You are probably uncertain about the differences between waterproofing and damp proofing if you are preparing to build a new home. Although you might not fully comprehend either on a technical level, you probably know that they are unquestionably required to maintain the integrity and durability of your home or building.
Buildings have been damp proofed for many years, a process that was sometimes wrongly called waterproofing because we frequently use the terms interchangeably. There is no doubt that the two are relatively comparable; thus, it would be understandable for someone considering damp proofing vs. waterproofing to think of them as one and the same.
However, they are different processes that produce different outcomes for the homeowner and quality of moisture blocking abilities.
How To Recognize The Differences
The physical variations between the construction materials employed in these two processes are truly important variables for identifying the two. In addition, the conditions of the applications and the thicknesses that they are applied vary according to the circumstance.
A coating applied by hand or with a sprayer to the exterior of the wall serves as damp proofing. Although it is rarely advised in contemporary home building, it is frequently considered an appropriate type of remediation. Damp proofing does not prevent liquid water infiltration; it merely regulates the water vapor produced by soil moisture.
Damp proofing will prevent some moisture from entering your home, and its only benefit is that it is a reasonably simple and less costly process. Additionally, it is more than a workable answer in many circumstances where moisture is a significant issue. Leaving that aside, this is where things get murky. The goal of damp proofing is not to completely seal off moisture and water.
Therefore, damp proofing has numerous limitations, such as the difficulty of patching bigger form-tie holes or fractures and the risk of damage from abrasive or negligent backfill. It is a method that was created expressly to stop dampness. As a result, it accomplishes this by obstructing the concrete pillars to impede water infiltration.
Essentially, the most effective solution is waterproofing. This is because it prevents water from penetrating a surface, effectively preventing moisture from the soil, water vapor, and water under hydrostatic pressure.
Therefore, it is better to spend the extra time and money on waterproofing, like crawl space encapsulation, if there is any doubt about whether damp proofing will work, especially for living space.
Why Is Waterproofing A Superior Option?
Unlike damp proofing materials, which cannot span larger foundational cracks and gaps and do not last very long post-construction, waterproofing materials perform better. This is where there is a great deal of confusion. Additionally, the materials utilized for waterproofing are typically more adaptable. They are elastic and flexible by nature, which explains the longevity of the installation. These solutions are applied as a thicker layer, which helps to fill in the cracks and provides superior insulation for the structure’s foundation, allowing it to last for a very long time.
The major drawback to damp proofing is how quickly these materials wear out. These items typically stop working after a couple of years, typically two years, regardless of the application or installation.
Professional waterproofing is frequently more expensive than professional damp proofing in terms of cost. This is because installation is more intricate and necessitates the use of larger equipment. In a sense, waterproofing your property acts as a safety net for its structural integrity.
Traditional damp proofing techniques fall short; therefore, it may be wise to spend a little more on excellent waterproofing to save your home and family’s health and financial investment. All homes and buildings need to be waterproofed, but this is even more critical in locations with high water tables and a lot of rain.
Choose PIERMAN Foundation Repair for superior moisture remediation services. Give us a call today at (580) 453-0330 and ask for more information for the best solution for your home.
