Humans construct houses for survival and to keep them safe from harsh environmental conditions. The roof and foundation are two components that hold significant importance in our home structure. Merely constructing a home is not enough. The need to upkeep your home is inevitable. Two things are quite important in this regard, including residential roofing and basement waterproofing. In this guide, one can explore the importance of residential roofing, different types of roofing materials, the significance of waterproofing your basement, and different ways of waterproofing your basement.
Reasons for Having a Sound Roof
Residential roofing includes all types of roofing services offered for homes or residences. You should upkeep your home’s roof and repair it timely because of the below-mentioned reasons:
It provides Shelter:
A good roof saves the inhabitants of the home and their belongings from extreme weather like hailstorms, snow, or rainfall. If you have a leaky roof, be prepared for problems like:
- Mold infestation.
- Damaged ceilings.
- Fire hazards.
It contributes to the visual appeal of your home:
Imagine a roof full of mosses and algae. Will you like it? Obviously not. Therefore, you need to take proper care of your roof to avoid the growth of such creatures. Also, focus on selecting the right roof design during the construction phase. It will make the exterior of your home appear even more beautiful.
It reduces electricity costs:
If the roof of your house is properly insulated, it will not let the outside air enter your home, making you feel cold. In this way, the energy efficiency is enhanced. Therefore, good roofing helps you save electricity costs.
What materials are used for Construction Residential Roofs?
The material used for constructing the roof of your home depends on your home’s requirements:
1. Shingles
Shingles are the most commonly used roofing material due to the underlying properties:
- Simplicity of installation.
- Durability.
- Affordability.
- Lifespan of around 15 to 20 years.
- Additional coating to provide fire resistance.
Different types of singles include:
- Asphalt shingles.
- Composite shingles.
- Fiberglass shingles.
- Wooden shakes.
- Solar panels.
- Architectural shingles.
2. Metal Roofs
States like North Carolina or Florida that are prone to hurricanes. People living in these regions should opt for metallic roofs. Some properties of metallic roofs include:
- Easy to install.
- Lightweight.
- Lessen homeowner’s insurance premiums.
- Fire resistant.
- Can pass wind speed tests of more than 150 miles/hour.
- Life span of 20 to 50 years.
- It can be recycled.
3. Tiles
Tile roofing cannot be installed easily, and you need to contact professionals for the daunting task. However, once installed properly, it harbors the following advantages:
- Protection against harsh weather.
- Reduces heat transmission.
- Enhance the energy efficiency of your home.
- Environment friendly.
- Fire resistant.
- Enhances your home’s visual appeal.
Common examples of tile roofing include:
- Ceramic tiles.
- Slate tiles.
- Concrete tiles.
What is basement waterproofing?
In basement waterproofing, you seal the basement to keep it moisture-free. It saves your property from water damage. You can waterproof the basement yourself or contact waterproofing companies depending on the complexity of the task.
Why should I get my basement waterproofed?
The basement of your home harnesses the following advantages:
- Provides extra space.
- Increases the value of the home.
Nonetheless, your basement can suffer from water damage. Therefore, get your basement waterproofed to:
1. Reduce the Risk of Flooding:
By waterproofing your basement, you make it less likely to get flooded. French drains are quite helpful in this regard. They save your home, particularly your basement, by throwing excess or standing water away from your home.
2. Maintain the physical integrity of your home:
The basement serves as the foundation of your home. Therefore, any damage to the basement also weakens your home’s foundation. Get your basement waterproofed to keep your home sound and strong. Without waterproofing, your foundation fails to handle harsh weather conditions. In addition, excess water in the basement cannot only increase the already existing cracks in the walls but also create new gaps and cracks.
3. Increase your home’s market value:
A home free from moisture or leakage looks more appealing to the eyes. If your basement is waterproofed, you can clean it without any hassle. In addition, maintaining it will also become a left-hand game. A well-maintained home has more value in the market as compared to the one that is not upkept properly.
4. Safeguard your health:
A neglected basement having high moisture content is prone to the growth of molds and microbes. Microbial spores can cause:
- Respiratory tract infections.
- Allergies.
- Other diseases.
Waterproofing your basement saves you from all such issues.
Different Ways to Waterproof Your Basement
You can waterproof your basement in a variety of ways listed below:
1. Interior Waterproofing:
In interior waterproofing, experts work to waterproof the inside of your basement.
- Step 1: They detect the gaps and cracks present in walls and floors.
- Step 2: They use sealants and coatings to seal the gaps.
There are three types of interior waterproofing:
- Concrete coatings.
- Silicate based sealants.
- Acrylic waterproofing paints.
2. Exterior Waterproofing:
It includes waterproofing your basement on the outer side. Exterior waterproofing involves:
- Excavating around your basement walls.
- Applying a waterproof membrane on the outer side of the walls.
Consequently, you block all entry points of water.
- Pros: Durability, reliability
- Cons: Expensive
3. Drainage Repair / Installation:
In this method, you:
- Repair the damaged drainage system, or
- Install a new one.
It might include installing:
- Sump pump.
- French drain
Both throw unwanted water out of your house and particularly basement premises. Moreover, the slope of the ground of your home should be steep enough to drive extra water away from your home.
Conclusion
Roofing and basement are both integral parts of your home. Well-maintained basement and roofing ensure your safety, increase your home value, and enhance its curb appeal. Therefore, make sure to select the best building material for your roof. Also, waterproof your basement to strengthen the foundation of your home. Lastly, timely upkeep of your home’s roof and basement can increase your home’s lifespan.
