Skip to content 
To protect your home and ensure its structural integrity is not compromised over time, effective waterproofing is essential. Even small waterproofing mistakes can have a catastrophic effect if they’re not detected and dealt with swiftly. If you’re not sure how waterproofing should be approached, what home waterproofing mistakes you should avoid at all costs or what the early warning signs of water damage are, this guide is just what you need. Read on to find out what our experts have to say.
Overlooking Early Warning Signs of Water Damage
One of the most common waterproofing mistakes we encounter, and one that can have devastating consequences, is ignoring early warning signs of water damage in the home.
Ignoring Damp Spots
Damp spots are one of the most obvious signs of poor waterproofing and should be investigated fully as soon as they are noticed. The best waterproofing solutions for damp spots will, of course, depend on the root cause in each case. Plumbing leaks should be dealt with by a suitably qualified plumber while waterproofing sealant mistakes should be rectified by an experienced waterproofing specialist.
Ignoring Musty Odours
Musty odours can be an early warning sign of water damage in an area of the home that is hidden from view and, as such, are often detectable before damp spots become visible.
Whether you notice a musty odour or see a damp spot in your home, prompt action is the key to avoiding expensive repair bills. Early leak detection, whether due to a plumbing or sealant fault, could save you thousands of dollars.
Improper Surface Preparation Before Applying Sealant
Of all the waterproofing sealant mistakes we encounter in our line of work, failing to prepare surfaces properly before applying sealant is probably the most common and can lead to serious waterproofing failures.
Inadequate Cleaning Before Applying Sealants
Dirt, dust and construction debris can prevent sealant from adhering to poorly prepared surfaces, resulting in waterproofing failure. For this reason, thorough cleaning of surfaces is essential before applying sealant. Waterproofing mistakes like this can easily be avoided at no additional cost and could save you a fortune.
For first-time applications, a good cleaning with soapy water and a rag will suffice. For repeat applications, apply rubbing alcohol to any patches of old sealant that remain. Wait a couple of hours for the sealant to soften then scrape off and wash the surface as for first-time applications. Take advantage of professional waterproofing services if you’re too busy to do the work yourself.
Skipping Primer Application
While silicone sealants adhere well to many surfaces, a primer often helps improve the performance of these sealants. On some surfaces, such as painted walls, it can make a big difference in terms of adhesion and durability. Not applying primer first is one of the leading waterproofing mistakes and causes of waterproofing failure in the home.
Clean all surfaces thoroughly and apply primer where recommended to avoid future issues with your domestic waterproofing.
Inadequate Waterproofing of Critical Areas
Many people searching for information on waterproofing problems and solutions are dealing with issues relating to inadequate waterproofing in critical areas.
Bathrooms and Showers
Waterproofing mistakes that can have severe consequences certainly include inadequate waterproofing of bathrooms and showers. If you’re unsure whether your contractor did a proper job in these critical areas, learn how to detect bathroom and shower leaks and how to fix them quickly!
Balconies
Waterproofing mistakes on balconies can compromise structural integrity, so must be avoided at all costs. If your balcony is leaking, take advantage of our balcony repair service without delay.
Ensure adequate waterproofing is present in all critical areas.
Failing to Conduct Regular Maintenance and Inspections
No discussion of common waterproofing mistakes would be complete without mention of maintenance and inspection requirements.
Neglecting Routine Checks
Regular inspections can help you spot early warning signs and address the root causes before they have a chance to cause significant damage.
Delaying Repairs
Postponing necessary repairs is the easiest of waterproofing mistakes to avoid and should always be avoided so you can stop water damage from spreading.
Inspect your home regularly and attend to any waterproofing issues promptly to avoid unnecessary repair bills.
Key Takeaways
Waterproofing mistakes can cost a lot of money to put right, so should be avoided whenever possible.
Pay attention to early warning signs of water damage, prepare surfaces before waterproofing sealant application and pay particular attention to critical areas such as bathrooms and balconies.
If you lack the time or expertise, hire a specialist such as ourselves to avoid common waterproofing mistakes. Feel free to contact us by phone or email for professional assistance.
