Waterproofing foundations: simple and effective
Whether you decide to renovate or build your dream home, it’s always a good idea to waterproof your foundation. Avoid water infiltration, damp basements and mould growth by ensuring the waterproofing of your foundation walls.
Why Waterproof Your Foundation?
By waterproofing foundations, you will not only reduce the risk of cracks, but you will also benefit from better insulation and peace of mind.
To ensure the durability of your structure and the protection of your home against water and moisture, foundation waterproofing becomes a very important step to extend concrete’s life. In fact, the water-repellent membrane (or other method chosen from the ones we present below) blocks natural soil moisture that could damage the concrete’s condition over time. This prevents persistent moisture problems in the basement and even water infiltration.
Knowing that the soil around your home naturally contains water and moisture. It must also adequately drain water generated by rainfall, snowmelt, roof runoff or lawn and flower watering. It is also possible that your home is located in a floodplain or on groundwater that rises to the ground, especially in the spring and fall.
This promotes hydrostatic pressure at the base of the foundation, which can cause water infiltration and even structural problems such as cracks. The result? One of homeowners’ worst nightmares: a flooded basement.
Therefore, to keep your home dry, prevent water from seeping in and creating moisture, you must protect your foundation based on the characteristics of your property.
Which products or methods should we choose?
Since there are a multitude of membrane brands and other waterproofing methods on the market, it may be difficult to find your way around.
In fact, some homeowners thought they had installed a supposedly waterproof membrane, but what was their surprise when they realized that it wasn’t really waterproof and that it wouldn’t protect their foundation as effectively in the long term as they thought it would?
It is therefore important to call upon the judicious advice of our experts at Rockethammer to guide you in this process.
Here are some foundation waterproofing options that are available:
● Unique Delta MS air gap protection membrane: it creates a decoupling air gap between the wet earth fill and the vertical foundation wall. It makes sure water flows freely to the French drain.
● Tar: This method involves applying a layer of tar that adheres to the concrete to seal cracks, crevices and holes. Waterproof and resistant, tar prevents the passage of water and ensures that the foundations remain dry.
● Waterproof membrane: this option creates hermetic protection against water and moisture.
● Liquid water-repellent membrane: in this case, a layer of liquid product is applied which will harden later as a result of a reaction with the moisture that is present in the air. The water repellent membrane will become uniform and solid, and its texture similar to that of rubber. This is a flexible and fast drying technique.
● Elastomer membrane: this is a strong, self-adhesive material that seals the foundation and protects it from the elements. Note that maintenance is necessary to optimize the results over time.
In short, foundation waterproofing is often a neglected step in the construction of a home. But only waterproofing can effectively protect your foundation from water and moisture infiltration. This will ensure that your foundation is better able to withstand cracking and damage over time. Ultimately, you are protecting your home’s health and that of your family… That’s an investment that pays off!
