Waterproofing Made Easy

The rainy season in Hawaii is just getting started, and it’s not too late to strategize how to safeguard your home. From outdoor areas like roofing, decking and exterior walls to interior basements, waterproofing your property is essential for its longevity. By protecting your home from moisture, you can avoid a host of issues, such as mold, rotting wood and flooding. Hardware Hawaii’s knowledgeable team of experts can help you find effective products to waterproof a variety of surfaces in your home and provide helpful guidance on how best to apply them. Here, merchandising buyer Matthew Loretero offers tips for your next waterproofing project.

Consider the climate
Climate is key when it comes to waterproofing your home’s exterior surfaces, especially in humid areas.

“Hawaii always has high humidity, but you do want to also check the weather for rain and consider what side of the island you live because where it’s rainier, the products will dry a lot slower. Waterproofing on the Kapolei side will dry quicker than somewhere like Nuuanu,” explains Loretero.

The summer months tend to be a good time to waterproof: The longer days and higher temperatures are ideal conditions for the job.

Photo: Courtesy of Hardware Hawaii

Know your surfaces
Product recommendations will vary based on the material of the surface you are waterproofing. Understanding not only the area you intend to waterproof, but also the kind of material you’re dealing with, will be important to finding the proper products.

“It all depends on the surface,” states Loretero. “If it’s concrete, it might be more porous, so we might also recommend putting down a few coats. Even knowing how rough the surface is will determine how much product is needed, as the more rough the surface is, the more product you’ll need.”

Being able to provide your Hardware Hawaii customer service associate with as much information as possible about your project will help ensure that you receive the best recommendations on products and how to apply them.

Photo: Courtesy of Hardware Hawaii

Strategize an annual plan
If you are in the process of a renovation or new-home build, discussing a strategy with your contractor and subcontractors on how to waterproof your surfaces throughout the year can also be helpful.

For high-traffic areas like basements, which require regular maintenance, Hardware Hawaii carries masonry products with 10-year warranties, which can give you peace of mind for up to a decade in ideal conditions. Check with your Hardware Hawaii expert to see if you can expect the same for  your surfaces.

Places with heavy sun exposure and foot traffic, like outdoor decks, require annual waterproofing. Loretero suggests waterproofing in phases and during specific times of the year, as not all surfaces need to be done at once. Areas like roofs don’t require annual upkeep, but should be waterproofed at least once to help them withstand the elements.

Photo: Getty Images

“Homeowners have really been paying attention to our Gaco Roof silicone product, which is really effective and can withstand ponding water” on flat surfaces, he notes.

When working with your contractor on a new build, it is important to consider roof drainage. Products such as protective waterproof coatings provide a permanent seal on a new roof. For existing roofs, these coatings can be used on damaged areas to make them better able to withstand severe weather, leaks and ponding water.

For more info on how to prepare your home for wetter weather and the holiday season, check out our Fall Home Maintenance Guide.