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The difference between Waterproofing and Damp Proofing

23, June 2021

If you are planning to construct a new house, there are fair chances that you are confused between damp proofing Vs waterproofing. You might not exactly understand either on a technical level, but you probably know that they are necessary without a doubt to ensure the integrity and longevity of your home or building.

 Waterproof Putty

Buildings have been dampproofed for years, a practice that used to be mistakenly referred to as waterproofing because we tend to use the terms waterproofing and damp proofing interchangeably. There, is no denying that the two are somewhat similar and it would be more than easy to understand why anyone debating damp proofing Vs waterproofing would consider them the same.

Understanding the differences

The real key differences between the two are the physical differences between the construction materials that are used in the processes. Not only this, but the applied thickness and the conditions of the application also vary from situation to situation.

 

Damp proofing is just a coating, that is either sprayed on or hand applied to the outside of the wall. It is not usually recommended in modern residential construction but still treated as an acceptable form of treatment in many situations. Damp proofing only controls water vapour from the soil moisture and will not stop the inflow of liquid water.  

Damp proofing will only keep the dampness out of your home and the only good thing about damp proofing is that it is fairly basic. Not only this, but it is more than a viable solution in several situations where moisture is a major problem. All that aside, here is where the real confusion comes in. Damp proofing is not a process that is intended to keep all the water and moisture out.

Therefore, the drawbacks of damp proofing are massive including the inability to seal larger cracks or holes left by form ties and the potential for damage by coarse or careless backfill. It is s a process that was specifically designed to halt the moisture. Therefore, it does exactly this by blocking the concrete pillars to slow water penetration.

Waterproofing is the most effective treatment as it keeps water in its various states from crossing a surface, therefore moisture from the soil, water vapour and water under hydrostatic pressure is efficiently barred.

So, if there is any doubt about whether damp proofing will do the job, it's best to spend the extra time and money to waterproof, particularly for habitable space. Birla White Waterproof Putty is one such easy solution that helps in waterproofing the wall.

What makes waterproofing a better choice?

The materials that are utilized in this process of damp proofing do have the ability to bridge those bigger cracks and gaps in foundations, whereas damp proofing materials do not. This is where a lot of confusion comes in. Not only this, but the materials that are used for waterproofing are generally more versatile. This is because they are flexible and elastic in nature. These products are applied as a thicker layer like the coat of Birla White WallSeal Waterproof putty, so it helps to cover the cracks and offers better insulation to the foundation as well as the structure and continue to stay strong for long.

The biggest disadvantage of damp proofing as these products have a very short lifespan. Regardless of the application or installation, these products generally fail after a few years, two years in most cases. While water proofing with Birla White WallSeal Waterproof Putty can be easily done on existing homes, damp proofing is extremely difficult to install on existing foundations. Since damp proofing products do not create a watertight seal.

When it comes to cost, professional damp proofing is most often more expensive than professional waterproofing. This is due to the difficulty of installation, as it requires heavy equipment to complete the process. It can take several days to fully complete a professional damp proofing job. On the other hand, professional waterproofing can be completed in a single day because it can be done from the interior of the structure.

Waterproofing with Birla White WallSeal Waterproof putty your home essentially provides a security blanket towards the health of your home. Conventional damp proofing methods are insufficient, and it might, therefore, be a good idea to spend a little more and get quality waterproofing done to protect your house, family health and financial investment. Waterproofing is essential in all homes and buildings, but it will be even more important in those areas where there are high water tables and significant rain.

Also Read: What makes Birla White WallSeal Waterproof Putty the best Waterproof Putty