09 Feb How to Keep the Water Out of the House

If you are concerned about water seeping into the home, the first two things to check are the roof and the basement. Always make sure to hire a professional, reputable company that specializes in all types of “leaks” from the roof to the basement and everything in between.

When checking these areas, the roof should be inspected for cracks, damaged or missing tiles that could cause water to enter the home. And the basement should also be checked for any cracks in the foundation or walls that can lead to water seepage. These steps are vital and necessary to ensure that your home is properly protected.

After those areas have been thoroughly inspected by a professional, the following is a list of other ideas to consider when protecting your family’s most valuable asset – the home:

• Clean the gutters: Cleaning your gutters is a huge part in keeping water from entering the home. When confirming that the gutters are free of debris and leaves, should there be clogs left unattended, you will know because water will overflow and run down the walls of the house, potentially causing severe water damage. If you find that your gutters are clogged, it is important to clean them as soon as possible. Additionally, if you have trees near your home, it is also important to inspect the gutters to ensure that no branches or other debris are blocking the flow.

• Extend the downspouts: Extending the downspouts away from the home helps to ensure that water is diverted away from the foundation and does not collect near the house. Extending the downspouts at least three to four feet from the home, works even better.

• Create a rain garden: Another way to divert water from the home is to create a rain garden. A rain garden is a shallow depression filled with plants capable of withstanding wet conditions. The depression is also lined with a layer of mulch. This helps to absorb the water and guide it away from the home. Additionally, the rain garden helps to filter pollutants from the water. I have one in front of my home filled with hasta plants and mulch as our soil is very sandy being close to a lake and with the main road right there, our rain garden helps keep road debris and pollutants down as well.

• Install a rain barrel: Installing a rain barrel is another great way to divert water away from the house. Rain barrels are containers that are placed underneath the downspouts to collect rainwater. The water can then be used for watering plants and gardens. Additionally, the rain barrel helps to reduce the amount of runoff from the roof and helps to prevent flooding in the yard.

• Seal the driveway: Sealing any cracks or holes in a driveway is important to prevent water from seeping through. Additionally, sealing the driveway can help reduce the amount of water absorbed into the ground closest to the home.

• Install a French drain: A French drain is a trench filled with gravel and lined with a filter fabric in an effort to divert water away from the home which also helps keep water from pooling around the house while also preventing soil erosion.

• Improve the grading: When improving the grading around the home, it is important to ensure that the ground slopes away from the home’s foundation. This helps to guarantee that water is diverted away from the home and does not collect near the foundation.

• Install a sump pump: A sump pump is installed in the basement and is used to pump water out of the basement if it accumulates. This helps prevent flooding in the basement and can also help reduce the amount of water absorbed into the ground near the home. We have one in our home because we are on a well and near the lake. Be sure to have your pump inspected and tuned up on a regular basis.

Best waterproofing for roof

One solid suggestion is to first, hire a professional specializing in all phases of the roofing process, from roof repairs to re-roofing, from maintenance programs to complete roof overhauls; these are the types of services to expect from a reputable company that you can trust with your home.

Waterproofing your roof is an important step in protecting it from water damage. Several steps can be taken to ensure that your roof is properly waterproofed. The following is another list of suggestions to consider:

1. Inspect and repair flashing
2. Replace cracked vent boots
3. Clean roof surfaces periodically
4. Seal holes around hardware
5. Remove all dead leaves and branches
6. Trim trees close to the roof
7. Replace curling, loose or damaged shingles
8. Add insulation to the attic
9. Cover seams with seam tape
10. Add a water-repellent layer
11. Add heat tape to gutters and other areas

These necessary and vital steps will help ensure that your roof is properly waterproofed and protected from water damage.

What sealant do roofers use?

Acrylic sealants are popular because they offer excellent reflectivity of UV rays from the sun. They are also cost-effective and possess some of the best longevity among roof sealants with UV protection. Acrylic sealants are also very resistant to water, making them ideal for use on flat roofs where water can pool.

Silicone sealants are another popular option for sealing around roofing materials. They offer excellent adhesion and flexibility, making them ideal for use on roofs subject to movement and expansion. Silicone sealants are also highly durable and weather resistant, making them a great choice for sealing around flashing, skylights, and vents.

Butyl sealants are popular because they offer excellent adhesion and flexibility, making them ideal for use on roofs subject to movement and expansion. In addition, butyl sealants are highly durable and weather resistant.

Polyurethane sealants are great for sealing around metal roofs, as they offer excellent adhesion and flexibility, making them ideal for use on roofs subject to movement and expansion. In addition, polyurethane sealants are highly durable and weather resistant.

Elastomeric sealants are popular because they offer excellent elasticity and flexibility, making them ideal for use on roofs subject to movement and expansion.

How to keep the water out of the house

Overall, what you choose to do to keep the water out of the house, will depend on the type of roof, the material it is made from, and the climate in which it is located. Therefore, it is important to understand the needs of your roof and the type of sealant that will best suit it to ensure that it is properly sealed and protected from water damage.

Hiring a professional with a deep understanding and a practical knowledge of these sealants is the safest choice to consider.