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Homeowners can reduce the cost of water damage to their property by taking preventative measures and preparing their homes ahead of time. You might be surprised at how simple it can be to waterproof your home’s exterior, saving you from costly repairs later on. This homeowner’s guide will walk you through the importance to safeguard your investment and keep your home safe from excessive moisture and inclement weather with exterior waterproofing in Kansas City.
Many homeowners are likely unaware of just how important waterproofing their home’s exterior foundation is. This process protects and preserves a home’s exterior by preventing water from getting into places where it doesn’t belong. The roots of damage usually start beneath our feet where we may not see them, but eventually they will spread up through our walls and into our homes. As you might imagine, these hidden threats can cause substantial damage over time.
While many homeowners are unaware of these dangers, professional waterproofing contractors are well aware of how important foundation waterproofing is. Not only do they recognize that you need water protection for your home’s exterior, but also that you need it immediately. The longer you wait to address issues like these, the more serious they become and require costly repairs down the road. After all, prevention is key here because it’s far less expensive than dealing with damage in your home after it has already happened.
Waterproofing your home can greatly reduce leaks in your walls and basement, which is important for preventing mold. Cost of water damage alone can quickly run into thousands of dollars so it pays to do preventative maintenance. You should aim to waterproof every exterior wall as well as your foundation, crawl space and attic as these are most susceptible to leaking.
The first step in waterproofing is cleaning your exterior wall, including gutters and downspouts. If your gutters are clogged with dirt or leaves, water will seep into your walls and roof rather than draining away from them. If you want to keep surface water off of your home, it’s important that you clean those drains out before water damage can occur. Since surface water can also lead to mold growth, it’s best to take care of any loose debris promptly.
The next step is to fix your walls if you find any cracks or holes. Cracks allow water to get behind your exterior wall, so it’s important that you seal them before proceeding with waterproofing. You can fill in cracks using an exterior caulk. Most professionals recommend silicone since it’s easy to clean up and remains flexible in cold weather.
Finally it's time to apply your waterproofing. There are different kinds of waterproofing, but we suggest that you choose a membrane like EPDM which is one of the most durable and long-lasting. This product will keep water out while remaining flexible even when temperatures change. An added benefit is that because membranes aren’t structural, they can be installed right over your existing wall. EPDM makes a great choice for homeowners who don’t want to do much work around their home while still getting major protection against leaks.
The cost of waterproofing your home will vary depending on what area you live in, so it’s best to compare quotes from multiple contractors. Most contractors charge an average of $5 to $10 per square foot and will provide you with a detailed quote once they inspect your home. Contractors typically factor in extra time when estimating waterproofing costs, because project can take extra time depending on the current situation which adds additional labor costs on the project.
Overall Home Advisor states that the average homeowner spends around $4,733 to waterproof their basement or foundation. These prices are inclusive of all materials and services which may include remediation of any water damage and repairs to your foundation. It's an important job that should be taken seriously because if done incorrectly could lead to future flooding.
It typically lasts 10 years. This is dependent on whether or not you live in an area with a high risk of rainfall, how long it takes for surfaces to become water-damaged and several other factors. Therefore, if your home is more susceptible to weather elements than others nearby homes, then you will probably need a new coat sooner than people who live in dryer climates. There are no surefire ways to tell when you need a new application, but there are warning signs that indicate that it may be time to call professionals in for an inspection. Even if damage isn’t visible from outside your home, damages might still be occurring inside where you can’t easily see them.
Keeping your basement dry is very important. Even by taking precautions to waterproof your foundation, there's always a chance for water to find it's way inside. There are additional solutions out there to prevent or remove any water from coming in.
Properly installed window drains, downpipes, and gutters. An improperly installed gutter can allow water to seep inside your foundation, causing cracks in your basement walls. When installing new ones, it's best to go with aluminum over copper since they are more durable and last longer. Be sure that there is no debris blocking them or clogging them up; keep an eye on them when heavy rains come through your area.
Proper installation of sump pumps can be important as well when waterproofing your home's exterior. During rainy seasons, it is best that you test these every once in awhile to ensure they are working properly and do not have any blockages in them. If there are blockages, it could lead to an infestation of insects inside your home or a damp smell building up from around your foundation walls. That would mean major damage would need to occur for you to notice it until then, which means proper maintenance will save you money in repairs later on down the road.
Lastly is a dehumidifier. If you find that you have an issue with damp, musty smells or feel them coming from your basement walls and foundation, then it may be due to high levels of humidity in your home. This could also lead to mold growth as well as insect infestations inside your walls, so it is important for you keep track of these levels and maintain them if need be by using a dehumidifier.
Contact out team at Kansas City Foundation Repair Specialists for additional information or to schedule your free quote for foundation repair.
