Waterproofing

Waterproofing Your Home Exterior: 4 Critical Steps

1. Seal gaps and cracks. Most homes (especially older ones) contain gaps and cracks in exterior elements like siding panels or door and window trim. These gaps and cracks leave the home’s substructure vulnerable to water intrusion, which can lead to leaks and dry rot. To prevent this, go around your home and seal all visible gaps and cracks with a paintable latex caulk that’s rated for exterior use. For any gaps larger than a quarter-inch in width, use a plastic foam filler to ensure a thorough seal.

2. Repaint failing paint. Paint isn’t just for looks—it also seals your home’s wood siding against moisture intrusion. If your exterior paint is in poor condition, consider having it repainted before the rainy season sets in. In general, it’s best to take a preventative approach to repainting your home. Rather than waiting for the paint to break down, plan to repaint at a predetermined interval that will provide an ample window of performance without creating an increased risk for water intrusion issues.

3. Inspect and reseal roof waterproofing components. A roof contains several ventilation pipes and other apertures, all of which are sealed to prevent water from getting into the gaps and leaking into the attic. However, many homeowners forget that sun exposure causes rubber collars, caulking and other waterproofing materials to erode at an accelerated rate. That’s why it’s important to have your roof inspected regularly to verify these materials are in good repair. It doesn’t cost much to replace a rubber pipe jack collar or reapply some caulking on your roof, but the price of neglecting these measures can be exorbitant.

4. Clean areas that are prone to clogging. Along with repainting and resealing areas that are vulnerable to water intrusion, it’s important to remove buildup that can cause clogs and lead to water damage when it rains. Here are two areas where this should be done: