11 common basement waterproofing mistakes to avoid

Almost every homeowner has faced water-caused destruction in their homes at one time or another. A good way to stop water damage is to waterproof areas like the basement. Unfortunately, this is not as easy as it sounds. A lot of people unknowingly make mistakes while waterproofing this place, which could be costly in the long run. Read on to learn about 11 such mistakes and how to avoid them.

Ignoring the early warning signs of leakages
When it comes to water damage, it is very important to catch the early warning signs. One should watch out for any unusual odors, dampness, or visible water stains in the basement. Recognizing these early can prevent excessive damage and mold growth and avoid expensive renovations in the future.

Overlooking external drainage issues
To keep the home and basement clean and moisture-free, homeowners also need to pay attention to their external drainage systems. Issues here, such as clogged gutters or downspouts, can increase the risk of water seepage and damage in the basement. One should regularly maintain the drainage systems so that the water is directed away from the home’s foundation.

Thinking waterproof paint is enough
While using waterproof paint is important in closed-off or humid locations like bathrooms and basements, it should not be the only barrier to prevent water from seeping in. One should look for leakage issues and nip them in the bud. This will help limit any bubbling, cracking, or chipping away of the paint. Individuals can consult or hire a professional to do this safely. Once done, homeowners can apply a layer of waterproofing agent or sealant to the walls and finish with waterproof paint.

Using the wrong products or techniques
The market has many waterproofing products, which makes finding the right one incredibly hard. Some products are ineffective and repeatedly increase waterproofing costs. So, one should speak to a professional to understand what to use for the home. In addition to picking the right waterproofing products, homeowners must pay attention to their application. Overlooking this can be dangerous. Individuals should prepare the surface well, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and apply the right amount of product for a tight moisture lock.

Draining a flooded basement too fast
When the basement is flooded, it is natural to try and clear out the water as fast as possible. This, however, may not be the best plan of action. Why? Basement flooding is often a result of storm damage or the collapse of a large water body, which could be linked to high pressure. Removing the water quickly could cause this pressure to transfer into the basement, bringing another huge wave of water and flooding the area again. This can cause a lot of damage! To avoid this issue, one should avoid rushing into the task. Water removal should be a slow and gradual process.

Not giving the basement enough drying time
Even after all the water has been removed, there’s a lot to pay heed to. Before thinking about waterproofing again, one should give the basement ample time to dry completely. This can take a few days. Individuals can call a specialist to inspect the area before starting waterproofing. Skipping this step could weaken the home’s foundations.

Forgetting to check the soil around the foundation
Water often seeps into the house via the soil around the foundation. So, it is extremely important to keep an eye on the foundation during the construction process. To avert seepage, individuals should ensure the soil around the house slopes away from the home and fill in any depressions around this area.

Sealing cold joints
The basement’s walls and flooring usually have a few gaps. Contractors leave them intentionally to release any pressure. Many homeowners rush to fill these gaps up during DIY repairs, thinking it would prevent water or air from seeping in. One should not do this! Filling the gaps could compromise the integrity of the whole house and lead to a massive collapse.

Ignoring runoff locations
If a certain part of the basement always seems to keep leaking, inspecting further may be a good idea. The leakage could be due to a variety of reasons, both internal and external, such as clogged drain pipes, gutters, or even window drains. One should fix these problems at the source to avoid dealing with the issue recurrently.

Putting off waterproofing for later
Unfortunately, water damage can affect any home. Investing in waterproofing in a timely manner is crucial to staying safe and preventing any long-term problems. One should avoid putting off the job and instead act fast to prepare a stronger base for the home and reduce the risk of damage.

Having poor ventilation
Lastly, many homeowners forget to consider ventilation and dehumidification of the basement. This could not only lead to moisture buildup in the area but also contribute to mold growth. To avoid trouble, one should take ventilation into account during waterproofing. Adding a quality dehumidifier here may help. If the basement has windows, one should keep them shut to stop moisture from entering.

Avoiding these eleven common errors can help protect the basement from water damage and improve the home’s structural integrity.

