Exterior wall sealants: how to protect your home effectively
As a homeowner, you have quite some maintenance to take care of. From mowing the lawn to fixing that leaky faucet, there always seems to be something that needs your attention. Because of the extensive list, some things tend to be overlooked, like protecting the exterior walls of your house. But what if we told you that taking care of exterior walls can be easy, quick, and durable? This article will tell you how to choose and apply effective sealants to your exterior walls.
Why your exterior walls need to be sealed and waterproofed
The outer walls of your home are constantly exposed to harsh conditions and environmental elements such as rain, snow, wind, and heat. Over time, this can naturally cause deterioration and damage to your home. To avoid costly repairs, or even structural issues, you can seal and waterproof your exterior walls with waterproofing masonry paint or a sealant to protect your home.
Protection against the elements
Mother Nature can be harsh. Depending on where you live, rain, snow, wind and even the blazing sun can take a toll on your home’s exterior. It can lead to cracks forming, weathering, mildew, stains, and other forms of damage. By applying a sealant and waterproofing product, you can prevent potential damages.
Preventing structural damage
If you don’t waterproof your outer surfaces, whether it’s bricks, concrete or masonry, water can infiltrate your bricks or wood and can eventually weaken the structural integrity of your home. When moisture seeps into your walls, it can lead to wood rot, mold, and extensive foundation issues. The longer the moisture issues exist, the more damage it can do.
Enhancing aesthetic appeal
Of course, you want to protect your house and keep it structurally sound, but let’s not forget the visual aspect. Sealing and waterproofing your walls can make a great difference in the aesthetic appeal of your home. Your exterior wall will have a clean and polished look and paint will hold longer and better.
Saving money
Investing in waterproofing and sealing for your exterior wall may be an investment at first, but it will eventually save you money. By protecting your exterior walls, you are preventing water damage and wear and tear, and you are keeping your painted surfaces fresh. This way you avoid costly repairs, regular paint jobs, and a lot of maintenance.
How sealants prevent water absorption
We now understand the importance of waterproofing and sealing our outer walls. But how exactly does a sealant work? And how can they make such a difference to your walls?
Creating a waterproof barrier
Sealants are typically made of a liquid that penetrates into the pores of the surface. Here it solidifies and creates a protective barrier. This barrier prevents water from being absorbed by the material, thus avoiding any potential damage or deterioration. But it doesn’t saturate the materials, so it can still breathe.
Filling cracks and gaps
Over time, walls can develop small cracks and gaps. This usually isn’t an issue, if they don’t become too big or let through moisture. Sealants can fill these cracks and gaps easily. This way the water can’t cause any damage or structural problems.
Resisting mold and mildew
One of the main causes of mold and mildew inside and outside your house is moisture. By preventing water absorption, sealants will inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. This will protect the integrity of your walls, and keep your home safe and healthy.
What to look for in an external wall sealant
If you want to protect your exterior walls just as well as your interior walls in your home, you can use a sealer to protect your surfaces against water damage. However, not all sealants are created equal. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing an external wall sealant.
Water resistance
Look for a sealant that specifically states it is waterproof or water-resistant. This will ensure maximum protection against moisture and prevent any potential damage. It’s a plus if the product protects your brick, masonry surfaces, floor, or wall after just one coat.
Durability
It’s important to pick a product that is durable. You want your sealant to be long-lasting, especially if you experience quite some rain, snow, wind and sun during the year. You want your surfaces to be safe for a few years, and you don’t want to re-apply the sealant every year or few years. Check the product label for information on its lifespan.
Ease of application
We promised you tips on easy, effective, and quick coating for your walls. We’re not all professionals, and we want the job to be done fast and well. That is why you want to choose a sealer that is easy to apply with products that you probably already have in your home. A sealant like Oppercon can easily be applied with a low pressure sprayer or a spray bottle. For smaller objects, you can also use a brush.
Environmental considerations
Most home improvement products aren’t good for the environment. Luckily, there are eco-friendly sealants available that are free from harmful chemicals. This means that it is safe for the environment, and safe for your family.
Oppercon Sealer to get the job done
If you are looking for a sealant that is easy to use, durable, environmentally friendly, longlasting, and offers great protection, Oppercon is the best choice. This product can be used on many surfaces: your driveway, your patio, or your exterior walls. I will work on concrete, bricks, masonry, and previously painted surfaces without staining or discoloring the surface.
Oppercon offers sealing and waterproofing for 10 to 15 years, so you won’t have to worry about reapplying it every year. And after this period, you can simply apply a new coat for optimal protection. This saves you time and money, while your house looks polished and is well-protected for years to come.