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Damp Proofing or Waterproofing: Which to prefer?

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Magicrete Building Solutions
Damp Proofing or Waterproofing: Which to prefer?

Whenever we ponder over renovating our own home, tired of the unwanted cracks and dampness, aesthetically defacing the structure or when we have to look forward to futuristic construction measures under damp conditions, we often land ourselves in a brown study. What should we go for? Damp proofing or Waterproofing? Under certain prevailing circumstances, the installation of which among the two will be a wiser option to keep away the moisture transmission?


Well, we can’t come up decisively with the idea of one being superior to another let alone understanding the difference between them both. Your choice for the same, to a huge extent, will depend on your structural requirements and external conditions.


There are numerous uninformed individuals that befog the two every day. We often see people debating over the thought of waterproofing being somewhat similar to the damp proofing mechanism because of the fact that they serve the identical purposes of eliminating the structural dampness which has come about due to the presence of unwanted hygroscopic moisture rising and penetrating damp. Although both terms are intended to apply to the installation and use of moisture barriers, it is the need of the hour to get a general understanding on the subject of the provision of best-suited damp protection if you want to keep water out of your home.


You might not exactly be technically sound, but in all likelihood, you know that the waterproofing and the damp proofing solutions are the heroes when it comes to keeping your structure moisture-free. Don’t you? These particularly protect the basement and foundation walls against the structural damage where the water penetration is most critical, thusly coming up with the wholeness and longevity of your building.


There is a cardinal variance between waterproofing and damp-proofing. It’s a belief as per the various research and studies that waterproofing has an edge over damp proofing. Accordingly, If you want to know the reason behind the fact let’s dive into the general yet factual reckoning of the two.

Damp-Proofing


Damp-proofing is applied to prevent moisture penetration when you are living in relatively dry conditions as it can’t withstand the water under pressure. In the case of the high water table or drastically acute soil moisture conditions, damp-proofing is less robust as it won’t fix large bug holes or cracks. It only brings into action the control of water vapors from the soil moisture. It is internal protection. The process doesn’t resist the penetration of water through the exteriors of the foundation.


Damp-proofing is applied within a structure by making use of moisture-resistant sealants which are traditionally a mixture of tar and unmodified asphalt having merely a thickness of 10 mils.


Damp-proofing is a cost-effective membrane shielding procedure. With careful designing and proper handling of drainage conditions within the foundation, long-lasting protection to the building can be assured thereby bringing down the hydrostatic pressure.

Waterproofing


As discussed earlier, we can’t neglect the fact of damp proofing not furnishing
the same degree of safeguard against the dampness if you are living in a damp climatic scenario with frequent precipitations. In such cases, the trouble of
basement flooding can be rectified upon by the external application of waterproofing solutions. Waterproofing is a surface treatment and waterproofing solutions have proved to be the top-tier seals against the water seepage caused by hydrostatic pressure.


Waterproofing controls all the waters from penetrating your house be that soil moisture or preventing the entry of liquid of any form from any holes or cracks Waterproofing is best suited to conditions where you have to fix foundation cracks and basement leaks as well.


In contrast with damp proofing, the waterproofing sealants applied externally over the top of the concrete have more thickness i.e. 40 mils which are about 4 times the thickness of the damp proofing coats.


There is a wide range of waterproofing solutions that are being used in most of the construction sectors thereupon protecting the structure from water damage. It is essential to go for the appropriate waterproofing solution to avoid waterproofing failure at the site of repair.

Summary


Now that it is all said, you are well known for the difference in the functioning of waterproofing and damp-proofing. It can now be easy for you to make the best choice out of the two for repair from water damage. It would undoubtedly be back-breaking for any structural component to withstand the test of time without undergoing either practice.


Which one of these practices will you now choose for the integrity of your home?

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