How to Fix Exterior Wall Water Seepage
The outer walls of your home are the ones that are the most exposed to the weather, and nothing can be as devastating to walls as rainwater. Water seepage is actually the most common cause of outer wall damage and leads to cracks in plaster, stains, humidity and mold. In fact, if water damage is not stopped it can ruin the entire interior of the home. We asked several exterior waterproofing minneapolis experts about what could be done to identify and fix water seepage problems.
Fix The Problem
In some cases, you can fix the issue yourself. However, there are cases when you will need to call in an expert contractor to help solve the issue. Here are some of the materials you can use to stop seepage.
Use Waterproofing Product
This type of product can help prevent water from seeping into a wall. However, you must purchase a good quality waterproofing paint. Modern-day specialty paint is made to prevent and resist water seepage and moisture. The only problem with using this type of product is that you must apply it to the area where the water is causing the damage and that can be under drywall, plaster, or even brick. You need to access the direct area to add the waterproof product.
Cracks
Cracks often cause open areas where water can seep in. Fill cracks as soon as you see them. The mortar material used to fill these cracks is waterproof. This prevents the crack from getting bigger but also prevents foreign materials such as dirt, insects and water from entering the home.
Proper Drainage
Make sure you don’t have a plumbing leak. When you find a humid area on a wall it can be the plumbing pipes that run under the drywall. In this case, you want to call in a plumber to check. This is especially true on a wall that is adjacent to the kitchen or bathroom. Wet spots can also be caused by overflowing gutters, so be sure to go out and check for gutter blockages. Often you can sweep these out to unclog them.
Correcting The Temperature
While turning off the heat can lower your electricity bill, keeping the thermostat too low can cause humidity. You want to keep the house warm during winter. Warmer temperatures prevent condensation, so make sure that radiators or heating vents are not blocked by furniture or other objects.
What To Expect From Wall Dampness
When your walls are experiencing severe dampness you will see peeling plaster or damp patches on the affected area. You may even see white chalky substance on the wet area o the area that was once damp. To get rid of this problem you need to remove the damaged area and apply a good waterproofing material to the exterior of the wall at the brick level. Once you have applied a waterproofing material you need to replaster or refinish the treated area using a special mortar mixed with an additional waterproofing pr a plasticizing additive compound. Note: if the seepage or leak is caused by pipes or pipe joints you need to consult or hire a professional plumber to identify the problem and repair before you can treat it.
Prevention Is Key
While you can repair outer wall seepage it is important that you try to prevent it from happening. Do this by periodically inspect the outer walls and roof. Check door frames and windows to ensure that rainwater does not seep into the home.