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10 roofing mistakes to avoid when renovating a home

If there were no roofs in structures, one would have to directly bear the brunt of harsh sunlight, heavy downpours and snow, rough winds, and extreme weather, not to mention birds, reptiles, and insects, making the place all their own. However, the roof is directly exposed to all such factors, so a fragile roof is subject to continuous wear and tear. To prevent such a scenario, here are some roofing mistakes one should avoid: 1. Not installing a cricket over the chimney Cricket is a tiny ridge placed over a chimney, and its main function is to prevent water from entering the chimney. Usually, it is made of wood and is an important part of the roofing structure, especially if one lives in a rain-prone zone. It helps prevent leakage and shouldn’t be missed while building a roof. 2. Selecting the wrong roofing materials There is no dearth of roofing materials on the market, but not all of these materials may suit all types of structures. For example, asphalt shingles are extremely popular choices for roofs all over the country, but that’s mainly because of the steep pitch that most residential structures in America have. So, if one has a low-lying roof, asphalt shingles may not be the best choice; in such cases, materials like ethylene propylene diene monomer and sheet metal may be better options to prevent leakage. Such factors need to be considered while selecting a roofing material. 3. Incorporating less or no flashing Flashing is essentially a plastic, composite, or metal barrier used to prevent water seepage and leakage from roofs. Having sufficient flashing prevents potential damage to the structure’s walls, so it is important to install enough flashing between roofs and walls. One should consult a professional to understand the level of flashing required. 4. Not ensuring proper ventilation in the attic The attic is an important component of the roof, and by overlooking it, one can incur major damage eventually. For starters, the attic should have proper ventilation because the roof can get damaged if it becomes too hot and also increase maintenance costs. One way to keep the attic cool is to install rafter vents between the roof and the attic. Although attic fans may also be installed, rafter vents are more energy-efficient in the long run. 5. Failing to secure a roofing permit A roofing permit ensures that one’s roof is safe and adheres to building regulations set in that particular area. Most local municipalities require one to secure a roofing permit before starting to build a roof. Without a roofing permit, one may have to abruptly stop the roof construction and pay fines as per the local rules. So, to avoid such hassles, it is best to secure a roofing permit before starting a roofing project. 6. Forgetting to add a roofing underlayment After removing the old shingles or tiles, many people make the mistake of directly installing the new roofing on the deck. But a crucial step before doing this is to add a roofing underlayment, which protects the roof from water seepage and corrosion because of moisture. It increases the durability of roofs, so adding a roofing underlayment is highly recommended. 7. Not fastening the shingles properly Shingles, or the rectangular blocks covering a roof, are the building blocks of roofs and need to be installed properly to prevent damage. Even if one is using shingles made of a durable material like asphalt, proper installation is crucial to ensuring that the roof lasts a long time. Also, proper nails should be used in this process, with ideally-sized caps to fasten the shingles firmly onto the roof. 8. Leaving the roof nails exposed Many people tend to leave roof nails exposed after constructing their roofs. But doing so can cause water to seep inside and moisture to build up, so mold and mildew begin to form with time and end up damaging the roof. So, one should never forget to cover the roof nails to prevent such damage. 9. Not allowing shingles to hang over the roof A common mistake is to lay shingles so that they stop where the roof ends. Shingles should always hang over the roof so that water is directed toward the drainage on the ground during rains or if there’s a leakage. At the same time, the overhang shouldn’t be too much because there is a risk of the roof being blown away in the event of harsh winds. Ideally, the shingle overhang should be about half to three-quarters of an inch from the drip edge. 10. Not taking steps to prevent ice dams in cold climates Ice damming is quite common in cold climates because when melted snow refreezes on roofs, water can seep under the shingles. This can cause leakage and moisture buildup, making the roof a breeding ground for mold and mildew. So, when one is installing a roof in an area with a cold climate, one should take active steps to prevent ice damming. One way to do so is to ventilate the attic properly. Using electric de-icing cables can also help avoid this phenomenon. Building a roof from scratch requires a lot of consideration because it is an expensive affair and should be a long-term one. One should set a clear budget and seek assistance from professional roofers to prevent any potential problems.

