Autumn Waterproofing Jobs Before Leaves and Storms Arrive
As summer transitions to autumn, homeowners often turn their attention to preparing for colder, wetter weather. Among the many tasks, focusing on a …
56 guides
Basements & Foundations
Guides to damp basements, foundation cracks, hydrostatic pressure, drain tile, sump pumps, efflorescence, and below-grade waterproofing.
Basement Floor Cracks Leaking: What the Pattern Tells You
When water appears on your basement floor, particularly emerging from a crack, it's a clear signal that something is amiss with your home's foundation …
Basement Mould After Waterproofing: Why It Happens and What to Fix
Discovering mould in your basement after investing in waterproofing can be frustrating and confusing. The expectation is that waterproofing eliminates...
Basement Odour and Musty Smell: Leak, Damp or Ventilation Problem?
A persistent, unpleasant smell in your basement is more than just an annoyance; it's often an indicator of an underlying issue. The term "musty smell...
Basement Tanking Explained: When It Works and When It Fails
Basement tanking is a method of waterproofing a basement or cellar to prevent water ingress. It involves applying a waterproof barrier to the internal...
Bitumen Foundation Coating: Uses, Limits and Alternatives
When considering the longevity and structural integrity of a building's foundation, managing moisture is a primary concern. Among the various methods …
Can Clogged Gutters Cause Basement Damp? What Homeowners Should Check
Yes, clogged gutters are a significant and common cause of basement dampness and water intrusion. When gutters become blocked with leaves, twigs, and...
Can You Waterproof Basement Walls from the Inside?
Yes, you can waterproof basement walls from the inside. This approach is often referred to as "negative side waterproofing" because the waterproofing...
Cementitious Waterproofing for Basements: What It Can and Cannot Do
Basement waterproofing is a critical concern for many property owners, and cementitious waterproofing often comes up in discussions. This method …
Complete Guide to Home Waterproofing: Roofs, Gutters, Basements, Balconies and Bathrooms
While water is essential for life, it can also be a homeowner's worst enemy. Uncontrolled moisture intrusion, from the roofline to the foundation, …
Condensation on Basement Walls in Summer: Leak or Humidity Problem?
When summer arrives, bringing with it warmth and humidity, many homeowners encounter an unwelcome sight: dampness on their basement walls. This moisture...
Crystalline Waterproofing for Concrete Basements: Beginner Guide
Water in a basement is more than an inconvenience; it can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and a significant reduction in usable space. For...
Damp Proof Course Failure: Signs, Diagnosis and Next Steps
A damp proof course DPC is a barrier within a wall designed to prevent moisture from rising through the structure by capillary action. When this barrier...
Dehumidifier vs Waterproofing: Why Dry Air Does Not Fix Every Basement
When faced with a damp or humid basement, property owners often consider two primary approaches: running a dehumidifier or investing in waterproofing....
Downspout Leaks and Clogs: How to Trace Water Backups
Water backups around a home, often signaled by overflowing gutters or puddles near the foundation, typically point to issues within the rainwater …
Efflorescence on Basement Walls: White Powder, Damp and Salt Damage
That white, powdery substance appearing on your basement walls is more than just an aesthetic issue. It's a sign of moisture moving through your …
Exterior Foundation Waterproofing Steps for Renovation Projects
Renovating a property often uncovers hidden issues, and water intrusion into a basement or crawl space is a common discovery. Addressing this …
Flexible Waterproof Sealants: Why Movement Matters
When it comes to protecting structures from water intrusion, the conversation often turns to sealants. But not all sealants are created equal,...
Foundation Crack Leaking Water: Repair Options and Warning Signs
A crack in your foundation that’s letting in water is more than just a nuisance; it's a clear indicator that something needs attention. Water intrusion...
French Drain vs Sump Pump vs Waterproof Coating: What Solves Which Basement Problem?
Basement water problems are not a one-size-fits-all issue, and neither are their solutions. Homeowners often encounter terms like French drains, sump...
Gutter Cleaning Schedule for Rainy European Climates
Keeping gutters clear is essential, especially in rainy regions like much of Europe. A good cleaning schedule isn't just about tidiness; it prevents …
Gutters Overflowing in Heavy Rain: Size, Clogs, Pitch and Roof Design
When heavy rain sends water cascading over the edges of your gutters, it's more than just an annoyance. It signals a problem with your home's drainage...
Hairline Cracks in Basement Walls: Seal, Monitor or Call an Expert?
Discovering a crack in your basement wall can be unsettling. While visions of catastrophic foundation failure might immediately come to mind, not all...
Home Leak Maintenance Calendar: Monthly, Seasonal and Annual Checks
Maintaining a home involves understanding and addressing potential vulnerabilities. Among these, water leaks stand out as particularly damaging, capable...
How Far Should Downspouts Discharge Water Away from a Foundation?
The distance downspouts discharge water away from a foundation is a critical factor in protecting a home's structural integrity. Fundamentally, the goal...
How to Fix Small Holes in Metal Gutters
Small holes in metal gutters, if left unaddressed, can lead to significant problems for your home's foundation, landscaping, and fascia. Fortunately,...
How to Seal a Leaking Gutter Corner Without Making It Worse
A leaking gutter corner can seem like a minor issue, but it can lead to significant problems if not addressed correctly. Water overflowing or dripping...
