The need for waterproofing has always been remained constant, despite the methods and materials having changed to accommodate the buildings of their time. From granaries needing to be kept dry to homeowners battling damp walls, moisture removal solutions have had to evolve constantly to ensure the job got done.

In the beginning

Waterproofing is not a new concept and has been around since the time of ancient civilisations, with different communities using different materials to protect their buildings. The Egyptians, for example, used to make use of a mixture of fats and oils to prevent water from entering their boats, while the Greeks would employ asphalt and tar into their building techniques to waterproof their properties. While all of these may seem outdated and rudimentary, given the technology of our time, these methods all became fundamental in understanding moisture control.

The Age of Exploration and Beyond

Beyond building, waterproofing solutions became a necessity for trade and exploration, with ship builders and seafarers using pitch and tar from pine trees to ensure their vessels remained safe and seaworthy. In contrast, the 18^th and 19th centuries saw the emergence of slate and other materials on land, where it was found that homes were better protected from the elements when these products were used in their production.

The Modern Era

When the 20^th century came around, waterproofing experienced a transformative shift, with engineers and scientists taking a greater interest in the area and their development of synthetic materials to combat moisture build-up. These synthetic materials, in turn, gave rise to the invention of the modern waterproofing membrane, a durable and flexible material that could be used from basements to rooftops and whose demand grew with the rise in urbanization and its need for effective and long-lasting waterproofing solutions.

The Current Cutting-Edge Era

At present, the advancement of waterproofing is unprecedented when compared to previous years. There are now electrophysical and smart devices, like Wall-Dry, that make use of comprehensive technology to combat moisture and damp. With an even greater emphasis on efficiency and environmental impact, these sustainable and smart solutions provide wall and property protection on a molecular level, using nanotechnology and eco-friendly materials to ensure moisture protection at every level.

The Future of Waterproofing

Smart home integrations are becoming more and more prevalent and the future of waterproofing promises to provide homeowners with real-time alerts and monitoring, building on the present eco-friendly model that uses sustainable materials and allows for more proactive solutions to dampness and moisture problems. And, if the past is anything to go by, the evolution of waterproofing promises to be an exciting one that focuses on the future of the planet as much as it does the future of moisture prevention.

While many view waterproofing and moisture removal solutions as an entity on their own, separate from the greater successes of mankind, what these changes in the industry highlight is humanity’s relentless quest for comfort and protection from the elements of life – regardless of their geographic location – showcasing just another facet of our sameness and drive to protect ourselves and the environment at every stage and in every era.