Waterproofing your home is extremely important. Waterproofing failure can result in water intrusion in critical areas, such as the basement and house foundations. Today, we discuss the common causes of waterproofing failure.
Wrong Product Selection
Waterproofing isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. With a standard waterproofing installation, a membrane is installed between the bare soil and the house foundations. A primer or adhesive is applied onto the membrane to make it adhere to the foundation slabs and walls. The wrong combination of primer and membrane can result in debonding, which, in turn, results in the membrane losing its adhesion and creating gaps in the seams that will ultimately allow moisture to penetrate the structure.
Using the right waterproofing membrane also matters in home exterior waterproofing. Inexperienced contractors substitute materials like ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) or thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) – both of which are commonly used for commercial roofing – as waterproofing membranes. While these materials are water-resistant, they are not suitable for use for below-grade waterproofing.
Poor Preparation
Proper preparation is important in waterproofing as there will be no chance for a do-over once the slabs are laid into the ground. To ensure proper waterproofing membrane adhesion, foundation slabs need to have even surfaces, without moisture or contaminating substances like oils and dirt. Improperly prepared slabs can result in poor adhesion, resulting in water infiltration. Incorrect installation methods, including improper overlaps, can likewise result in waterproofing failure.
House Movement
A house may settle because of the ground shifting or because the composition of the soil has changed. The latter is usually due to improperly routing water from the gutters either due to overflow or leaks. As the soil absorbs the excess water, it becomes softer, resulting in parts of the house settling into the ground. If this happens, the waterproofing membrane would get torn apart, resulting in gaps where moisture can get in.
Ultimately, the solution to these problems is simple: work with an experienced exterior waterproofing contractor. Building-appropriate solutions like waterproofing coatings can be used when needed
Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors is your leading provider of waterproofing and other home exterior renovation services. Give us a call at (904) 262-6636.
There are many household problems that can be put off until later, but fixing a leaking roof is not one of them. In fact, it should always be prioritized no matter what the season. Here’s why.
1. Moisture Damage
The attic, ceiling, and roofing support structures are mostly made of wood, which happens to be vulnerable to damage caused by moisture. While these components are treated for resistance to high humidity levels, they can be damaged by water coming from a leaking roof. This can result in rot that can later compromise the roof’s structure. Further issues like water stains, blistering paint, and swollen plaster can also happen if the moisture makes its way toward other parts of the house.
2. Mold Mold thrives in warm and humid places, away from direct sunlight. A leaking roof meets all three conditions, making it the perfect environment for mold growth. Mold causes more than just its tell-tale odor and hard-to-remove stains. Its spores can trigger like allergies and respiratory problems including rhinitis, asthma, and nasal congestion. If it spreads throughout the attic, it may necessitate a premature roof replacement.
3. Electrical Hazard Water from a roof leak may find its way into electrical wiring, power outlets, or appliances, which can lead to shorted wiring. If you notice water dripping into these parts of your home, don’t touch the appliance or try to unplug it. Instead, turn it off from the panel, and call a local electrician as soon as possible.
4. Slipping Hazard Water from a leaking roof can form puddles on the floor where you least expect it, making it a slipping hazard for anyone in your home. If you have carpeting that isn’t adhered to the floor, water can make its way under the carpets and make them slippery.
5. Damage to Attic Insulation Most types of attic insulation form clumps when in direct contact with water. When this happens, the insulation layer forms holes that would defeat its purpose. Poor insulation can facilitate thermal transfer and allow heat to easily pass between your indoor and outdoor spaces. This results in higher indoor heating and cooling requirements, meaning higher energy bills.
Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors are one of the leading roofing companies serving communities in Jacksonville. Give us a call at (904) 262-6636.
The sound of rain can be soothing for some people. But when it’s causing your gutters and downspouts to create strange sounds, the noise can be very annoying. Before you dismiss this as a merely frustrating circumstance, take note that the gutter and downspout noise that you’re hearing could indicate a problem.
Here are a few common reasons why your gutters and downspouts are noisy.
