Basement waterproofing involves the techniques and materials used to prevent water from entering the basement of the house or building. Waterproofing basements that are below ground level can require application of sealant materials, drainage and flood pumping, and more.
Video Basement waterproofing
Destination
Waterproofing is usually required by building code for structures built on or below the soil surface. Waterproofing and drainage considerations are essential in cases where groundwater is likely to accumulate in the soil or where there is a high water table.
Water on the ground causes hydrostatic pressure to be placed beneath the basement floor and walls. This hydrostatic pressure can force water to enter through the cracks, which can cause major structural damage as well as fungi, decay, and other moisture related problems.
Maps Basement waterproofing
Method
Some steps exist to prevent water from penetrating the basement foundation or to divert the water that has penetrated the foundation:
- Wall filler and interior floor
- Interior water drainage
- Exterior drainage
- Immersely waterproof layer
- Waterproofing box type
- Foundation crack injection
Interior layers
In the poured concrete foundations, cracking and pipe penetration are the most common entry points for seepage. This opening can be sealed from the interior. Epoxies, which are strong adhesives, or urethane can be injected into the hole, thereby penetrating the foundation to the outside and bypassing the seepage path.
In stone foundations, the interior sealer will not provide permanent protection from water infiltration in which hydrostatic pressure is present. However, the interior sealer is good for preventing high atmospheric humidity inside the basement from absorbing into porous pairs and causing spalling. Spalling is a condition in which high humidity or high humidity constant breaks the surface of masonry, causing damage and shedding of the concrete surface.
Interior water drainage
Although interior water drainage is not technically waterproof, it is a widely accepted technique in reducing basement water and is commonly referred to as a basement waterproofing solution. Many interior drainage systems are patented and recognized by BOCA (Building Officers and Code Administrators) as effective in controlling underground water.
The common system for draining water that has penetrated the crypt involves making channels around the basement next to the foundation foundation. French drainage pipes, PVC pipes, or patented drainage systems are installed in newly created channels. The installed channel is closed with new cement.
The drainage system collects water entering the basement and flows it to an internally placed water pump system, which then pumps water out of the basement. Wall channels (such as dimple boards or other membranes) are tied to the foundation wall and extend over the new drainage to guide moisture into the system.
Interior waterproofing
Basement interior waterproofing uses effective coatings where condensation is the main source of wetness. This is also effective if the problem is a small humidity. Normally, the interior waterproofing will not stop the big leak.
Exterior waterproofing
Waterproofing of external structures is the only method the IBC (International Building Code) recognizes as sufficient to prevent structural damage caused by water intrusion.
Existing basement waterproofing begins by digging into the bottom side of the foundation. After being excavated, the walls are then washed with electricity and allowed to dry. Dry walls are sealed with water-resistant membranes, and new drainage tiles (crying tiles) are placed on the sides of the foot.
Over the past decade, polymer-based waterproofing products have been developed. Polymer-based products can last a lifetime of the building and are unaffected by soil pH. Polymer-based waterproofing materials can be sprayed directly onto the wall, very quickly dry, and semi-flexible, allowing for some substrate movement.
Causes of water seepage and leakage
Water seepage in the basement and crawl usually occurs over a long period and can be caused by many factors.
- Concrete is one of the most common materials used in home construction. When the air bag is not removed, or the mixture can not be cured properly, the concrete can be cracked, allowing water to penetrate the wall.
- The foundation is the horizontal bearing that determines the perimeter of the foundation wall. When the footing is too narrow or not laid deep enough, they are vulnerable to movement caused by soil erosion.
- Gutters and downspouts are used to catch rainwater when it falls and throw it away from homes and buildings. When gutters are clogged or downspouts are damaged, rainwater is absorbed by the ground near the foundation, increasing hydrostatic pressure.
- The weeping tile is a porous plastic sewer pipe installed around the house. The main purpose of an external retaining tile is to prevent water from entering the basement. However, these pipes can become clogged or damaged, causing excess water to put pressure on internal walls and basement floors.
- Water that accumulates in a window well, after heavy rain or snow, can cause leaks through the window layer of the dungeon. Window cover can also be used to prevent water from accumulating in the window properly.
- Soil saturation is another common form of basement leakage. When the gutter fails the ground around the basement it can contain too much water and when the saturation point is full of floods it can occur.
Water damage warning sign
Signs that water seeps into the basement or crawls often take years to develop and may not be easily visible. Over time, many signs of damage can become apparent and can lead to structural failure.
- Cracked walls: Cracks can be horizontal, vertical, diagonal or swinging. Severe stress or structural damage is evidenced by the widening of cracks.
- Bending wall: Usually caused by hydrostatic pressure. The walls seemed to bend inward.
- Paint peeling: Water that seeps through the wall can cause bubbles to boil or flake along the walls of the dungeon.
- Blooming: White, the powder residue found on the wall of the basement near the floor.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms that normally grow in moist and dark areas and can cause respiratory problems after long-term exposure.
Inject crack injection
Foundation crack injection is used when pouring a cracked concrete foundation from either settlement or concrete expansion and contraction. Epoxy crack injections are usually used for structural purposes while hydrophobic or hydrophilic polyurethane injections are used to seal the cracks to prevent moisture or water penetration.
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia