Water, humidity and moisture are the enemies of home construction. Even a little bit of water, from a flood, a leaky roof or the aftermath of a fire, can lead to mold, mildew and rot. While you can’t build a house that will be impervious to water damage, there are building materials that can withstand flooding without suffering a lot of damage. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding or storms, this might be something to consider before you build your new home or addition. Below are a few such materials, you’ll want to consider:
Building materials that stand up to moisture
- Concrete. Concrete can be used for a variety of building purposes, from walls to floors to kitchen counters.
- Non-porous stone, such as slate or cast stone. These materials, used with waterproof mortar can be used as flooring or countertops.
- Ceramic tile. Good for kitchens, bathrooms as flooring, tub surrounds and kitchen backsplashes.
- Brick and cement board. Good alternatives to drywall board for walls
- Glass blocks or panels. Also good as wall materials.
- Water-resistant wood like teak, redwood and cedar. These woods resist rot if exposed to moisture. That’s why teak is so popular on boats and for outdoor furniture.
- Fiberglass insulation. Although it will likely have to be removed after a flood, this type of insulation is much more resistant to moisture than cellulose insulation and helps prevent moisture from traveling through it.
- Foam insulation. This type of insulation forms a moisture barrier and doesn’t allow mold growth.
Things to consider when using moisture-resistant building materials
While materials like concrete, teak and brick can help protect your home from getting water-logged in the event of a flood, fire or burst water pipe, it’s important to note that the same properties that help repel water can also cause these materials to take longer to dry out if they do become saturated with water.
While it’s impossible to prevent at least a little water damage in the event of a roof failure, fire or burst water pipe, using building materials that repel water, such as glass block, cement board and redwood, can help protect your home and make cleaning up after the event much easier and affordable.
Having issues with moisture in your home? Or looking for help with renovating after mold already settled in?
Contact Zona Restoration today!
