stage.
3. Clean The Walls
A clean surface is essential for effective waterproofing. Dirt, debris, and loose paint can prevent waterproofing materials from adhering properly to the wall.
- Wash The Walls: Use a pressure washer, soft-bristle brush, and soapy water to clean the walls thoroughly. Make sure to remove all dust, dirt, and mildew.
- Allow The Walls To Dry: Ensure the walls are completely dry before applying any waterproofing solution. Moisture trapped behind the waterproofing layer can cause future problems.
4. Choose The Right Waterproofing Solution
Several waterproofing products are available, each designed for different purposes. The product choice depends on the condition of your walls and the level of protection required.
- Masonry Waterproofing Creams: Masonry creams are ideal for brick or stone walls. These products penetrate deep into the surface, creating an invisible barrier that repels water while allowing the wall to breathe.
- Acrylic Waterproofing Coatings: Acrylic coatings create a waterproof film over the wall’s surface. They are easy to apply and come in various colours, offering protection and aesthetic improvement.
- Elastomeric Paints: Elastomeric paints are thicker than regular paints and can stretch and contract with the wall’s movement. This makes them ideal for areas prone to cracking and offers excellent waterproofing for exterior walls.
- Silicone-Based Sealants: Silicone-based sealants are commonly used for sealing around windows, doors, and other areas where water is likely to enter. They provide a flexible yet watertight seal.
5. Apply The Waterproofing Solution
Once you have chosen the most appropriate waterproofing solution, it’s time to apply it to the exterior walls. For the best results, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Start At The Top: Apply the waterproofing solution at the top of the wall and work your way down, ensuring even coverage across the surface.
- Multiple Coats: You may need to apply multiple coats depending on the product. Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next one.
6. Ensure Proper Drainage Around The Property
Waterproofing the walls is only part of the solution. Ensuring proper drainage around the property is equally important to prevent water from accumulating near the walls.
- Install Gutters And Downpipes: Ensure gutters and downpipes are in good condition and direct water away from the walls.
- Grading The Ground: Ensure the ground around the foundation slopes away from the house to prevent water pooling.
7. Regular Maintenance
Even the best waterproofing methods require regular maintenance to remain effective over time. Inspect your walls periodically and address any issues before they become major problems.
- Check For Damage: Look for wear, cracks, or peeling, indicating the waterproofing solution fails.
- Reapply Waterproofing: Depending on the product, you may need to reapply the waterproofing solution every few years to maintain optimal protection.
Long-Term Benefits Of Waterproofing Exterior Walls
By waterproofing exterior walls, homeowners can enjoy several long-term benefits:
Prevents Structural Damage
Waterproofing exterior walls is crucial in preventing structural damage. Over time, water infiltration can significantly harm the integrity of your home’s walls, leading to cracks, rot, and weakening of the foundation.
By creating a barrier against moisture, waterproofing ensures that rainwater, humidity, and condensation cannot penetrate the wall surface. This protects the wall’s structure and helps avoid costly repairs and renovations from prolonged water exposure.
Increases Property Value
Waterproofing your exterior walls can significantly increase the value of your property. Potential buyers are likelier to invest in a well-maintained home protected from moisture-related issues.
A house with properly waterproofed walls offers peace of mind, as buyers know they won’t have to deal with problems like mould, dampness, or water damage. Additionally, enhancing the longevity of your walls by keeping them dry and structurally sound adds to the home’s overall appeal and market value.
Healthier Living Environment
One key benefit of waterproofing exterior walls is that it helps create a healthier indoor environment. Water that seeps through walls can lead to the growth of mould and mildew, which negatively impact air quality and can cause health issues such as allergies and respiratory problems.
Waterproofing prevents hazardous conditions from developing by keeping moisture out. This contributes to a cleaner, safer living space, especially for individuals with asthma or other health concerns related to indoor air quality.
Aesthetic Appeal
Beyond the functional benefits, waterproofing can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home’s exterior. Modern waterproofing solutions come in various forms, including attractive coatings and paints that protect the walls and improve their appearance.
These coatings can give the walls a fresh, clean look while ensuring long-lasting protection from the elements. Additionally, waterproofing helps prevent issues like peeling paint or stains caused by moisture, allowing your home to maintain its curb appeal and overall visual appeal over time.
Conclusion
Waterproofing exterior walls is essential in maintaining your home’s structural integrity and appearance. Australian homeowners can protect their properties from moisture-related issues by following the above steps: inspecting, repairing, cleaning, choosing the right solution, and applying it correctly.
Regular maintenance and proper drainage systems also play a critical role in keeping the waterproofing effective for years. Investing in the right waterproofing solution ensures that your home remains resilient against the elements, enhancing its value and longevity.
FAQs About Waterproof
Can You Waterproof The Outside Wall?
Check walls for faults: Waterproofing external walls is the best solution only if they become damp due to rainwater or moisture. Before shopping around for waterproofing products, it’s important to eliminate any other causes of structural dampness.
How Can I Make My Walls Waterproof?
- While the arrival of the monsoon season may bring relief to many, for homeowners, it is a time to prepare and protect their homes from water leakage.
- Check for any cracks in the walls and seal them.
- Exterior Paint.
- Caulking.
- Waterproofing During Construction.
Can You Put Waterproofing Over The Paint?
After applying the first coat of paint, allow it to dry fully before applying the second. If necessary, apply a third or even a fourth coat of paint to waterproofing membranes to achieve full coverage. However, allow the previous coat of paint to dry before adding another.
How Do You Protect Outdoor Walls From Rain?
- Don’t paint during the rain.
- Use water-proof paints.
- Invest in Primer paints.
- Coating the walls with white cement.
- Check for cracks.
- Seek professional help.
How Long Does Exterior Wood Sealer Last?
Solid stains require recoating after 4-5 years, on average. Sealers do not provide any colouration of the wood, but they protect it against moisture that causes rot and splitting. Most sealers last one cycle of seasons and should be renewed each year.