Poor Installation
Your downspouts should be installed at a slight angle to be effective in draining water away and preventing any buildup on your roofing. So, when you hear a drip-drip sound coming from your downspouts, it could be that they have not been installed properly. Water is likely being directed to one corner of your downspout, causing the noise that you are hearing.
Clogging
Clogging is a common issue in gutters and downspouts. What usually happens is that leaves, twigs, and debris get stuck inside your gutters. This causes a blockage and prevents water from flowing out of your gutter system. When left unchecked, this can cause noise in your gutters and lead to problems that will require a roof repair.
Loose Brackets
Brackets are critical components because they are responsible for securing your gutters in place. Unfortunately, as these brackets age and deteriorate, they become loose and start producing odd noises. However, if your brackets are relatively new, the culprit could be the changing temperature. Gutters may expand and contract as temperatures fluctuate. This causes the brackets to be pulled out of place and create noise.
Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors has over 30 years of experience in home exterior waterproofing and concrete restoration. But apart from these, we also have expertise in roofing, gutters, windows and doors, and more. Call us at (904) 262-6636.
Painting the inside of your home can be done any time of the year. Since interiors are typically controlled environments, you don’t have to worry about things like humidity and temperature. Painting home exteriors, on the other hand, can be a tricky business because you have to take a variety of weather elements into account.
When to Paint Your Home
There really is no universally accepted best time to paint your home, particularly your exteriors, since it largely depends on the kind of climate and weather in your location. However, many experts and homeowners find summer as the most optimal season for painting home exteriors because of the warm weather and minimal rain.
Of course, summer does not always mean the same thing across the country. For example, if you live in an area that experiences hurricanes toward the end of the summer, you might want to schedule your painting job at the start of the season. This is also one of the reasons why Jacksonville roofers may urge you to schedule repairs or replacements around this time.
You can also opt to paint in the autumn, particularly early fall. This is usually a good time to paint because daytime and nighttime temperatures are often closer than at other times of the year. Remember that paint doesn’t dry well when temperatures drastically fluctuate in the morning and in the evening.
Other Factors to Consider
While temperature, humidity, and ideal weather conditions are essential considerations when planning your home painting project, there are also other things that you should note – such as paint quality. Never skimp on this one because you would want your paint to last for several years and to withstand any weather condition. Consider the application of the paint as well. Make sure it’s appropriate for your climate or the current season.
Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors is a full-service exterior construction company trusted by local customers. We offer a range of services, including roof replacement, waterproofing, painting, and more. Call us at (904) 262-6636.
After a storm hits, it is usually the roofing system that sustains the most damage. Even though there are preventive steps you can take, like installing a weather-resistant system, your roof will still be exposed to sharp hail, high winds, torrential rain, and other harsh elements that wear it out. That said, it is crucial to get roof insurance to mitigate losses resulting from roof damage.
Today, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the roof insurance claims process.
1. What does your roof insurance policy cover: The most efficient way to find out what is covered in your insurance policy is to directly contact your insurance representative. The company considers the age of your roof when determining the extent of roof damage that will be covered. If your roof is less than 10 years old, then it is possible to receive coverage for all storm-damaged roofs. On the other hand, if your roof is more than a decade old, a depreciated value of the damaged roof may be reimbursed to you. Ultimately, the insurance company will send an inspector to assess and verify your claim.
2. How to get a new roof from insurance: If your roof is completely damaged, a roof repair is obviously not going to cut it. This means that a roof replacement is clearly due, and that leaves many people wondering if the insurance company will pay for the expensive costs of a new roof. Make sure to follow the established insurance claims process to avoid delay or refusal of payment from the insurer. Hiring local storm restoration contractors will help you. They will handle all the paperwork and ensure that all damage is accounted for.
3. What should I do if the contractor’s estimate is higher than the adjuster’s: This situation typically occurs when the adjuster misses out on some of the damaged parts of the roofing system. Fortunately, this can be easily resolved by providing the necessary paperwork, measurements, and pictures that depict the extent of damage right after the storm hit. The insurance company will review these documents and send a check for all the additional repairs.
Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors is a premier source of home improvement solutions. We work with residential clients and provide roof replacement, siding maintenance, home exterior waterproofing, and more. Call us at (904) 262-6636.