How to Spot Gutter Problems from the Ground
Gutters play a critical role in protecting your home's foundation, siding, and landscaping from water damage. When they fail, the consequences can range...
How to Waterproof Gutter Seams on Old Houses
Leaking gutter seams on an old house are more than a nuisance; they can lead to significant problems, from damaged fascia boards and soffits to...
Hydraulic Cement for Active Water Leaks: Useful Patch or Temporary Fix?
When water unexpectedly intrudes into a basement or other sub-grade structure, especially under pressure, the immediate priority is to stop the flow....
Hydrostatic Pressure in Basements Explained for Homeowners
For many homeowners, a basement is a valuable extension of their living space or a critical storage area. When water intrudes, it can disrupt daily …
Interior Drain Tile Systems: How They Manage Basement Water
Basement water issues are a common headache for homeowners. An interior drain tile system is a primary method for managing this water, preventing it …
Interior vs Exterior Basement Waterproofing: Pros, Cons and Costs
Basement waterproofing is a critical concern for many homeowners, particularly those in areas prone to heavy rainfall or with high water tables. When...
Leaking Conservatory Gutters: Causes and DIY Checks
A leaking conservatory gutter can be more than just an annoyance; it can signal underlying issues that, if left unaddressed, may lead to more …
Leaking Gutter End Caps: Causes and Repair Steps
A leaking gutter end cap is a common household issue, often signaling a need for attention to your home's drainage system. This article explains the...
Old House Waterproofing Guide: Protecting Masonry, Basements, Roofs and Gutters
Waterproofing an old house involves a different approach than sealing a modern structure. The materials, construction techniques, and inherent...
Plastic vs Aluminium vs Steel Gutters: Leak Risks and Maintenance
Choosing the right gutter material for a home involves weighing upfront costs against long-term durability, maintenance demands, and performance in...
Polyurethane Injection for Leaking Basement Cracks: How It Works
A leaking basement crack often signals more than just a nuisance; it can be an indicator of hydrostatic pressure against your foundation, leading to...
Porous Concrete Walls: Can a Waterproof Coating Stop Seepage?
Porous concrete walls, particularly in basements or below-grade structures, are susceptible to water seepage. The question of whether a waterproof …
Rainwater Runoff Around the House: Simple Fixes Before Waterproofing Walls
Rainwater runoff is simply precipitation flowing over the ground and away from your home's foundation. Managing it is crucial to prevent water damage,...
Sagging Gutters: Causes, Correct Pitch and Hanger Repair
Sagging gutters are a common issue for homeowners, often leading to inadequate drainage and potential water damage to a home's foundation, fascia, and...
Soil Grading Around Foundations: The Cheapest Waterproofing Fix
Water around your home's foundation is a problem that can lead to significant structural issues and expensive repairs. While many solutions exist for...
Storm Damage Checklist: Roofs, Gutters, Balconies and Basements
Experiencing a severe storm can leave homeowners wondering about the integrity of their property. While the immediate aftermath often reveals obvious...
Sump Pump Failure Signs Before a Basement Flood
A basement flood is an unwelcome event for any homeowner. Often, the first line of defense against such a disaster is a sump pump. Understanding the...
Water at the Wall-Floor Joint in a Basement: Causes and Repairs
Finding water where your basement wall meets the floor is a common and often unsettling discovery for homeowners. This phenomenon, frequently referred …
Water Running Behind Gutters: Fascia, Drip Edge and Roofline Problems
When water bypasses your home's gutter system and flows down the back, it signals a problem that can lead to significant structural damage. This issue,...
Waterproof Coating Coverage: How to Estimate Litres or Kilograms Needed
Estimating the correct amount of waterproof coating for a project is crucial for both budget management and ensuring effective protection. Too little, …
Waterproof Sealants for Home Repairs: What to Use on Roofs, Gutters, Concrete, Wood and Metal
Addressing water intrusion in a home often comes down to selecting the right waterproof sealant. These materials are designed to create a barrier …
Waterproofing a Shower Before Tiling: Corners, Seams and Pipe Penetrations
Before installing tile in a shower, establishing a reliable waterproof barrier is critical. This barrier prevents water from escaping the shower …
Waterproofing Stone Foundations: Special Risks in Older European Homes
Waterproofing a stone foundation, especially in older European homes, presents unique challenges compared to modern construction. These difficulties …
Wet Basement Wall After Rain: How to Diagnose the Source
A wet basement wall after rain is a common and concerning issue for homeowners. It signals water entering your home, which can lead to property damage,...
Wet Room Tanking Guide: Floors, Walls, Corners and Drains
Creating a wet room involves more than just tiling; it requires a robust system to prevent water from escaping the designated shower area and causing...
When to Replace Gutters Instead of Sealing Them
Gutters are fundamental to protecting a home's foundation, siding, and landscaping from water damage. They channel rainwater away, preventing erosion,...
Why Basement Waterproofing Paint Peels and How to Prevent It
Basement waterproofing paint, despite good intentions, can peel, flake, or blister, failing to protect. This isn't random; specific conditions and...
Why Gutters Leak at the Joints and How to Fix Them
Gutters are designed to channel rainwater away from your home's foundation, protecting it from water damage. When they function correctly, they're …
Window Well Leaks: Why Water Enters Below Basement Windows
Water infiltration below basement windows is a common and often frustrating problem for homeowners. This issue, broadly termed a "basement window leak,"...