The foundation is regarded to be the most durable component of any structure. However, when a house’s foundation lowers into the soil, fractures form and water seeps in, resulting in a damp basement. In most cases, these foundation fractures may be repaired easily using do-it-yourself basement waterproofing options. Check out pomwaterproofing.ca for more information.
There are clearly cases of external waterproofing when a contractor is necessary to repair significant foundation damage or if a landscape architect/civil engineer recommends regrading your yard and/or revamping your drainage system. However, in this section, we’ll discuss indoor waterproofing techniques that you, as a homeowner, might use to obtain a dry basement.
The Benefits of Waterproofing
- Absorption of water will be decreased.
- Prevents the development of fractures on the concrete’s surface.
- Simple application.
- Extends the useful life of concrete construction.
- Prevents reinforcement from rusting.
- Prevents humidity from accumulating within the structure.
- Prevents ceiling and wall seepages.
- It lowers the building’s upkeep cost.
- The property’s value will improve, since no one wants to purchase a home with water leaks.
- It promotes a healthy atmosphere; effective waterproofing systems contribute to the creation of a clean living and working environment. It protects both the property and the people who live on it.
Waterproofing Techniques for Concrete
Waterproofing using Cementitious Materials
Cementitious waterproofing is the most straightforward way of waterproofing a structure during construction. Concrete waterproofing products are readily accessible on the market. This technique is employed in locations that are wet, such as toilets and bathrooms.
However, since it is utilized within damp locations such as toilets and baths, it is not subjected to sunlight or weathering. Thus, no expansion or contraction occurs throughout the cementitious waterproofing process.
Liquid Membrane for Waterproofing
Liquid membrane is a thin covering that is typically applied in two layers through spray or roller. It provides more flexibility than cementitious waterproofing due to the formation of a rubbery layer on the treated surface.
The waterproofing’s durability is determined by the kind of polymer utilized to create the liquid waterproofing. A liquid membrane is composed of asphalt that has been treated with a polymer. Waterproofing may also be accomplished using polyurethane liquid membranes.
Coating with Bitumen
Bituminous coating, commonly known as asphalt coating, is a flexible and protective material. It is an excellent protective coating and waterproofing agent, particularly for concrete foundation surfaces. Bituminous coatings are made of bitumen and are not appropriate for direct sunshine exposure. Due to prolonged exposure to sunlight, it becomes very brittle and weak.
Membrane Bituminous
The waterproofing of low sloping roofs using a bituminous membrane is a common approach. The bituminous membrane features a flame and is self-adhesive.
Asphalt, polymers, and filler are all components of self-adhesive compounds. The self-adhesive kind has a limited shelf life due to the membrane’s bonding qualities deteriorating over time. It is a combined compound composed of very sticky, viscous, and impervious organic liquids.
Bituminous Membrane Torch-on
Torch-on membranes are bonded by melting the bituminous layer on the member using a flame.
Incorporations
Over the last several years, a new sort of waterproofing has gained popularity around the globe. These admixtures are applied at the batching plant or on-site and chemically react with the concrete, converting it into a water barrier. Densifiers, water repellents, or crystalline admixtures may all be used as integral concrete waterproofing systems.
Admixtures of Crystalline Compounds
Typically, crystalline-based solutions are supplied in dry powder form. Crystalline systems actually employ available water to create crystals inside the concrete, thereby blocking moisture paths that may harm the water barrier itself.
Waterproofing Procedure
Step 1: Preparation of the Surface
Thoroughly clean the surface to remove any loose objects, dust, or grease. Cleaning the surface is critical in all membrane-based waterproofing coating systems.
Step 2: Primary Coat Application
Priming the structure’s surface with a primary coat. Bitumen membranes may be primed using solvent- or water-based primers.
Step 3: Unrolling the Membrane Sheets
Checking for proper alignment and adjusting the sheets as necessary, and unrolling the sheets on the structure’s surface.
Step 4: Heating the Membranes
The burn off layer on the membrane’s bottom face should be heated using a torch. The membrane is now prepared for adhesion to the underlying concrete surface.
Step 5: Applying Pressure to the Membrane
Firmly press the membrane on the concrete surface to ensure optimal adhesion. To ensure adequate bonding, further attention must be taken with overlaps, edges, and angles.
Conclusion
Whether you are building a new home or renovating an existing one, you should consider strategies to waterproof and protect your walls from moisture.
This is particularly crucial for individuals who live in locations with high rainfall or high humidity, since these weather conditions may cause your walls to remain wet for an extended period of time, allowing moisture to penetrate the paint layer and alter the interior structure. Not only will this seem unsightly, but it may also result in mould infestation and irreversible structural damage. This might jeopardize your home’s foundation.
