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Waterproofing Foundation
 If you are going to build a new home
you need to waterproof the foundation of it so you won't have a wet
basement in just a few years.
There are different foundation
waterproofing products and systems on the market so it really can be
confusing. Hence what are your options?
Below is a short
overview of the most common waterproofing foundation systems to help
you to decide:
1. Liquid Rubber Foundation
Waterproofing Membranes
are
elastomeric polymerized coatings made from liquid rubber – the
same quality material your car tires are made from.
Advantages: They are easy to apply, quick to
dry, cold applied. You can do it by yourself, by using
sprayer, roller or trowel. The liquid cures into an elastic
rubber coating, able to fill up current small holes and bridge
possible future cracks in foundation wall as the building
settles down. Rubber is flexible. They also usually come with
a long warranty, and many are environmentally friendly with
low solvent content, or solvent free. Very economical.
Disadvantages: Possibility of inconsistency in
coverage, but the newest products will help you to determine
the "right" thickness by the intensity of color, i.e. if you
apply the product and you see any lighter patches, you just
add more liquid. Additional surface preparation and curing may
be required. If there are bigger cracks or holes in the
structure you have to fill in with cement or other
trowel-grade material before applying the overall coating.
Also some of the liquid membranes require longer curing times
for the concrete before they can be applied to insure proper
bonding.
2. Hot applied Liquid Rubber
Foundation Waterproofing:
It's a
rubberized asphalt compound that forms a strong, flexible
monolithic waterproofing membrane. Can be also applied on
roofs.
Advantages: Adheres to virtually any
structural surface. Ideal for rough uneven surfaces.
Monolithic, free of seams, watertight, eliminates water
migration and buildup of moisture. Offers strong protection
because of the way it has to be applied.
Disadvantages: The surface has to be primed by
primer first. The cost is higher because the product has to be
applied in layers – basically you apply first coat of hot
liquid rubberized asphalt, then you have to quickly firmly
press on the fabric reinforced sheet into that hot layer, then
apply a second coat of hot liquid waterproofing. Also,
depending on the local building code you may have to apply 2
or 3 of these sheet layers. Because of this, the elasticity is
low. And because it is Hot you have to be very careful – the
best is to have it applied by a certified specialist.
3. Sheet membranes
The most
common are self-adhering rubberized asphalt membranes composed
of rubberized asphalt laminated to a waterproof polyethylene
film.
Advantages: The biggest one is the
consistent thickness because they are "pre-made" to a required
standard. Mechanically strong, resistant to hydrostatic
pressure. Cover even the bigger holes or damaged
areas.
They can be applied to concrete, metal, wood or
masonry surfaces.
Disadvantages: Harder to
apply because of their very high "stickiness", also the cost
for in-place is higher. Application requires at least 2 people
to put in on properly. Requires lots of additional work =
additional cost. If there are irregularities on the surface
you want to put a sheet on they have to be smoothed first with
some coat to make the surface even. You also would need to
learn of joint treatment, lap joints, corners, penetration,
priming, patching etc. And once the piece is down you won't
get it back up in reusable condition.
4. Cementitious
Waterproofing
Is a
cement based flexible waterproofing membrane. It can consist
of Portland cement, sand, acrylic mixture, plasticizer and
other active waterproofing chemicals to increase it's
durability and effectiveness.
Advantages: Very
easy to use, just mix the powder with water according to
manufacturer's recommendation, and apply with brush or trowel.
Very accessible - available from suppliers of masonry
products, or specialized dealers. Paintable. Also comes in a
variety of colors. In most cases one coat is sufficient,
although some areas may be needing a use of the reinforcing
mesh. Low cost. Corrosion and weather resistant. Can be
applied as a positive or negative side waterproofing.
Disadvantages: No flexibility – cement does not
stretch, so as the structure settles down there are the
possibilities of the future cracks. Before applying the
surface has to be free from protrusions, gaping cracks, oils,
paints, water repellents and any other foreign material that
could act as a bond breaker. Holes must be filled with
approved block filler.
5. Bentonite Waterproofing
is a
bentonite clay below-grade foundation waterproofing product
which consists of sodium bentonite clay sandwiched between 2
layers of woven and no-woven puncture resistant polypropylene
fabric. Comes as a clay panels and sheets.
Advantages: Can absorb tremendous amount of
water. And as it takes the water in the clay swells and pushes
itself into cracks and voids where it stays permanently as a
barrier against the water. It is flexible and resistant to
most chemicals. Non-toxic, non-polluting. No fumes. Can be
applied in cold weather.
Disadvantages: Because
of the way the clay works the seal does not form until the
foundation is backfilled and the water reaches the bentonite
material, which means you cannot confirm the integrity of the
seal. |
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Summary of the Choices for Waterproofing Your
Foundation:As you see a lot depends on your own situation,
needs, requirements and what you feel comfortable with. The best way
is to talk to the experts, check the manufacturers requirements
especially for the concrete curing time, temperature limitations and
additional labor requirements. Yes, waterproofing of the foundation
can seem to be expensive at the first glance, but remember that it
is a Long-term solution which when applied properly will save you
lots of time, headache and money in the future, so please, don't
skimp on it.
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