How to redo a facade waterproofing?

To ensure the longevity of a house, the exterior walls must remain in good condition. Otherwise, this explains the appearance of rainwater infiltrations which cause quite a bit of damage both outside and inside.

Before the worst happens, exterior wall moisture problems must be resolved once and for all. To do this, consider carrying out facade waterproofing work.

It should be noted that the techniques and solutions to apply depend on countless parameters including the finish and coating of the substrate.

If you don’t know how to proceed, we offer you this guide explaining how to successfully achieve facade waterproofing effectively.

But before diving into the heart of the matter, it is important to detail the interest and urgency of treating facade defects.

Steps to redo the waterproofing of a facade

• Inspect the facade: identify cracks, infiltrations, damaged joints, or areas of detachment.
• Clean the substrate: remove moss, dirt, old coatings, or paints that prevent adhesion.
• Repair cracks: fill with an appropriate mortar or waterproof sealant.
• Apply a water-repellent treatment: a transparent liquid product that protects against water while allowing the wall to breathe.
• Apply a waterproof coating: type of waterproof facade coating to even out and protect.
• Check the joinery joints (windows, doors) and redo them with sealant if necessary.
• Maintain regularly: clean the facade and renew the water-repellent treatment every 5 to 10 years.

Why waterproof your exterior facade?

Step	Objective	Materials/products used
Inspection	Identify sensitive areas	Visual observation, moisture test
Cleaning	Prepare the surface	High-pressure cleaner, brush
Crack repair	Prevent infiltration	Repair mortar, facade sealant
Application of water repellent	Invisible protection	Colorless water repellent product
Waterproof finishing coat	Waterproof and even out	Facade coating, waterproof paint
Joint inspection	Sealing around joinery	Silicone or polyurethane sealant
Periodic maintenance	Prevent future issues	Cleaning, reapplication of water repellent

There are many reasons that lead homeowners to undertake facade waterproofing work. Beyond simple protection against moisture, these interventions help preserve the structural integrity of the building, improve thermal comfort inside the home, and maintain the aesthetic value as well as the durability of the dwelling. Here are some of the most common examples.

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To prevent damage to the house

To begin with, it is important to remind you that a facade is naturally designed to remain waterproof. If you regularly maintain your exterior walls and they are not affected by poor workmanship, there is no need to apply facade waterproofing products.

However, if you notice signs of moisture on exterior walls, it will be important to waterproof them without delay.

It is important to note that a non-waterproof facade does not withstand rain, wind, and severe weather. Over time, external aggressions gradually damage it.

This situation can lead to many complications starting with rainwater infiltration. This phenomenon causes paint or coatings to peel off, joints to crumble, or materials to crack.

If left unchecked, this can eventually lead to wall collapse or even weakening of the entire structure. To avoid this, it becomes urgent to address facade waterproofing problems.

To anticipate health-related problems

Poor facade waterproofing does not only have consequences for the building but also for the health of the occupants.

Generally, rainwater infiltration increases humidity levels inside the house. When the value exceeds 50%, it inevitably promotes the presence and proliferation of dust mites and mold.

You can recognize them more easily by the appearance of whitish or blackish stains all over the walls. Know that they can be the source of multiple illnesses. These problems affect not only children but also adults alike.

Many allergies and diseases are caused by constant humidity. Respiratory disorders such as bronchitis and asthma are among the most well-known.

Many people also suffer from eye irritations, conjunctivitis, rheumatism, osteoarthritis, sleep disorders, headaches, nausea or fever.

Fortunately, there are solutions that avoid these problems. You can choose the right facade waterproofing products or renovate the facade coating.

If you don’t know much about the subject, it is still wise to call a professional to ask for the facade waterproofing price.

To improve the exterior appearance of a house

When the coating or facade restoration is neglected, it is not surprising that the exterior walls continue to deteriorate over time.

As we just mentioned above, the permeability of exterior walls causes the formation of mold, plants, and moss. These traces of moisture indeed harm the exterior appearance of the house.

That’s not all, facade waterproofing problems cause major material damage such as peeling of plaster, blistering of paint, cracks in joints or walls, water infiltration, and much more.

