Beautiful Home

One of the major problems of a house and a commercial building is when the walls and floors start to develop cracks because of pressure and weather conditions.  Because of humidity and constant exposure to moisture, the construction and the foundation of the building could be compromised.  Waterproofing is a good solution.

Another option for safeguarding your home or building’s foundation is by damp proofing.  There is a difference between damp proofing and waterproofing. 

• Waterproofing can be more expensive, but the effects last for a longer period of time and more environmental-friendly. It is usually rubber-based or made of polymer, silicone or similar materials. Waterproofing could prevent water absorption.

Waterproofing could also prevent ground water into getting inside the building.  It could be through a rubber membrane applied to the surface of wall, waterproofing paints and sealants.  Aside from that, there are also systems which could pump the water out of the building.

• Damp proofing use tar-based mixture. This would prevent the surface from water and moisture.  However, it does not stop water from penetrating but it could definitely slow down the process.  There are some damp proofing products which are water based making it more Earth friendly.

Damp proofing could be an inexpensive alternative, however, it could cause more problems in the future.  The effects are short-term.  Within two-years the effect of damp proofing could wear down and cracks could re-emerge.  The walls or floors could become brittle and would easily flake.

A damp proofing specialist would usually do the inspection of the building or house.  The specialist would recommend or give instructions on how damp proofing would happen.   There are also damp proofing products which could be applied by the home-owner themselves.  Usually, damp proofing cellars or basement would require you to get professional help. Above-ground damp proofing could be performed by the owners.

Currently, damp proofing is included in the process of construction. But for buildings that have already been constructed, damp proofing could still be integrated in the structure. A damp proof specialist or company is needed to determine and assess what would be effective for the property.

When choosing between damp proofing and waterproofing, it is important to consider the kind weather or environment where you are located.  If you live in an area where heavy downfall frequently occurs, then waterproofing may be a better choice since it could protect the building structure from moisture.

You could even take simple steps to ensure that your house is fully dry.  It could be making sure that the drains and gutters are free of clogs, regularly checking roof tiles and the roofing systems.  Homes should also be properly ventilated. Condensation could happen which can also cause moisture. 

Both damp proofing and waterproofing could cost you, but the money is seriously worth it.  Beware of “quick and easy fixes” since they may sacrifice the quality of waterproofing you need.  Call the experts and let them do the tasks for you.  Damp proofing and waterproofing are solutions.  Decide what would work for you and for your property investment.

Here is an interesting fact, in 2006, about 1.2 million mobile phones were accidentally dropped in toilets, drinks and washing machines. How to safe electronic gadgets from water? Waterproofing your electronics is an idea that will protect cell phones, cameras, and even flash drives from moisture and liquids.

Waterproofing are not longer contained to protecting residential and commercial buildings. For the last few years, cellphone manufacturers are trying to come up with a solution that would help consumers protect their gadgets.  A common solution would be using water protective pouches. 

Waterproof pouches are inexpensive.  They are usually made of heavy-duty plastics with neck or wrist straps. However, there are pouches that proved to be water resistant but not totally waterproof. Why? If an object with a water-resistant pouch is dropped in water and immediately picked up, the electronic gadget inside is safe. But when left for a longer period of time, moisture would start to seep into the gadget inside. 

Such products would work in protecting your gadgets from rain, etc., but not a good idea if you are into water activities and sports which would constantly expose your MP3, phones or camera to water.  Not all pouches are like that, since there are some waterproof bags which are actually 100% water proof.  You could even use the camera under the water.

A breakthrough in waterproofing gadgets happened when a technology used by the military to prevent soldiers’ clothing from absorbing toxic vapors and liquid chemicals associated with biological weapons.  Adventurists and outdoor enthusiasts were able to take advantage of this solution by using shoes covered with them.

The technological breakthrough happened in the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory in Porton Down, Wiltshire in Britain on the hands of government scientists. Currently, there are cellphone manufacturers who are applying this technology in their products.

Ion-mask, the protective layer, is bonded to a gadget or device by using plasma or electrically charged gas. The gas is called fluorocarbon monomer which easily bonds to any material when exposed to radio waves.  The coating is so thin that it does not affect the breathability of clothes or shoes.

This coating does not affect the flow of electricity, so, a flash drive can be used easily with the layer.  The thin layer could repel water and oil.  It could seal even the smallest cracks which could make your small MP3 waterproof.  It is also lightweight and easier to carry, compared to bulky waterproof cases and pouches. 

However, some people who used shoes and boots that have ion-mask in them would say that the products start to show leaks and cracks within a year of use.   Would it be the same for electronics? Hope not. But in case the products that had ion-mask coating showed some water-resistant problems, it is best to contact the manufacturer if warrantee would cover such incident.  

Bottomline is, waterproofing could help protecting your electronics against water and moisture. But at the end of the day, how you handle and take care of your gadgets would ensure that they would last for a long time.