In the construction industry, protecting the building envelope is paramount. Leaks can be a contractor’s worst nightmare, often hard to detect, capable of causing extensive damage, and sometimes remaining hidden for years. At SinglePoint Builders, we proactively upgrade our waterproofing products and methods as part of our standard practice to mitigate these risks and ensure the durability and integrity of our projects.

Challenges of Coastal Construction

Many of the high-end homes we build are in stunning coastal locations. However, this beautiful setting brings its own challenges, such as increased weather and wind exposure. Standard waterproofing methods often fall short in these harsh conditions. Through many years of experience and collaboration with the area's top waterproofing consultants, we have refined our techniques to ensure our homes withstand the elements.

Advanced Liquid-Applied Systems

For the past 7-8 years, we have utilized a liquid-applied system to seal all envelope penetrations, providing comprehensive protection against wind-driven rain. Our preferred choice is the Prosoco brand of waterproofing products, specifically their Air & Water Barriers – PROSOCO R-Guard. We use their joint and seam filler (the pink product pictured above) to cover all nails, seams, and gaps. Additionally, we apply their FastFlash product (dark red product) around all window and door openings, as well as any material transitions or penetrations. This creates a robust waterproof barrier, ensuring any water in these areas is directed out of the building. Inside the building, we use the AirDam product (white) to completely seal around windows and doors, offering additional protection against wind-driven rain. We also incorporate traditional metal flashing at all door pans, window sills, and head trim for an added layer of defense. Prosoco products adhere seamlessly to these flashing elements, ensuring a comprehensive seal.

The Role of Water-Resistive Barriers (WRB)

The final layer of our envelope protection is the WRB (water-resistive barrier). Traditionally, this was achieved using building paper or felt products. While these materials provided some water resistance, they were far from perfect, easily ripping in the wind and becoming punctured by thousands of siding nails. The evolution of WRB products introduced stronger synthetic materials, such as Tyvek, which offered improved tear resistance. However, these still suffered from nail punctures. To address this issue, we utilize two different products based on the siding material, site conditions, and budget. The more cost-effective option is HydroGap by Benjamin Obdyke (a brown fabric product with blue dots). This robust fabric resists tearing and features small bumps that create an air gap, allowing any water that penetrates the siding to drain away from the building, bypassing the nail holes.

For a higher level of protection, we use a liquid-applied product from Prosoco called Cat5. This product covers the entire wall, sealing around nails and screws. It remains flexible, accommodating any movement of the substrate, ensuring a complete seal around fasteners. This solution is particularly effective when using vertical siding and a rainscreen substrate, as it provides a uniform seal over uneven surfaces.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Waterproofing

At SinglePoint Builders, we prioritize the integrity of our structures by surpassing standards with state-of-the-art waterproofing techniques. It may not be glamorous, but getting this right is crucial. Without proper waterproofing, the beautiful finishes we install would be compromised by leaks and water damage, undermining the integrity and value of our work. Our commitment to excellence ensures that our clients enjoy beautifully crafted, durable, and weather-resistant homes that are built to last.

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