Many people believe that damp proofing and waterproofing are the same thing.
This is not the case the difference between damp proofing and waterproofing is how resistant they are to different types of water exposure.
Dampproofing will make surfaces such as walls resistant to soil moisture whereas waterproofing makes materials completely resistant to all water penetration including liquid from rain or flooding.
What Is Waterproofing?
Waterproofing is a process which prevents all moisture including water vapor, liquid water and soil moisture from permeating into a material.
This can include the use of things such as waterproof paints, sealants and caulking on outside walls or concrete floors that are prone to moisture damage due to their location.
Pretty much anything can be waterproofed from phones to jeans, jackets shower niches, walls and entire buildings.
Depending on what you are looking to waterproof the methods can vary wildly.
What Is Damp Proofing?
Damp proofing is typically used on building foundations.
It stops water absorption from the soil and prevents moisture from travelling into interior spaces.
When it rains soil becomes wet, without damp proofing your foundations are likely to absorb water.
Over time this can damage the foundations and lead to serious structural problems.
Moisture is also likely to get into the interior of your property and cause damage to flooring and plastering.
This is why it’s important to have damp proofing installed on the foundations of your property.
The sealant stops water from soaking through and keeps damaging moisture away, which in turn ensures strong brickwork for years into future.
So What’s The Difference Between Damp Proofing & Waterproofing?
The difference between damp proofing and waterproofing is how resistant they are to different types of water exposure.
Dampproofing makes surfaces resistant to soil moisture however waterproofing them makes materials completely resistant to all forms of water penetration including liquid water exposure.
For example, if a damp-proofed wall was exposed to water, for example in flooding then water would permeate through. However, if that wall had been waterproofed water would not permeate it.
Which Is Better?
Damp proofing is an inexpensive option to keep areas below ground safe from water moisture permeation
Damp proofing is appropriate for buildings in dry climates, but may not be sufficient if you live near wetter regions where heavy downpours are common.
In these cases external walls and foundations will require full waterproofing.
