Waterproofing is vital in keeping any building safe, and they are many ways you can waterproof your property. For example, foundation waterproofing involves sealing cracks and repairing damages to the foundation of a property. This way, you reduce the risk of water damage that can penetrate and damage floors and walls. Further, there is also floor waterproofing. Unlike waterproofing the walls and other areas of your property, waterproofing the floor is essential in preventing water damage around and within areas like the kitchen, bathroom, or in front of entranceways.
Without waterproofing your floor, water can soak through and lead to warping, cracks, and the growth of mold and mildew. However, unlike waterproofing walls, doing the same to the floor can be challenging when installation is complete.
Therefore, to know the best way to do it, you can learn more about waterproof hardwood flooring and see how you can implement the same idea to waterproof your floor. Or, if hardwood flooring doesn’t sit well with you, you can use any of the following ways below.
Covering the Subfloor with an Asphalt Felt
Asphalt felt is a waterproofing material containing saturated asbestos and rags of asphalts cemented together to prevent water from penetrating and causing surface damage. Asphalt felt also includes blends of bitumen, polyester, and cellulose. It also has a soaked waterproofing agent that is thick and stiff.
Therefore, using asphalt felt to waterproof your floor protects it against exposure to inside and outside elements that can cause damage like rain, snow, and hail. To use asphalt to waterproof your floor, do so before you install anything else like the hardwood floor covers.
Cover the subfloor with asphalt felt to protect the flooring materials from the moisture that forms during the installation. Then, install the preexisting flooring materials to help strengthen the waterproofing coating. Or you can also apply a sealant on top, especially sealants containing polyurethane and polyuria.
Using a Waterproof Backer Board
A waterproof backer board is a moisture-resistant material used to waterproof tile installations, including floors and walls. The material helps waterproof your floor and prevent it from swelling due to the effects of moisture penetration.
Also known as a cement board, a backer board doesn’t have wood, concrete, or organic materials. Instead, it doesn’t decompose or rot due to mold and mildew because of its moisture resistance.
The board comes from materials like limestone floors, silica, and cement. It also contains water and fibers that reinforce it to withstand the effects of moisture penetration.
So, when using a backer board to waterproof your floor, you can do so in areas like the kitchen or bathroom. These areas are relatively simple to waterproof because their floors have ceramic tiles. For example, if there are no ceramic tiles in your kitchen and bathroom, install the backer board on top of the floor. This way, you prevent water from penetrating.
On the other hand, if you don’t have tiles, you can also lay the backer board over the subfloor and use a sealant to stick it firmly. The sealant also helps prevent the floor from water damage and other damage like staining or sticking with dirt and debris.
Using a Polyurethane Sealant
If your flooring material is laminate or you live in a high humidity area, a polyurethane sealant is an excellent option to waterproof your floor. Like hardwood, the sealant contains moisture barrier properties you can apply to waterproof a new floor or one that is not past a year or more since you installed it.
The sealant is useful in waterproofing the floor and prevents it from the harmful effects of standing water or other liquid. It’s also helpful in preventing the penetration of spills that can damage the floor surface.
Also, when you use a polyurethane sealant, apply rugs and place them in the entranceways and front of sinks or bathtubs. This way, the rugs absorb the water that accidentally spills or drains before it soaks into the floor and causes damage.
In summary, waterproofing your floor isn’t always easy, but its benefits are worth the time and effort when you do it correctly. For example, waterproof floors resist water absorption and prevent moisture build-up.
This way, your home won’t suffer the harmful effects of elements like mold and mildew. At the same time, your floor will be easy to clean and maintain. On top of that, you will reduce spills and other substances from soaking into the floor and damaging it.