Foundation Waterproofing - What You Need to Know

<h1>Foundation Waterproofing - What You Need to Know</h1>Author: <a title="Terry Edwards" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/terry-edwards/24652.htm">Terry Edwards</a> Is it important to waterproof your foundation? Absolutely! Everyone knows that water is very important in the keeping of the planet and our bodies healthy, but when it comes to structures and buildings, water can be very corrosive. If you don't learn about foundation waterproofing, you could be putting your home or office building at risk of serious structural damage. Here are some quick tips that you should know about.
Water is able to find even the most miniscule crack and crevice. Water flows through the ground horizontally so there isn't any way to keep the water from coming into contact with your building. The good news is that if you take the care and keeping of your foundation seriously, you will be able to keep the water from invading your home and instead encourage the water to flow around and under it.
Mold and mildew are the two largest perils of water making contact with your home. Both of these can demolish your home's structural integrity. Mold spores can spread the surfaces of your home and making physical contact with them can be dangerous. Some of the most dangerous molds can be breathed in. Equally troubling is the fact that the discovery of mold in your home can lead to expensive repairs. You wouldn't eat food that was covered in mold, why would you live in a house with the same problem?
Mildew is another destructive substance that is common in most homes. Mildew is usually found where water has made direct contact with a surface that is porous, like your shower tile. Mildew is what turns your shower grout black and can be disastrous if it manages to take hold of your home's foundation.
Most building companies offer a black waterproofing spray that is supposed to protect your foundation. Unfortunately there is more to waterproofing your foundation than a simple spray. There are a few methods of waterproofing your basement and remember, there is no way that you can "over-waterproof" your home.
Make sure that your foundation drainage system is well made when you install it. The drainage system will keep ground water from making direct contact with your foundation and make the water flow around the foundation instead. Usually the drainage system is made of at least thirty six inches of large gravel that is poured next to and around the drain tile of your foundation. This gravel gets covered with at least four inches of straw or tar paper before any backfilling is done.
Most people think that foundations, by themselves, can't be penetrated. This thinking is the reason that there are a lot of homes that are actually unsound and end up needing new foundations. Taking extra care to make sure your foundation is properly waterproofed helps you to make sure that your home is safe and sound and will be protected against things like mold and mildew. Foundation waterproofing is incredibly important. Don't skimp on it!About the Author: You can find out more about <a target="_new" href="http://www.basementwaterproofingtips.com/Foundation_Waterproofing.html">Foundation Waterproofing</a> as well as much more information and tips on everything to do with basement waterproofing at <a target="_new" href="http://www.basementwaterproofingtips.com"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.BasementWaterproofingTips.com">http://www.BasementWaterproofingTips.com</a></a>Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/remodeling-articles/foundation-waterproofing-what-you-need-to-know-533832.html" title="Foundation Waterproofing - What You Need to Know">Foundation Waterproofing - What You Need to Know</a>

Is it important to waterproof your foundation? Absolutely! Everyone knows that water is very important in the keeping of the planet and our bodies healthy, but when it comes to structures and buildings, water can be very corrosive. If you don't learn about foundation waterproofing, you could be putting your home or office building at risk of serious structural damage. Here are some quick tips that you should know about.

Water is able to find even the most miniscule crack and crevice. Water flows through the ground horizontally so there isn't any way to keep the water from coming into contact with your building. The good news is that if you take the care and keeping of your foundation seriously, you will be able to keep the water from invading your home and instead encourage the water to flow around and under it.

Mold and mildew are the two largest perils of water making contact with your home. Both of these can demolish your home's structural integrity. Mold spores can spread the surfaces of your home and making physical contact with them can be dangerous. Some of the most dangerous molds can be breathed in. Equally troubling is the fact that the discovery of mold in your home can lead to expensive repairs. You wouldn't eat food that was covered in mold, why would you live in a house with the same problem?

Mildew is another destructive substance that is common in most homes. Mildew is usually found where water has made direct contact with a surface that is porous, like your shower tile. Mildew is what turns your shower grout black and can be disastrous if it manages to take hold of your home's foundation.

Most building companies offer a black waterproofing spray that is supposed to protect your foundation. Unfortunately there is more to waterproofing your foundation than a simple spray. There are a few methods of waterproofing your basement and remember, there is no way that you can "over-waterproof" your home.

Make sure that your foundation drainage system is well made when you install it. The drainage system will keep ground water from making direct contact with your foundation and make the water flow around the foundation instead. Usually the drainage system is made of at least thirty six inches of large gravel that is poured next to and around the drain tile of your foundation. This gravel gets covered with at least four inches of straw or tar paper before any backfilling is done.

Most people think that foundations, by themselves, can't be penetrated. This thinking is the reason that there are a lot of homes that are actually unsound and end up needing new foundations. Taking extra care to make sure your foundation is properly waterproofed helps you to make sure that your home is safe and sound and will be protected against things like mold and mildew. Foundation waterproofing is incredibly important. Don't skimp on it!

You can find out more about Foundation Waterproofing as well as much more information and tips on everything to do with basement waterproofing at http://www.BasementWaterproofingTips.com

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Article Tags: Home, Home Improvement, Waterproofing, Foundation Waterproofing, Basements

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