Waterproofing Vs. Damp-proofing – Which Is The Best Way?

Your home’s moisture level is a serious matter.  Too much moisture and your house becomes a breeding ground for mold and even worse things.  And of course, nobody wants a leaky basement that floods all the time.

One really important matter to consider is whether your house has damp-proofing or waterproofing.  They both sound like the same thing, but there are major differences.  The experts will tell you that waterproofing is better, hands down, and that damp-proofing is really not waterproofing at all.  But why is this so, especially considering that damp-proofing is the cheaper alternative?  First, let’s take a look at what these two words mean.

Damp-proofing uses a mixture that is mostly tar based.  It covers the foundation and protects it from moisture.  Waterproofing uses a material that contains rubber and is capable of stretching to cover cracks as your house settles.  The goal of both methods is the same – to keep out unwanted moisture.  But, if we consider the differences, you’ll see why waterproofing is the preferred method.

Consider The Materials

As we mentioned before, the key difference between the two methods is the material used.  Damp-proofing is tar-based, while waterproofing uses a material that is mostly rubber.  This means that over time, the rubber material will stretch to fill in the cracks that will appear in your house’s foundation.  Damp-proofing can’t do this.  Actually, damp-proofing does not stop moisture from creeping in at all; it only slows it down. 

Another advantage, especially to those building their own homes, is that waterproofing is environmentally friendly.  These days, everybody wants to build green.  Waterproofing is much nicer to the earth than damp-proofing.

Looking At Cost

Often, house builders choose damp-proofing because waterproofing costs more.  They are trying to save money on building costs.  Once they’ve finished their job, the house becomes your problem.  Damp-proofing is a quick fix solution that is used to cut corners and save money.  But, you are the one who will be stuck with it a few years later when it starts cracking.

Damp-proofing is cheaper than waterproofing only in the short-term.  After as little as two years of ownership, your foundation begins cracking as the house settles.  Damp-proofing hardens, so when these cracks appear, it will not cover them.  Instead, it will become brittle and come off in flakes. 

Waterproofing, on the other hand, stretches to fill those cracks.  This is because it covers your foundation with a membrane that is elastic.  With waterproofing, you will pay more up-front, but you will end up saving money in the long run because of the costs of dealing with it later.  If you really want to save a few bucks, you can always install the waterproofing yourself and save labor costs.

Your contractor may choose to go with damp-proofing, and if you really care about keeping moisture out of your home, you should insist on waterproofing, even if it costs more.

Hydrostatic Pressure

Waterproofing is a good idea in any kind of environment, but it’s essential in areas where there is heavy moisture.  If you live in a place where there is lots of rain, the water collects in the ground.  This is called “hydroelectric pressure,” and it is a nightmare for your house’s foundation.  It also occurs in areas where there are certain soils, like clay and water.  What is happening is that the water has nowhere to flow and ends up staying in the ground… and ultimately seeping into your house.

Damp-proofing is completely ineffective against this.  Ask any contractor and they will confirm this.  Only waterproofing can keep out this excess build-up of water in the ground.

Using damp-proofing instead of waterproofing is a corner that you should never cut.  Damp-proofing is only pseudo-waterproofing.  It is ineffective in the long run.  Your builder may want to use damp-proofing as a quick fix to cut costs, but if you really want to save money and headaches in the long run, you should choose waterproofing instead.

If you want to make sure your waterproofing gets done right, leave the job in the hands of Aqua Seal USA.  Aqua Seal USA prides themselves on their work, and you’ll never see them dumping tar into a foundation.