As you know, walls make up the groundwork of your house. It would be best to focus on outside your house for weather conditions. Waterproof painting is not sufficient because the paint will also get stripped by water, snow, wind, etc. So, waterproofing the foundation wall is important to guarantee the walls are safe and have a good life span.
The first important thing is that having a good product will be better than having a successful waterproof basement.
Foundation Waterproofing
Foundation Waterproofing is the process of preventing water from entering a basement from outside. This will have a system that can avoid water ingress into the structure and is also good for hydrostatic pressure. A good waterproofing system prevents water from entering walls and allows water to drain safely. Different system options are available, and you have to select one carefully. For full protection, you can combine two waterproofing methods.
Foundation wall
A foundation wall is the part of the structure that is earth-retaining and below ground, in short, in contact with soil. It is made from masonry or concrete. The foundation wall, also known as the basement wall, is earth-retaining and below ground, in short, in contact with soil. It is made from masonry or concrete. The foundation wall, also known as the basement wall, is now built upon the footing or slab and is mostly around two meters in height. Damp issues may happen in earth-retaining sections, so they need a good waterproofing system.
What are the benefits of exterior waterproofing?
There are so many benefits, but some are mentioned here that are given.
Stop the water at its source.
Decrease the humidity in the basement.
Reduce the cost of air conditioning and dehumidification.
This minimizes the chance of structural damage (due to water seepage) to the foundation.
What should you consider when you are thinking about foundation wall waterproofing?
Important considerations are provided in the given.
- Access.
- While working, you may need to move to the fence or drive by neighbours’ yards. So all these factors should be discussed first before starting work.
- Plumbing/electrical.
- At the beginning of work, it is a good idea to have all utility lines, such as incoming power lines, sewer lines, gas lines, phone lines, and sprinkler systems, disconnected to avoid many related issues.
- Landscaping.
- Branches and trees should be replaced after work is completed.
Waterproofing method
Step # 01
Excavate the base around the entire perimeter
The initial step is to excavate the ground around the perimeter of the building. It is important to dig down to the base of the concrete footing to get access to the whole foundation. Sometimes this work includes removing concrete sidewalks, landscaping, and decking. To decrease the chance of damage to your house, you should hire a company that provides residential excavation services because these companies have equipment like small excavators for precision digging. If you want to waterproof a building with several units, then deal with a company offering multiplex building excavation service.
Step # 02.
Seal all the cracks
The second step is to seal all the cracks in the concrete. When the foundation condition is exposed, you will have the best view. You can inspect it for defects or cracks like honeycombing that cause many moisture issues in the basement. If you find any defects, deal with them to make them waterproof. Using polyurethane or injecting epoxy resin techniques is good for sealing cracks in concrete and avoiding water flowing between the interior and exterior of the foundation.
Step # 03
Apply a waterproofing membrane to the outside of the foundation
The concrete utilized for building bases is a porous material, which means if it does not have cracks, it can let water in. To avoid water, you need a waterproof membrane to attach to the outside. Several types of membranes can be used for the foundation, like honeycomb membranes and synthetic rubber membranes. For extra results, you can cover the footing with the membrane of your preference. It is also used to extend above ground level.
Step # 04
Backfill the trench you dug
Backfill the trench around the building when your waterproofing membrane has been well secured. Check the condition of your foundation before filling the hole. Instead of reaching your waterproof foundation, you can cover it with a geotextile and clean gravel to ensure water drainage.
These steps need a professional, and you hire a skillful person.
How can you find out what caused the dampness in your basement?
To find out why a one-foot square piece of aluminum foil was taped to the basement wall inside and left there for almost 24 hours. Suppose condensation is present outside the foil. Then you will have high humidity in the basement. Then it may be fixed with a room dehumidifier instead of other waterproofing products. If the foil condenses, the soil around your property may be naturally damp due to poor drainage or a high water table. In this condition, you may need to use waterproofing methods. You can waterproof both sides to get better results, so it’s up to you and may also be costly.
What is the cost of foundation wall waterproofing?
The cost will vary according to the condition. The nature of the problem, its size, and the number of walls can change the cost of waterproofing the foundation wall from the outside. You can confirm the cost with a professional.
Wrap up
We have mentioned in this article the importance of waterproofing your basement. Now it is your responsibility to avoid water damage. No one wants to destroy their property, so always take vital precautions before letting precious things get damaged. Thank you for your time! I’m glad you enjoyed our article and got useful content.