All these phenomena cause the house to lose its aesthetic value. However, if you plan to rent or sell it, it is obvious that people take into account the condition of the exterior walls.

To resolve this kind of situation, nothing is better than carrying out facade waterproofing work. You can very well request free waterproofing quotes from specialists.

To increase the longevity of the house

Waterproofing product for facade, facade water repellent or facade coating, no matter the treatment chosen, exterior wall waterproofing work promotes the durability of a house. 

This helps prevent costly inconveniences such as material bursting or even foundation weakening.

These different situations are not resolved easily. They often require professionals. To avoid unexpected expenses, it is necessary to make the facades waterproof.

In principle, waterproofing a facade is done at the time of installing the exterior walls. It is important to preserve their condition to extend their lifespan.

But when they become saturated with water, moisture problems must be corrected as quickly as possible. To prepare yourself, first inquire about the facade waterproofing price.

How to make a facade waterproof?

When professionals prepare a facade waterproofing quote, they sometimes offer you many solutions. They apply a particular treatment depending on the assessment of the condition of your exterior walls.

Importance of facade waterproofing diagnosis

Detecting a wall waterproofing defect is not always obvious. It must be admitted that a non-waterproof facade does not necessarily give you visible signs.

In this respect, rainwater infiltration has already caused damage. Especially since the affected walls are covered with plants, this delays the location of facade waterproofing problems.

That is why the diagnosis must be entrusted to a facade restoration specialist. Their analyses rely on the study of revealing symptoms such as cracks, material cracking, and many others.

The treatment of the problem depends on the results of the diagnosis. Multiple techniques are distinguished 

to waterproof a non-waterproof facade. But the application of a water-repellent product, the use of a facade waterproofing product and repointing are among the most commonly used.

Facade water repellent

This facade waterproofing treatment protects exterior walls from moisture, rain, UV rays, and various external attacks. It is also effective for optimizing thermal insulation and preventing the formation of moss and fungi.

To carry it out, the method consists of spraying a water-repellent product. The latter penetrates deep into the walls to create a layer called water repellent. Despite its deep penetration into the materials, it allows them to breathe.

Facade waterproofing product

This wall waterproofing solution is highly praised for its effectiveness in treating porous facades. Whatever their construction materials, it always promises better results.  

Before using it, the facade waterproofing product requires surface preparation. Cracks must be filled. To apply it, simply use a sprayer or a roller. After application over the entire facade, it remains invisible.

Repointing

When facades are made of brick or stone, they have joints. When these cause water infiltration, they must be redone without delay. Otherwise, facade waterproofing problems occur.

To redo the joints, you must use mortar. You rub the joints and remove the damaged parts.

You then replace the damaged bricks or stones. Then you fill the scraped areas with mortar. You install the new materials in the empty spots. All that remains is to smooth the facade using a pointing trowel or trowel.

Other solutions to ensure facade waterproofing

There are many methods to strengthen facade waterproofing. The choice depends on the diagnosis of a facade renovation professional. They apply a treatment according to the sources of the problems.

If the lack of wall waterproofing is caused by rising damp, injection for damp walls is an excellent idea. As its name suggests, this technique involves injecting a water-repellent product into the walls.

In case of rainwater infiltration, the application of anti-moisture paint is highly recommended. This product protects the facade not only from moisture but also from bad weather and frost. However, it cannot prevent capillary rise.

Besides that, installing waterproof membranes is another solution to make your exterior walls waterproof. The same goes for the installation of waterproof strips.

Which product to waterproof an exterior wall?

As mentioned above, we discover multiple waterproofing facade treatments. It is therefore normal that facade waterproofing products are also numerous.

If you prefer the water-repellent solution, choose between two types of products, namely water-based and solvent-based.

Completely odorless, the first can penetrate a damp or dry wall. However, it is not suitable for a surface that has already been water-repellent treated.

As for the second water-repellent product, it can be used without problem in old buildings that have previously benefited from a facade water repellent.

Whatever your choice, products for professional facade waterproofing water repellent are numerous. Sikagard facade protection is among the best-selling items on the market.

If the facade waterproofing product has convinced you, know that this treatment is also available in many models.

