Basement waterproofing refers to the methods and materials used to keep water from entering a structure’s basement. Waterproofing a basement below ground level may need the use of sealant materials, the construction of drains and sump pumps, and other measures. Basement areas are especially prone to dampness and moisture growth. Hydrostatic pressure is exerted under basement floors and walls due to water in the soil. Water may be forced into fractures by this hydrostatic pressure, causing significant structural damage as well as mildew, rot, and other moisture-related issues. Improper Soil and Drainage Systems, Poorly Installed and Maintained Gutters, Improper Slope, Hydrostatic Pressure and Condensation, and Other Issues. Check out Pomwaterproofing for more information.
Basement waterproofing techniques come in a variety of varieties.
Sealants for the inside
Cracks and pipe penetrations are the most frequent entrance sites for seepage in poured concrete foundations. These gaps may be sealed from the inside. Epoxies or urethanes, which are strong adhesives, maybe pressure injected into the holes, piercing the foundation through to the outside and blocking the route of the seepage. Interior sealers are useful for preventing excessive ambient humidity from seeping into porous brickwork and creating spalling. Interior sealants are intended to keep the basement’s ambient humidity level low. Using internal sealants to waterproof your basement prevents moisture from being absorbed by the basement walls and flooring, as well as moisture from leaking into other areas of the home.
Drainage of interior water
A drainage system, which moves water from the footers of the home foundation and out below the basement floor, may assist prevent water accumulation in your basement. Creating a channel around the perimeter of the basement beside the foundation footers is a typical method for draining water that has entered the basement. In the freshly created channel, a French drain, PVC pipe, or proprietary drainage system is placed. The installed drain has been resurfaced with fresh cement.
Basement waterproofing on the outside
The external basement waterproofing technique is intended to prevent water from causing significant structural damage to the structure by coating the outer basement walls with polymers and membranes. Polymer-based materials are designed to endure the life of the structure and are unaffected by soil pH. Polymer-based waterproofing solutions may be sprayed directly onto a wall, cure quickly, and are semi-flexible, allowing for some substrate movement.
Basement waterproofing on the inside
Interior basement waterproofing using coatings works well when condensation is the primary source of moisture. It is also useful if there is little moisture in the issue. One of the most efficient ways to preserve your basement is to install a backwater valve. The most difficult option for internal waterproofing is to install a drainage system. There are many methods and materials that may be utilized. A French drain with a sump pump installation, rubber walls, water weeping tiles, and a drainage membrane is one appropriate option. This technique enables water to easily escape without causing damage to the walls.
Crack injections in the foundation
Foundation crack injections are utilized when poured concrete foundations crack due to settling or concrete expansion and contraction. Epoxy crack injections are often utilized for structural reasons, while hydrophobic or hydrophilic polyurethane injections are used to seal cracks and prevent moisture or water entry. Injection sealing of the fractured chamber will resolve the issue and can be done from the inside with little disturbance. Our method entails drilling a series of holes every 6 – 8′′ along the crack’s length. Each access hole is 3/8′′ in diameter, perpendicular to the crack run, and slanted at 45 degrees such that the drilled hole crosses the crack in the approximate middle of the wall being treated, ensuring the most efficient sealant distribution.
Various basement waterproofing products
Different waterproofing methods have evolved in response to rising demand. Companies are increasingly concentrating on developing new solutions to meet the increasing demand for basement waterproofing. Some of the most common systems are as follows:
Waterproof seal
This method employs cell mesh that binds with newly poured concrete to form a seal. This stops water from entering. It can be placed quickly with no need for blinding concrete, priming, or protection, and it may be used immediately after installation.
Polymer Modified Bitumen Coating
A fiber-reinforced, two-component waterproofing compound solution consisted of a rubberized bitumen emulsion with additives and a powder component. Even around features like pipe penetrations, inner and outer corners, wall-floor connections, and so on, the application is simple.
Waterproofing membrane made of EPDM
The basement waterproofing membrane is a single-ply rubber waterproofing membrane. It is made of EPDM rubber, which is a synthetic rubber. EPDM rubber waterproofing membranes outperform alternatives in terms of technology and economics.
The cementitious coating is a flexible, waterproofing membrane made of Portland cement and acrylic. It is utilized in basements. In water-retaining and below-ground buildings, this system can withstand positive and negative pressures up to 100m head.
New Build Reinforced Concrete
This is a cement-based basement waterproofing method. When applied on a concrete surface, the active compounds react with free lime and moisture in the capillary tract to create insoluble crystalline complexes. These crystals prevent additional water intrusion by blocking capillaries and small shrinkage fractures in the concrete.
