Waterproofing Your Home_ What to Look for and Do

Twenty typhoons enter the Philippine area of responsibility every year, with an average of 8 to 9 making landfall and crossing the country. On average,the country experiences about 965 mm up to 5000 mm of rainfall per year. The Philippines’ rainy season lasts from June to November, nearly half the year. Stronger and more frequent typhoons are coming; in 2024 six consecutive typhoons hit the country.

Flooding is the inevitable result. It is important to protect your home and properly waterproof it.

Waterproofing isn’t just to stop water from entering your property, it is about protecting the integrity of your home. A building that is properly waterproofed lasts longer. Shielding your home from moisture protects it from structural issues, such as water damage in concrete and wood rot from moisture. This minimizes the need for expensive repairs to major structures. Good waterproofing also helps insulate your home by sealing gaps that allow cool or warm air to escape and preventing damage to insulation material. Proper waterproofing minimizes that presence of unsightly water marks and prevents paint from peeling prematurely.

Just as importantly, proper waterproofing stops moisture buildup that contributes to the growth of mold and mildew. Exposure to these can cause rashes, headaches, nasal problems, and even life-threatening respiratory issues.

So how does one go about proper waterproofing?

First, identify the location that needs to be waterproofed and the materials you intend to use. With top brands like Davco, Buildrite, ABC, and Island at your disposal, you’re spoiled for choice on materials.

The biggest culprits for places that need to be waterproofed are the ones most exposed to the elements. This includes outdoor areas, rooftops, walls, balconies, gutters, and any other places that face the rain. Indoors, places such as the bathroom, basements, or other places that are in contact with water, such as indoor pools and the boiler room, must also be waterproofed. Choosing materials is key here; waterproofing for wood is different from waterproofing for concrete.

Based on the surface and location, you next identify whether it’s a positive or negative side.

Positive Side Waterproofing:

• The surface exposed to the elements the most.
• External walls and surfaces of buildings, rooftops, balconies, etc.
• Purpose: to prevent water from seeping inside to begin with.
• Often done with new construction projects; material is installed during the building process.

Negative Side Waterproofing:

• Inner surfaces where the direct surface that is exposed to the elements is inaccessible.
• Applies to indoor and underground structures such as basements, parking, underground storage areas, and tunnels.
• Purpose: to waterproof the area from the inside due to the inability to access the main external surface.
• Done when there are existing structures that make the external surface inaccessible, or in older existing structures that cannot be altered.

Based on where the waterproofing will be done and the material of the surface, there are different substances that are used. Cebu Home and Builders offers cementitious waterproofing for both negative and positive sides, epoxy tile waterproofing and primer, and polyurethane (PU) waterproofing for roofs, just to name a few.

Waterproofing involves:

• Removing the substrate such as paint and grease
• Inspecting and repairing any any cracks and holes in the surface
• Cleaning the surface of dirt
• Drying the surface for at least 24 to 48 hours
• Application based on the manufacturer’s instructions such as applying a primer first before the membrane or waterproofing layer (may entail repeated coating if needed)
• Letting the waterproofing cure
• Sealing and clean up

We suggest contacting your contractor or architect for more specifics, as the building situation is different from property owner to property owner. Our staff is always there to answer further questions about our products.

At Cebu home and builders centre, we are here to help you with your building needs. Come on over to a branch near you – before the next typhoon hits!