Is parging the same as waterproofing?

If you have a leaky basement in your Niagara home, you may have started looking into ways that you can fix it. There are several options out there, and the resolution can depend on the severity of the leak in your basement as well as the budget you have to fix the issue. One of the options for fixing a leak in your home's foundation is parging, and the term is often used interchangeably with waterproofing. It isn't the same as waterproofing, but it works along the same lines. Here's what you need to know. 

What is parging?

When you have parging done to your home, it involves having a coating applied to your home's foundation that is above grade. 

In many cases, parging is seen as a decoration that is added to a home's exterior to complete its look, and it will help hide or disguise any imperfections the foundation may have. Most homeowners, though, need help understanding what parging is and how it can help keep the basement of your home dry. 

This process will use a mortar that is masonry-based and cover the stone and block walls of your home. Doing this process to your home can help protect the foundation from rain and snow. Further, it does make it look much nicer and more finished than just a regular foundation. 

So, is parging the same as waterproofing?

In short, no. These two processes are not the same thing; however, parging can help keep water out of the basement of your home. The good news is that it can be used on basically any vertical surface, but it is most commonly used on the part of the foundation that can be seen above grade. 

The parging process does create a barrier that is water resistant, so when the process is done correctly, it will help keep your home dry all year round. 

Unfortunately, if the coating is not applied correctly, water can be trapped between the foundation (or block walls) and the coat of parging. If this happens, the problem you are facing will stick around, and it could even worsen. Poorly done parging can cause deterioration of your home's foundation. 

Do you have to do parging if you're waterproofing?

No – waterproofing does not require parging to be done on your home if you don't want to do it. However, parging does have a purpose in helping to create that water-resistant barrier, plus it can help make a home look much more finished. 

Parging is highly recommended if you have walls with exterior insulation, and may even be stated as something you must do to protect your home. 

Contact Foundation Fix today.

If you're thinking about parging the exterior of your Niagara home, call in the professionals at Foundation Fix. We can ensure the job is done correctly, and your home will stay dry without any further moisture issues.