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8 garden renovation mistakes to avoid

The garden is the perfect place for individuals to spend time sipping on their favorite drink or hosting a barbeque for their friends and family. However, one might eventually want to renovate the entire area from scratch. While there's a lot of excitement in taking up this project, people could make various mistakes that may ruin the garden space. Here are eight garden renovation errors that one could easily avoid. Not setting a budget Many people dive into a renovation project without even considering the costs. And before they know it, they have already shot past what they can afford. Therefore, setting a budget before starting the renovation project is crucial. One must determine how much they are willing to invest in the garden. The estimated budget should include every expense, including the cost of removing wild plants and adding fresh ones that are good for the space. One should also keep an additional fund aside to accommodate any unforeseen or emergency costs that arise during the project. Not drawing out a plan Apart from setting a budget, one should also ensure they begin garden renovations after creating a plan. This plan should include what they wish to add to the garden and the overall cost. Redoing a landscape is a lot of work, so getting it wrong will result in a much higher bill to redesign the space. Preparing a plan could help avoid several obstacles when redesigning the garden space and smoothen the process. Failing to secure approvals Most renovation projects may require certain approvals from the local governing bodies. These bodies set rules to ensure an individual does not cause inconvenience to others during the project. For instance, one may hit a gas line, electric wire, or water pipe while digging up earth in their backyard. Failure to secure approvals could end up costing one a lot of money in fines and land the individual in legal trouble. One should ask the local authorities about the relevant documentation and guidelines they must follow throughout the renovation process. Ignoring accessories One should not overlook accessorizing the garden if they have the budget. Individuals could add ornaments, like garden gnomes, to beautify the space and increase its value. Garden ornaments are readily accessible in stores both online and offline. One could also install a window in their home that overlooks their garden. In case of a rainy day, the individual can always enjoy the view from the window while sipping on a hot cup of joe from inside their home. Further, a fence with a tiny door or gate may be a worthwhile investment to protect the area. One should also consider the lighting they install in their backyard. While various areas, such as the paths to the kitchen and stairs, should be lit for safety, one must not flood light onto the entire space. The homeowner should use the planting beds or trees as focal points. These could help provide ambient light to guide one through the landscape and boost the ambiance. Buying non-durable patio furniture The type of patio furniture one picks could influence the budget in the long haul. Individuals should pick sturdy options, even though they may be more expensive. The homeowner should also look for weather-resistant features since the furniture might be outdoors throughout the year. Plastic might be the most viable option in this regard. One should sit on the furniture before purchasing to check the comfort level. One must also check if the legs of the patio furniture are compatible with the decking and inspect the fabric to assess if it is UV-resistant. Forgetting storage space While one might get every detail of the garden right, they might goof up where the storage space is concerned. Backyard storage is usually helpful for putting away gardening tools, pool toys, barbeque pits, and other items one may require only occasionally. Individuals could go for built-in benches with liftable seats—perfect for storing cushions, toys, and extra towels. Building a small shed could also help store such items. Clashing colors Colors are another aspect of garden renovations that one could get wrong. While choosing multiple colors is okay, the shades might look overwhelming and washed out when they clash with the plants and nearby structures. For instance, a bright yellow house with bright yellow flowers might not be the most appealing sight to see from afar. Instead, the homeowner should pick flowers that stand out against their backdrop. Yellow, orange, or white flowers would look lovely in front of dark houses, while purple, red, and blue flowers would blend well with houses of a lighter color. Trying to go DIY Some parts of the garden project can be done DIY. However, the problem arises when the homeowner tries to take on the job without help. If an individual isn't well-versed in how to deal with a garden renovation project, they must hire a trained professional. The expert will be better equipped to handle the plumbing, wiring, and pipelines that might run below the garden. For a garden renovation project, one should typically hire a landscape architect. Such professionals are well-versed in garden renovation projects and also possess the necessary certifications to carry out the job.