Homeowners must be vigilant against any sort of water damage. If the foundational or structural integrity of your home is compromised, your largest investment becomes at risk for major loss. It’s important that homeowners routinely inspect their property and hire professionals to examine the structural integrity of the home, in order to prevent water damage from happening. When looking to purchase a home, make sure that the outside perimeter slopes away from the house, and that you have a thorough inspection to determine if water damage has occurred. Also check to see what paint sealants and waterproofing have already been put into place. Here are a few tips from Bluenote Painting on How, When and Why to Utilize Waterproofing and Sealants:

Clean Gutters, Trim Landscaping

When it’s time to focus on waterproofing and sealing paint for your home, start by cleaning gutters and trimming the overall landscaping around the perimeter. It’s important that the area is clear of unwanted debris to ensure that the waterproofing treatments applied will work to their best ability. This is especially true when seasons are changing – it’s best to think about waterproofing your residential exterior during the summer months. Northwest Oregon painting companies and general contractors, like Bluenote Painting, can easily come view your property to assess if cleanup is complete.

Waterproofing Products

Waterproofing products such as Xypex and Drylok serve as surface agents to aid against water damage. These and other paint sealants can be used to protect the exterior of your home against water damage and leaks. This is a preventative step, and shouldn’t be the only thing used if serious cracks are present. Where rainy seasons are common, it’s important to apply a waterproofing product after a new exterior paint job.

Repair Cracks

Cracks throughout the exterior can cause serious and long-term problems for you and the value of your home. Carefully examine the exterior of your home, or have a professional painter come to the property, to see what cracks need attention. Along with cracks, unwanted and poorly applied exterior paint may need to be removed. Cracks and structural damage can be repaired, but it is a lengthy and detailed process that most likely requires the help of a painting contractor.

Serious Waterproofing

If your home is especially susceptible to water damage, we recommend taking a few more drastic steps to improving the quality of your residential exterior. If available, consider installing a sump in the basement floor. It’s basically a hole in the floor, which registers if water levels are too high and pumps the excess water back outside. Another option, Hydroclay, is an intense water-absorbing agent and can be injected throughout the foundation of your home.

At Bluenote Painting, we know that your home is your largest investment, and that ensuring its overall health and well being is extremely important. Our painting professionals at Bluenote are able to assess residential needs and produce quality results, whether with interior design and interior paint, or more pressing jobs such as waterproofing and sealant work. Contact us today to schedule your free estimate in the Portland, OR area.