Foundation & Deck Waterproofing: Preventing Water Damage

Did you know that the vast majority of water damage in the home is caused by exterior issues such as poor drainage and improper waterproofing? Let’s explore the steps you should take to protect your home, including foundation waterproofing and deck waterproofing.

Foundation Waterproofing

In California, few homes have basements, which means that most homes are built on a slab foundation or a crawlspace foundation. Both of these require expert waterproofing to protect the structure of your home. 

Slab foundations are porous, and while concrete might look solid, it absorbs moisture. Without proper waterproofing, hydrostatic pressure pushes water through tiny cracks and pores. Our weather is dry most of the year, and these long dry periods can cause foundation materials to shrink and crack. Winter rains then drive water into these openings, increasing your risk of leaks.

Of course, protecting your home from water damage isn’t just about hiring a waterproofing company; it’s also about site grading and drainage. The perimeter of your home needs adequate drainage, and the soil around your slab needs to be graded so that water naturally flows away from the foundation. Poor grading is one of the top causes of slab moisture issues.

If your slab was not waterproofed properly during construction, our team of waterproofing experts can come in and provide you with waterproofing services to ensure that the slab is watertight, but you also likely will need to improve your perimeter drainage and possibly alter the slope of some of the property.

When it comes to crawlspace waterproofing, we highly recommend crawlspace encapsulation. For this process, we line the floors and walls with a thick vapor barrier and seal all of the vents and gaps, often insulating the walls. In many cases, we also install a dehumidifier.

Not only does this prevent moisture damage to your foundation, but it also will improve the air quality in your home and help to prevent issues such as mildew and mold growth. Again, as with slab foundations, we also likely will recommend improved perimeter drainage and grading to ensure that as much water as possible flows away from your home.

Deck Waterproofing

Whether you have a ground-level deck attached to your home, a balcony, or a roof deck, all of these structures need proper waterproofing and drainage. Decks built over living spaces are one of the most common sources of hidden interior leaks.

Often, decks were not waterproofed properly during construction, and we have to come in and make extensive improvements. For roof deck or balcony waterproofing, we typically remove the existing flooring as well as some of the stucco on the deck.

We install new metal flashing around the perimeter, ensuring that flashing is installed in every area where the deck meets walls, posts, and door thresholds. This flashing will direct water away from vulnerable areas and prevent water from seeping behind the stucco into the framing of your home.

From there, we repair or rebuild the substrate, removing any damaged plywood. Then the wood is cleaned and sanded to provide us with a solid base for the waterproofing system. We then add several layers of waterproof deck coatings to create a strong membrane. Once the waterproofing membrane is dry, we can apply new stucco and then add a final texture and topcoat to the deck or balcony.

Additionally, we also assess the drainage and check the slope of the deck. Too often, decks are built with little regard to slope, but water should flow directly to drains and not pool up on the deck. We will ensure that the deck slopes towards drains, but this step can take a few days to complete.

If you have a concrete deck, these structures also need to be waterproofed every few years. Proper waterproofing prolongs the life of your concrete and improves safety, as we can add a non-skid deck coating.

If you have a pool, we can provide you with pool deck coatings that prevent slips and falls, as well as decorative coatings that enhance the look of your pool area. We also have the option of adding cool deck coatings that can protect your feet on the hottest summer days.

If you have a wood deck, we also can provide you with wood deck coatings to keep your deck structure in good shape and enhance the look of your deck. This is especially important if your wood deck rests against the main structure of your home. Wood rot can attract termites, which can move beyond the deck and into the walls of your home.

The Final Analysis

Proper waterproofing doesn’t just prevent water damage; it also improves the air quality in your home, inhibits mold growth, and can prevent termite infestations. Damp wood is a breeding ground for both mold and termites, both of which can cause serious damage to your home, and both can be very costly to remediate.

Along with a good drainage system, waterproofing can be the best way to protect your home from water damage. It’s also wise to inspect windows and doors for signs of water intrusion and schedule regular roof inspections. Fixing minor issues is always easier and less expensive than fixing extensive water damage. We also recommend cleaning gutters and downspouts twice a year, as this also can prevent significant water damage to your home.