Are you building a new home? It's an exciting time and something that many homeowners enjoy, from finding the perfect location to deciding on the cabinetry and finishes. However, as you're building a new home, it's important that you consider every step, starting with your foundation.
In fact, flooding is one of the major causes of damage to new and older homes. Luckily, a foundation that's been correctly waterproofed can help. We've gathered several great tips to help make sure that your new home is protected against flooding and other types of water damage.
Effects of Flooding on Your Home
Flooding and water damage can have negative effects on many parts of your home. If the soil around your foundation is consistently wet and weakened, then your foundation won't properly support the structure. When this happens, your house can settle improperly, resulting in cracks in your walls, doors that don't close flush with the door jamb, and structural damage.
Flooding and water damage can also result in the formation of mold and mildew, which can damage the paint, wallpaper, and sheetrock of your house. Plus, mold and mildew can affect the health of people and pets in the home by causing breathing problems and aggravating existing health conditions. The presence of mold and mildew can necessitate expensive remediation procedures and may even render your home unlivable.
Six Things Homeowners Should Know About Water Damage Prevention
Preparation is the key to reducing the chances of water damage in your home, from determining the right way to start your new build to taking flood prevention measures such as using the right materials to waterproof your basement and foundation.
Assess the risk of flooding in your area
Different parts of the country have different seasonal rainfall and flooding weather patterns. Understanding when these happen in your area is the first step to determining where to build your home. You may wish to ask a surveyor about the potential for flooding on your lot. For example, if you're at the bottom of a slope, you may wish to have different kinds of landscaping and drainage features built into your yard.
Knowing when and how much your lot's water table increases can help you determine what kind of foundation and basement sealant you need. For example, Liquid Rubber Foundation Sealant has a line of different products available for different types of waterproofing needs. Understanding what you need for your home is key to finding the right one.
Sealing your home's foundation properly
Using Liquid Rubber Foundation Sealant as an extra layer on the basement exterior can prevent serious problems down the road and keep your home safe and dry. The best sealing products can reduce water damage to your home. However, unless it's applied properly, you won't get the full effectiveness of your sealant.
Sealing your foundation, plus the interior of your basement can be a fairly straightforward task for anyone who enjoys weekend DIY projects. Our guide can help you successfully waterproof your basement and foundation.
- First, remove all debris from the interior and exterior and power wash, to ensure that there isn't mud or dirt on the surface.
- Pick the right time of year to seal your foundation. Spring and fall are usually the best, as it's neither too hot nor too cold for the sealant to cure properly.
- Next, find the appropriate interior and exterior Liquid Rubber Sealant product for your needs.
- Apply the sealant using long, smooth, even brush strokes. You can apply the sealant using a larger paintbrush or a paint roller.
- Allow the sealant to cure 24-48 hours before applying a second coat.
- Sealant can take about 48 hours to cure, so make sure you don't water your lawn while the sealant is curing.
Each sealant is different, so make sure that you read the instructions about each product to ensure that you get the optimum result.
Design free-flowing gutters
Preserving your home's foundation isn't just about the right waterproofing materials – you also can take steps to avoid creating an environment that increases moisture in the soil around your foundation.
Free-flowing gutters, for example, are something that you can quickly install in your home. These gutters collect excess moisture from rain and melting snow and effectively divert it away from the foundation of your home. Free-flowing gutters consist of a simple aluminum gutter guard, using two pieces. One piece lies on top of the gutter, keeping excess water off, and the other curves around, with a lip on the edge. The water drips into the lip bin and then slides back into the gutter, flowing through the gutter normally.
These gutters are designed to keep excess debris and larger objects out of the gutters while still maintaining the correct water diversion. They reduce the need to frequently clean your gutters, and, by preventing large objects from getting into the gutters, ensure that the water flow remains steady, even during storms when leaves and other things may get into the gutters.
Install flood sensors
Flooding and water damage may not be readily visible. If there's a small leak in your foundation, the water can get into the basement and end up causing significant damage before it's visible. Instead, install flood sensors into your new home, thereby alerting you to water leaks.
Flood sensors are a type of environmental sensor designed to detect leaks in your foundation and the presence of water before the damage becomes serious. These work best in your basement or other parts of the house that may be prone to flooding. You can purchase flood sensors from several reputable home improvement stores.
Level your yard
While it may be visually pleasing to have a yard that has hills or a slope, if your lot is prone to flooding, then consider leveling your yard to prevent areas where water can pool and start leaking into your home. A professional surveyor can determine the right places to level and avoid slopes that direct water toward your foundation instead of away from it.
Install a sump pump
If you're constantly battling water leaks in your basement, it may be time to install a sump pump. These devices can keep water pumping out of your basement and foundation area consistently, removing the chances that you'll develop a weakened foundation or water leaks.
Sump pumps consist of a shallow hole underneath your basement floor, with a mechanism that removes water from your home and distributes it away from your foundation. Valves inside the pit detect rising levels of water and will automatically pump the water out.
Liquid Rubber Products Can Help Prevent Flooding and Water Damage!
Having the right precautions when constructing your home can avoid the majority of water damage to your house. From the layout to devices like a sump pump or flood detection sensors to the right Liquid Rubber Foundation Sealant products, you can protect your home against flooding and water damage.
Check out the online catalog from Liquid Rubber, and our tips about the best way to use our products for maximum effectiveness. We have the best sealants in the industry, and you'll love the difference they make!