This is a liquid product packaged in volumes between 1, 5 to 10 liters. As for its yield, 1 liter of product is used to waterproof 4m² of facade.

If your brick or stone facade has damaged joints, cracks, or chips, consider stopping water infiltration with a repointing.

To make a new joint, you use mortar. It is easy to find in stores. It is recommended to choose a fiber-reinforced repair mortar. This product is ideal for sealing all cracks and holes in your facade.

Anti-moisture paint is also among the most used facade waterproofing products by individuals. It not only makes your facade waterproof but also decorates the surface.

Despite their reasonable cost, many products in the range offer durability of up to 15 years.

Cleaning, treatment or restoration ?

If you are looking for a method to permanently waterproof your facade, these 3 techniques are among the specialists’ recommendations.

Cleaning removes all pollution stains. Dirt and dust encourage water infiltration. To avoid this problem, try to clean your facade regularly.

Regarding the second solution, treatment usually takes place after facade cleaning. The goal here is to refresh it while correcting waterproofing issues.

If you notice cracks, apply filling. In case of paint flaking, do not hesitate to scrape the affected area.

For facade restoration, the technique involves complete renovation of exterior walls to decorate and especially protect them.

Indeed, it requires carrying out the 2 previously mentioned methods. After facade cleaning and treating the observed problems, apply paint, plaster or facade coatings.

What is the best facade water repellent?

Treatment with a water-repellent product offers multiple advantages. Regardless of the facade waterproofing price, this method ensures the protection of exterior walls and their longevity.

Between Sikagard facade protection, the colorless water repellents from Narajo, those from Rubson or Hydrotec, a range of models remain available.

To identify the best waterproofing product, gather information on its effectiveness and versatility. Quality facade waterproofing products are suitable for all types of materials and surfaces.

Besides these details, consider the brand’s reputation. If the water-repellent product is designed by a major manufacturer, it usually demonstrates remarkable effectiveness.

To acquire one, plan for a significant budget. It is sometimes offered at a high price.

How to waterproof a wall?

To achieve this, several techniques are available to you. But it all depends on your specific goal and your financial capacity. Before choosing a specific method, first inquire about the facade waterproofing price.

If you want to guarantee the waterproofing of your facade coating for up to 5 years, the application of a water-repellent product and an impermeabilizing one is an interesting solution.

Their effectiveness is limited in this case. If you want a lasting result, consider performing periodic maintenance, generally every 10 years.

A cleaning, treatment, and facade renovation help extend the lifespan of your exterior walls. This reduces potential inconveniences related to facade waterproofing problems.

Cost to redo the waterproofing of your facade

The overall facade waterproofing price normally depends on multiple factors. If you have experience in construction or building trades, you can redo the waterproofing of your facade yourself.

You just have to choose the right technique and the best waterproofing product and you’re good to go. It is also necessary to equip yourself well to carry out quality work.

If you choose to waterproof a facade, plan between €3 and €5 per m². The more you opt for a high-end water-repellent product, the higher the budget for waterproofing work.

Repointing with mortar can also prove easy to accomplish. To get 1 m3 of sand, you need to prepare about €15 per ton. As for acquiring 35 kg of lime, balance your budget between €10 and €15.

To better understand how to redo facade waterproofing, also draw inspiration from techniques used to waterproof a terrace, discover the best external insulation solutions, and explore suitable methods to effectively clean a roof.

Price of a professional to waterproof a facade

When a facade renovation company drafts a facade waterproofing quote, it takes into account many parameters such as the general condition of the substrate, the materials, and the waterproofing product to be used.

It then chooses the most suitable solution and establishes the facade waterproofing price. To carry out a facade jointing, expect between €40 to €60 per m².

As for the application of a water-repellent product or facade waterproofing, the price ranges from €20 to €30 per m². If you intend to completely renovate a damaged facade, the cost ranges from €40 to €80 per m².  

Of course, the final facade waterproofing price of the project is expensive. However, the work of a professional facade specialist is a guarantee of quality.

Your facade will be durably waterproof. You no longer have to worry about exterior wall moisture problems and rainwater infiltration in the future. You can enjoy your home for many years.

FAQ – Facade Waterproofing