FOUNDATION WATERPROOFING

Some decades ago, the best foundation waterproofing that was widely applied was the asphalt-based substance with a dull look and unpleasant smell. That material was made as an oil-refining be-product and its waterproofing qualities were rather doubtful. The characteristic feature of asphalt is that it cannot prevent water accumulation under the foundation. So, it is better to be considered damp-proofing because it can only block the soil moisture from penetrating into concrete. It is actually useless against the water that enters the concrete due to hydrostatic pressure. The latter is created by the highly saturated soil when the weather conditions or the ground position are rather unfavorable.

Read more: Basement Wall or Floor Cracks

Steps Of Foundation Waterproofing

Step 1. Inspect the surface of the walls and fill any large voids with mortar.

Step 2. Applying a waterproofing to the foundation

The first component of this system is a peel-and-stick membrane or a liquid-based coating that can be easily applied to the walls of the foundation. 

The liquid-applied membrane is made of styrenobutadiene rubber (SBR) and it presents a new generation of coating materials applied for waterproofing of the concrete surfaces. Such materials are insoluble and water-resistant. They can also withstand the hydrostatic pressure.

Peel-and-stick (another name is self-adhered) membranes are the most efficient waterproofing options ever. They present the best solution for exterior foundation waterproofing systems. Such membranes produced by respectable manufacturers also involve those three layers: the release sheet which serves as backing and can be peeled away right before being applied, the membrane body, and the special film for the outer surface that is left unmovable when applied. Unlike any spray-applied coating, such membranes are not so finicky. They are not affected by humidity, composition, and the temperature of the concrete. If such factors have been detected before making a choice of waterproofing technique, it is always better to give preference to the self-adhered membrane. If not taken into consideration, these things can influence the durability and long-term adhesion. Moreover, such factors should not be considered only before application. There is a need to monitor them even during and after the spraying process to be sure about the work quality. 

Step 3. We apply a layer of insulation over the waterproofing membrane.

Step 4. Drain Down

After the waterproofing coating has been applied to the foundation, most constructors decide that their job is finished. They simply start backfilling. That allows excessive water to penetrate under the membrane and then, it may find some minor imperfection or crack and cause a leak.

Putting a drain board as the top layer over the membrane is the best way of coating and avoiding the negative outcomes. The drain board can provide a gap with the air inside, and the water, even if it runs towards the foundation, is stopped by that air gap and redirected to the footing drains. Moreover, such a board can protect the membrane against being damaged by rocks, road base, or other materials used for backfilling.

Waterproofing Block Foundation

Ideally, penetration of water into the concrete block foundation can be stopped by exterior waterproofing that helps prevent the water seeping into these blocks. In reality, some other jobs are needed to be accomplished from the exterior, such as foundation excavating and coating of its walls. However, such massive excavation may turn out to be rather costly, destructive, and completely undesirable. The best way out here is interior water proofing. If you install a weeping tile or perimeter drainage system, the extended water in the concrete blocks of your foundation will be cleared away. These two methods are quite effective when we speak about basement waterproofing and diminishing of the damage caused to the foundation by the excessive water.

How to waterproof brick foundation

Step 1. Leaky, Damp and Moldy Unprotected Foundation

The main cause of the cracks that may appear in the brick foundation is the hydrostatic pressure. In its turn, it is produced by the rising soil water. The surface water from heavy rainstorms can also infiltrate into the ground next to the foundation wall. If the weeping tile is damaged, the risk of foundation destruction is very high.

Step 2. Excavate, Clean and Prepare Foundation Walls

To start the procedure of external waterproofing, excavation is needed around the house foundation. Normally, small-size excavators or shovels are used for this purpose. Then, the exposed brick wall needs cleaning. It is also worth examining it for cracks and other traces of damage.

Step 3. Repair and Refill Damaged Areas with Hydraulic Cement

In 95% of cases, the cracks in the foundation walls are detected. We use hydraulic cement to repair them. This material can set and dry quite rapidly, within 3 minutes. The contractor also recommends taking away the old and damaged weeping tile.

Step 4. Foundation Waterproofing: Apply a Parge Coating

After the damaged brick wall has been fixed, we apply a parge coating to it. This kind of coating is made of the special Portland cement and some substances that work as bonding agents. This material is usually applied if you would like to smooth or hide spots and imperfections on the wall surface.

Step 5. Apply Rolled Foundation Sealer

If you want to make a barrier between water and the brick foundation, you may need to apply a special foundation sealer. The brick material needs much protection because it is rather porous and can absorb moisture very fast trapping the water inside. Our workers usually use a nap roller with a long handle to apply the sealer to the wall.

Step 6. Install Delta-MS Air Gap/Drainage Membrane System

After all those procedures, we install the special drainage membrane system called Delta-MS. It consists of a hydrophilic geotextile layer that helps drain the excessive water away quite efficiently.

Step 7. Install Filtered Weeping Tile & Gravel Jacket

The next step the contractor undertakes is to install a new weeping tile. It is made of polyethylene with high density. That makes it very durable and flexible at the same time. The tile is also very tough, especially when it is surrounded with the gravel jacket, and it can last for a very long time, even for life.

Step 8. Backfill, Compact & Surface Restore Materials

After backfilling with gravel, the only thing that is left to do is tramping down the area and putting all the things around the foundation on their initial places. The clients do not normally see the difference. The only thing to notice is that their basement is not moldy, wet, or leaky any longer