When building a new home, builders put a water-resistant coating on any part of the block crawlspace or basement that is underground. This is typically good enough to protect your foundation for years. However, after time, or if you have a drainage problem, the coating becomes less effective. Moisture and even water can seep into your basement or crawlspace and cause issues.
Besides the obvious of keeping water out of your basement, waterproofing reduces overall dampness and helps to prevent mold and mildew from forming. Concrete is porous, thus water can seep through it. If you have enough water against your foundation during the rainy season, it will eventually make its way through even the thickest concrete. Waterproofing can also help seal any cracks in a concrete basement, slab or crawlspace.
If you are building your house on a downslope, the construction company should put a grade against the foundation. However, grades erode over time, especially without properly installed gutters. Water will eventually pool against the foundation and get inside. When building your home, look at the lay of the land. Even though the construction company waterproofs your basement, you should add extra drainage near the house. You can install a French drain to move water coming toward the house away from the foundation. You can also ask your builder to put better waterproofing materials on the exterior of your basement or crawlspace. It's much easier to do this before they backfill.
The most common type of waterproofing in modern homes is a layer of tar painted or sprayed onto basement or crawlspace walls below ground. However, there are a few more types of waterproofing you can upgrade to:
The membranes come in a rolls. Builders use a hot tar-based adhesive to stick the waterproofing membrane sheets to the walls of the basement or crawlspace. Self-adhesive membranes are also available, but don't last as long as the membranes attached with separate adhesive.
Most liquid-applied membranes consist of a primer coat and up to two coats of waterproofing. Builders can apply the primer and the liquid membrane via a brush, spray or roller. One advantage of liquid-applied membranes is that they don't have joints. However, if the builder doesn't apply the membrane in the right thickness, it could break or tear.
These products are applied on the exterior or interior of a basement or crawlspace, but is usually used inside in areas that are often wet, such as bathrooms. Since these materials are frequently used inside, this option doesn't contract and expand with the temperature as much as they would outside.
Silicone polymers are highly flexible, which makes them great for exterior use where hot and cold weather cause expansion and contraction. The builder can spray or brush a silicone polymer on. Since the liquid cures in the air, it creates a seamless membrane with no cracks.
If the builder doesn't properly apply the waterproofing or the waterproofing cracks over time, water will seep into your basement or crawlspace. The moisture then seeps into your home and increases humidity. If you don't control the humidity, mold and mildew form. In turn, the mold and mildew cause health issues, including asthma and allergies. Once mold and mildew form, it can be very difficult to get rid of it without professional help. If you have to spend money on mold remediation, make sure the company you hire can waterproof your foundation and, if necessary add additional drainage solutions.
It is advisable to take part in the planning stages, and to ensure that the builder uses sub-contractors who won't take short cuts in any part of the project. This applies especially to waterproofing.
“I sell your home like it's mine”
A licensed real estate salesperson since 2016, Rob is affiliated with the Briarcliff Manor office of Corcoran Legends Realty. He serves buyers, sellers, renters, in Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam counties. Rob, a native of New York and Westchester County for most of his life, brings an extensive local knowledge of both residential and commercial properties to the table. His experience includes a wide range of property types – single-family, multi-family, condos and mixed use. “Hard to sell” properties is where Rob really excels. “There’s no problem that cannot be solved.”
Rob is certified for many different disciplines in real estate. Cartus Relocation Network Agent, AARP Agent, National Tenants Network (NTN) Agent, Green certified and Pricing Strategies Master. In addition, Rob has completed the Leader’s Edge Advanced training to better serve his clients. Rob has been both associate of the month and top closed dollar agent.
When you work with Rob, you get the feeling you’re his only client. Numbers don’t count, you do. Clients always come first. Each transaction is handled as if it were his own home. Rob strives to make the process as seamless as possible and takes care of all the details, no matter how small. His clients rave about his above-and-beyond service and prompt informative communication. Rob is easy going, friendly, and patient. However he can be a determined and aggressive negotiator when the need arises.
When not out actively working on behalf of his clients, Rob spends time with his wife and two teenage daughters. A devoted supporter of community he sits on several local boards and volunteers for numerous locale nonprofit organizations. He enjoys cycling, hiking, kayaking and winter skiing.
“May your price be right, and your sale be swift!”