Why Is Waterproofing So Important?

Why is waterproofing so important? Water damage is a common issue that building owners and managers are well-acquainted with. While minor drips seem harmless at first glance, it causes massive damage when left unattended. These tiny drips may seep into nooks and cracks that sit for extended periods. Water usually finds its way into buildings through porous materials and surfaces.

These also include damaged drainage systems, poorly sealed splices, groundwater, and even fountains or pools if not tended to appropriately. Eventually, they can lead to dire consequences that would cause concern, despite being otherwise preventable.

In a country that experiences abundant rainfall like Singapore, one must always preempt the possibility of water damage. Singapore typically experiences a high amount of precipitation and humidity due to its geographic location, making buildings more prone to such. This makes water damage prevention all the more crucial, especially since it allows you to avoid larger problems from occurring.

Waterproofing is the prevention measure commonly used for these instances. Many building owners make it a point to waterproof their constructions to maintain structure stability, prevent leakage, and increase energy efficiency, among other things.

That being said, this article will discuss what waterproofing means and why it’s ultimately important for your building.

What is waterproofing?

Whenever monsoon comes around, water seepage from the ceiling or clogged water is common. When this happens, you’ll have to consult the professional services of an expert to provide the appropriate solutions to the problem.

Waterproofing refers to a method that restricts water from entering your house or building. Apart from its precautionary and preventive measures, they’re also helpful in keeping your house dry and free from leakage.

Waterproofing lessens the humidity within your home, thus protecting your possessions from damage caused by water exposure or moisture. Apart from that, it’s also vital to maintain the building’s veracity.

Reasons why you need waterproofing

Waterproofing is a basic requirement for construction. Doing this helps ensure that buildings are waterproof by using coatings and membranes to protect structural integrity. Despite this, many commercial and household properties are still not invincible to problems caused by improper waterproofing.

If you do not resolve the issue of water damage any sooner, it will only escalate to severe consequences. You should pay extra attention to the waterproofing of your property since this dictates the service life of the building’s structure.

Why waterproofing is essential and how it can help maintain the building’s longevity.

1. Preserves structural integrity

One of the major reasons you need waterproofing for your building is that it helps maintain its structural integrity. Poor constructions will only enable water to seep into cracks and let them sit for a long time. Leaving this matter unattended will only cause building foundations to weaken and materials to eventually rot.

Because of this, it’s essential to immediately address signs of water seepage once it’s noticed to prevent further damage. With proper waterproofing, the structure of the building will remain durable and long-lasting for years to come.

2. Increases value of property

Apart from its obvious uses in structure preservation, waterproofing also helps increase the value of your property. Water damage only causes wood to decay or metals to rust, resulting in unhealthy living spaces or rooms. However, a property that still retains its structural integrity while not having traces of water damage are more attractive to prospective buyers.

Besides this, having a waterproof system on your property can maximize your home’s square footage. For instance, it can open up the basement area of your house, thus increasing more utility of your home.

3. Improves air quality

When there are instances of clogged water or seepage, the harmful microbes tend to become waterborne as well. Here, you’ll usually notice growths of mold that can compromise the quality of air in your interior.

Despite this, waterproofing makes for an excellent solution for improving the air quality indoors. Waterproofing helps your property breathe, freeing it from unwanted water damage or microbe growth cases.

3. Prevents leakage

You also prevent even the smallest drips of water from entering your property or building with waterproofing. IF you want to avoid leakage or seepage, sealing every possible water entrance is a must. Whether they’re in basements, roofs, decks, or walls, waterproofing helps you save plenty of time, effort, and expenses compared to dealing with huge water damages later.

4. Lessens expenses

It is better to invest in preventive and precautionary measures instead of paying for maintenance and damage repairs. Every building requires routine maintenance to ensure maximum protection from damage, and waterproofing is an excellent one. It’s also worth noting that building repairs caused by water damage tend to be very costly. This is particularly true for concrete buildings that have been impacted by corrosion.

5. Comply with building codes

It also helps you comply with the current building codes since you’re able to prevent possible water issues from taking place. Waterproofing is a mandatory building regulation for any type of construction work. This also helps ensure sustainable and safe use for everyone, thus avoiding grave risks.

6. Prevents mold and damp

Mold growth is a waterproofing problem that can be quite difficult to resolve once it happens. This is especially alarming if the building is mainly built of wood materials or furniture. In this case, the moisture caused by the penetration or seepage of water will only lead to the delamination and rotting of the wood. Worse — it can even threaten the structure of the building and may be prone to collapse.

7. Reduces health risks

Apart from the typical advantages that come with waterproofing, one of the most important ones is that it reduces health risks. Property damage can result in damage to valuables and property, consequently endangering human health at the same time.

Why Is Waterproofing So Important? – Conclusion

The formation of mold spores, for instance, is a health hazard. If exposed to mold spores, you may be subject to adverse reactions such as asthma, fungal infections, irritation, or allergies. This fact is even supported by the World Health Organization, which discovered that water leakage in properties and buildings poses a serious health hazard to people. Individuals can contract about 50 possible diseases by mere wall damp stains alone.