How Long Will Waterproofing Last?

Leakage in any premises necessitates waterproofing. However, before you opt for waterproofing, you need to find out how long will waterproofing last? Only when you can find the answer to the same can you go ahead and hire a waterproofing contractor.

Our article below will answer this question. It will also highlight the parameters on which the waterproofing lifespan depends.

How Long Will Waterproofing Last?

Waterproofing can easily last anywhere from 5 years to 7 years. However, you need to understand that there are quite a few factors that impact the life of waterproofing. Most contractors will give you a warranty between 3 to 5 years.

Before you make up your mind regarding waterproofing, take a look at the factors that impact the life of waterproofing. We will cover these factors below.

Factors affecting waterproofing life:

In total, 4 factors impact the quality as well as the life of waterproofing. These include:

• Humidity:

Of course, the higher the humidity level, the lower will be the life span of waterproofing. That is because higher humidity levels always put waterproofing coat to test.

Higher humidity levels ensure that the surface experiences condensation and higher exposure to water. Due to the same, the waterproofing layer is always at work. That certainly reduces its lifespan.

Even if you live near the sea or if the humidity levels are on the higher side, still waterproofing can last anywhere between 3 to 5 years.

• Leakage(if any):

As we stated above, leakage is necessitates waterproofing. Before getting the waterproofing work done, it is essential to fix the source of leakage. In case you aren’t fixing the source of leakage, the life of waterproofing will reduce drastically.

It might so happen that after a few years, leakage starts once again. If that happens, then too the life of waterproofing will reduce to 3 to 4 years. That is why you need to tackle the source of leakage before doing the waterproofing work.

The good news is that the waterproofing contractor can help you with the same.

• Structural integrity:

If the surface on which you are doing the waterproofing has cracks or the paint is peeling, that reduces the structural integrity. The cracks open up more space for water to percolate through. In that case, the waterproofing layer will not hold for that long.

The structural integrity of the surface certainly has an impact on the waterproofing. If the structural integrity is excellent, the waterproofing can last up to 7 years as well. In the absence of structural integrity, the waterproofing will not hold even for 3 to 4 years.

Many times, it might so happen that when you get the work done, the structural integrity is up to the mark. However, over the years, structural integrity can reduce as well. In that case, the effectiveness of waterproofing also decreases.

That is why you have to monitor the structural integrity consistently to increase its lifespan. You have to take this factor into account and, after that, decide on waterproofing.

• Waterproofing Method used:

Waterproofing methods are plenty. The type of method in use also decides its lifespan. Some of the methods include:

• Waterproof primers and paints
• Crack injections
• Excavation waterproofing
• Exterior waterproofing
• And so on

Conclusion

Many times, contractors will use a combination of 2 techniques. In that case, the lifespan is high. The hybrid approach also increases the cost of waterproofing. It is only when the wrong technique is in use that the lifespan goes down drastically.

If you opt for waterproofing primers, it can easily last for 10 years. The same is true for crack injections as well.

The exterior waterproofing undergoes more wear and tear. In that case, waterproofing can only last for 5 to 6 years. The harsh weather on the external surface reduces the effectiveness of waterproofing year-on-year.

While hiring the waterproofing contractor, it is essential to inquire about the technique they will use. Only once you do so, you will get an idea regarding how long will waterproofing last.

Thus, waterproofing can last anywhere from 5 years to 7 years. However, that period can vary depending on these 4 factors. Using our guide above, it is easy to choose the right technique, contractor, and ensure that it lasts longer.