Damp Proofing Versus Waterproofing a Basement Concrete Foundation

Building projects are a huge industry, and ensuring that your home or project is safe against nearly anything is a must. Damp proofing and waterproofing are similar, but they are not the same. Knowing the difference between the two can help you determine what is right for you.

What Is the Difference Between Waterproofing and Dampproofing?

Damp proofing is used mainly to keep out the dampness from the soil. It does not protect against water or against other forms of liquid that might flood the crawl space or other space where it is applied. It is best used in areas where there is no major flooding, and where the main concern is moisture that is going to come up through the soil and potentially damage the foundation of a home or other building.

Waterproofing is a bit different. Waterproofing is meant to help protect the space from both soil moisture that might seep in and from water that might make its way into the foundation. This is often best used in areas where flooding is possible, or where you are protecting a full basement. Waterproofing is often best used in basements that are fully underground, as it is going to protect from everyday soil moisture, and it is also going to protect the basement from potential floods and from excessive groundwater.

Which Do I Need?

With concrete basement sealing, waterproofing is almost always the best option as it covers all the bases and it helps to totally protect your basement from nearly anything that can happen. Also, if you have a finished basement, this is going to be the best way to protect the basement and ensure that it is not going to flood or become damaged, ruining the hard work that was put in to finish it.

For a crawlspace or other smaller space that is not in danger of flooding or that is not used for living space, damp proofing might be all that you need to make sure that the space is protected. This will help keep soil moisture from coming up into the building or home, it will help to keep the soil moisture from warping or damaging the floors above, and it will also protect the concrete foundation.

If you are unsure about what is going to work best for you, it is always best to take the time to talk to a professional. They are going to be able to tell you what is going to work best and what is truly going to make a difference in protecting your concrete foundation.  

Categorised in: Home Foundations