Dampproofing and Waterproofing are often confused with one another.
This is a brief explanation of the difference between the two so that homeowners can make a more educated decision when it comes to basement and housing water or mold issues.
Dampproofing: Damproofing slows down the flow of water.
Most often this is achieved by applying an asphalt coating to the concrete surface.
While this helps to deal with water vapor (aka.
moisture) transmission, it still allows for water transmission.
The maximum allowed water vapor transmission rate (the measure of moisture or water moves through a substance) is 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet over 24 hours.
Even WVT rates under this can make for a damp, musty area.
Coating products do not claim to be 100% effective.
One of the problems with many coating products is that they can become brittle when dry causing the coating to flake away.
None of these have the ability to correct foundation cracks or gaps.
Waterproofing: On the other hand waterproofing stops the flow of water.
Waterproofing is not a paint or a spray, but rather a heavy sheet of plastic or vinyl which will completely stop the transmission of water or vapor.
Interior Waterproofing: The best type is interior waterproofing.
Interior waterproofing is when a heavy plastic or vinyl sheet is inserted between the drywall and the foundational walls.
The process requires the removal of existing drywall, which may actually be moldy or damaged on the interior anyway.
Waterproofing contractors will remove the exterior in order to insert the plastic sheet.
The will also dig down into the concrete foundation in order to run the sheet under the foundational board on which the studs are built.
While the removal of drywall and cement may seem overwhelming, it is necessary in order to achieve the desired results.
Exterior Waterproofing: A second, but less successful, type of waterproofing also uses a sheet of plastic or vinyl but on the outside of the structure.
Exterior Waterproofing involves excavating around the exterior of the house and placing a dimpled plastic mat between the outer foundational wall and the surrounding dirt.
The process can be disruptive and often devastation to the homeowner's yard because it involves busting out existing patios, porches, walkways, and driveways.
Troubleshooting: Something to be careful of is the appearance of a dry wall.
Transmitted water from the exterior may evaporate on the interior of the wall giving the false illusion of no water problems.
In order to determine if there is vapor or moisture transmission, the inside of the drywall needs to be examined.
Warning signs can include subtle stains on carpet or drywall, condensation on windows, and faint or musty smell.
This is a brief explanation of the difference between the two so that homeowners can make a more educated decision when it comes to basement and housing water or mold issues.
Dampproofing: Damproofing slows down the flow of water.
Most often this is achieved by applying an asphalt coating to the concrete surface.
While this helps to deal with water vapor (aka.
moisture) transmission, it still allows for water transmission.
The maximum allowed water vapor transmission rate (the measure of moisture or water moves through a substance) is 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet over 24 hours.
Even WVT rates under this can make for a damp, musty area.
Coating products do not claim to be 100% effective.
One of the problems with many coating products is that they can become brittle when dry causing the coating to flake away.
None of these have the ability to correct foundation cracks or gaps.
Waterproofing: On the other hand waterproofing stops the flow of water.
Waterproofing is not a paint or a spray, but rather a heavy sheet of plastic or vinyl which will completely stop the transmission of water or vapor.
Interior Waterproofing: The best type is interior waterproofing.
Interior waterproofing is when a heavy plastic or vinyl sheet is inserted between the drywall and the foundational walls.
The process requires the removal of existing drywall, which may actually be moldy or damaged on the interior anyway.
Waterproofing contractors will remove the exterior in order to insert the plastic sheet.
The will also dig down into the concrete foundation in order to run the sheet under the foundational board on which the studs are built.
While the removal of drywall and cement may seem overwhelming, it is necessary in order to achieve the desired results.
Exterior Waterproofing: A second, but less successful, type of waterproofing also uses a sheet of plastic or vinyl but on the outside of the structure.
Exterior Waterproofing involves excavating around the exterior of the house and placing a dimpled plastic mat between the outer foundational wall and the surrounding dirt.
The process can be disruptive and often devastation to the homeowner's yard because it involves busting out existing patios, porches, walkways, and driveways.
Troubleshooting: Something to be careful of is the appearance of a dry wall.
Transmitted water from the exterior may evaporate on the interior of the wall giving the false illusion of no water problems.
In order to determine if there is vapor or moisture transmission, the inside of the drywall needs to be examined.
Warning signs can include subtle stains on carpet or drywall, condensation on windows, and faint or musty smell.
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