Difference between Waterproofing and Damp Proofing

If you are the proud owner of a home or any building, there’s a good chance that you have found yourself debating damp proofing vs waterproofing. You might not exactly understand either on a technical level, but you probably know that they are necessary without a doubt to ensure the integrity and longevity of your home or building. All that aside, this probably leaves you wondering what is the difference between damp proofing and waterproofing? Well, that is exactly what you are going to learn below and more.

The first thing that you need to understand is that most experts will tell you right away there is a distinct difference between waterproofing and damp proofing. In fact, it is damp proofing that is intended to keep out soil moisture, while waterproofing is designed to specifically keep out liquid water. There is no denying that the two are somewhat similar and it would be more than easy to understand why anyone debating damp proofing vs waterproofing would consider them the same. As you can see, this is, however, not the case.

What is Damp Proofing?

By comparison, damp proofing controls water vapor from soil moisture. It won’t stop the influx of liquid water. Damp proofing installation generally focuses on the exterior surface. To achieve the maximum results, it’s best to hire a professional to do the job unless you are prepared to do a lot of digging and pressure-washing.

Understanding Damp Proofing

Damp proofing is a process that works where tar or unmodified asphalt-based materials are hand-applied or sprayed to the outer surface of a wall. The main purpose of this entire process is to stop the wicking or transference of ground moisture through the concrete. Remember, Concrete Is Porous as a porous surface, concrete can quickly soak up water if left untreated.

Now, the thickness of this coating can vary depending on the severity of the situation and region. Where damp proofing products have advantages; they also have some disadvantages. The biggest disadvantage of these products is a short lifespan. Regardless of the application or installation, these products generally fail after a few years, two years in most cases.

Damp proofing is not a process that is intended to keep all the water and moisture out. No, it’s a process that was specifically designed to halt the moisture. Damp Proofing has a short warranty if any at all. Professional damp proofing is most often more expensive than professional waterproofing. This is due to the difficulty of installation, as it requires heavy equipment to complete the process. It can take several days to fully complete a professional damp proofing job. On the other hand, professional waterproofing can be completed in a single day because it can be done from the interior and has a limited lifetime warranty.

Understanding Waterproofing

Waterproofing is a process that is designed to Waterproof a basement from the inside. It is done without major exterior excavation and, in most cases, can be done very quickly and economically. We provide basement waterproofing services to prevent a flooded basement, damage to the foundation walls, mold growth, and other problems. Our waterproofing system redirects the water out before it even enters your basement, creating a path of least resistance. Our system keeps the water clean as it travels to the sump pump, avoiding any clogs in the system or damage to the pump. This system also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Things To Consider Before Waterproofing Or Damp Proofing

It’s safe to say, there’s no Homeowner wants to deal with water damage. A wet basement or crawl space is just asking for trouble. Not to mention the fact that once the water has penetrated the home it is harder to eliminate. Therefore, it’s best to avoid that dreaded damp basement in the first place.

Researching Waterproofing Methods