A rock-solid foundation keeps your home standing with confidence. Yet even the best foundations can fall prey to moisture, a major troublemaker that can cause structural instability. The best solution? Expert foundation waterproofing.
Foundation waterproofing involves a mixture of innovative techniques and materials applied to the exterior or interior surfaces of your foundation walls. As a result, pesky water won’t weasel its way in, and your home’s foundation will remain dry and secure.
How does foundation waterproofing work? Let’s find out!
What Is Foundation Waterproofing?
Your home’s foundation is like a backbone – it supports everything above it, keeping the structure of the property stable and strong.
But what happens when this backbone is compromised?
Expert foundation waterproofing shields your home from excess water, protecting it from the damaging effects of moisture in the soil.
Essentially, foundation waterproofing means keeping the soil around your property’s foundation dry.
When the ground around the foundation stays dry, excess moisture cannot seep into the foundation walls. This is important because most foundation issues begin when there is too much moisture in the soil.
If you leave these moisture problems unchecked, you may have to deal with cracks, leaks, and structural damage.
Why Is It Important To Waterproof My Foundation?
Foundation waterproofing keeps your basement or crawl space dry. However, it also helps maintain the health and longevity of the entire home.
Avoid Foundation Movement And Cracks
Expansive soils containing a lot of clay can swell when wet and shrink when dry, causing the foundation to move and crack. If your home is built on expansive soil, consider waterproofing to reduce the risk of damage and manage moisture levels.
Prevent Basement Or Crawl Space Flooding
No one wants to tackle a flooded basement or crawl space. Not only does a flooded basement or crawl space cause damage to your living space or crawl space support structures, but it can also create the ideal breeding ground for mildew and mold.
Choose expert foundation waterproofing to prevent water from entering the basement, keeping it clean and dry.
Save Money In The Long Run
Yes, foundation waterproofing may be expensive. However, by investing in expert foundation waterproofing, you will cut costs on costly repairs in the future.
Waterproofing Systems Combat Hydrostatic Pressure
Hydrostatic pressure refers to the pressure standing water in the soil around your property exerts. This pressure can push water through tiny pores and cracks in the foundation walls, which, over time, may cause severe structural damage.
Prevent Soil Erosion
Certain soil types, like silty or sandy soils, are prone to erosion, meaning they can wash away when wet.
This can undermine the foundation and cause it to settle unevenly.
Consider foundation waterproofing to manage water flow around the house and prevent erosion and the damage it can cause.
Avoid Health Concerns
As you know, an excess of moisture in the foundation can cause mold and mildew growth. For many people, mold and mildew are potential health concerns.
Keep your health and the well-being of your family intact, and consider waterproofing. Thanks to foundation waterproofing, the interior of your home will be dry and unsuitable for the growth of these harmful substances.
What Are The Best Techniques For Foundation Waterproofing?
Generally, there are four methods of waterproofing a foundation experts use, each with its benefits and possible drawbacks.
These techniques include interior and exterior waterproofing, sump pump installation, and French drains.
- Interior waterproofing: This popular method involves treating the interior walls of the foundation with waterproofing materials like coatings or sealants.
- Exterior waterproofing: This method involves experts excavating the soil around your foundation’s walls and applying a waterproof membrane or coating to the exterior surface.
- Sump pump installation: Sump pumps collect excess groundwater and pump it away from the foundation. Thus, you’ll end up with a dry basement!
- French drains: French drains are drainage systems experts install around the perimeter of the foundation to redirect water and keep it away from the basement or crawl space.
Talk to a professional foundation repair contractor to learn which method is best for your home.
An expert will assess factors such as the climate, soil composition, and possible sources of moisture before recommending the most suitable waterproofing technique.
How Can I Prepare For Foundation Waterproofing?
Preparation is the key to success, even if you’re considering foundation waterproofing. The entire project requires thorough surface preparation and attention to detail. Here’s how it goes:
Reach Out To A Skilled Expert
For guaranteed, long-lasting results, we recommend consulting with a professional foundation repair service specializing in waterproofing. These experts have the necessary tools and knowledge to ensure the job is done correctly.
Preparing The Surface
The wall and footing of the foundation must be properly cleaned and free of loose material.
Also, the surface should be smooth, with any loose concrete or voids filled with grout or cement. If necessary, experts will seal small voids to create a solid and continuous surface for the waterproofing material.
Inspection
Experts must carefully inspect the entire soon-to-be waterproofed surface. Any excess or loose material should be scraped off to ensure the surface is clean and ready for the next steps.
Foundation Waterproofing: Explaining The Process
Foundation waterproofing is a multi-layered process that demands the help of professionals. With that in mind, here is what you can expect from the process for both new and existing structures.
Effective Planning Is Fundamental
Prepare for possible delays related to weather, as rain and cold temperatures can cause problems. Also, consider the layout of your foundation and plan accordingly to accommodate any unique challenges or features.
Construction Best Practices To Keep In Mind
During the construction process, layout lines should be clearly marked, especially if the grade varies. All below-grade form-tie holes must be protected to prevent water entry.
The Curing Time
For new construction, typically, concrete needs approximately seven days to cure.
Nevertheless, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the product you’re using. If you apply waterproofing too soon, the water vapor escaping from the curing concrete may prevent the membrane from bonding correctly.
If using liquid membranes, you’ll usually want to start once the forms are removed. Alternatively, wait around two weeks for optimal results.
Protective Waterproofing
To protect the waterproofing, you’ll want to use a manufacturer-supplied protection board; a 1-inch thick expanded polystyrene board is an excellent choice. Avoid degradation by ensuring that the adhesive you’re using to secure the board is compatible with the membrane.
Essential Considerations For Existing Houses
Waterproofing an existing house focuses on assessing the present state of your foundation and addressing any pre-existing issues before applying waterproofing solutions. Often, this process will involve repair and preparation.
Foundation Waterproofing And Safety Precautions
Better safe than sorry—consider these safety precautions during foundation waterproofing. Better yet, trust an expert foundation repair service and let the professionals do their job!
- Flammable materials: Many materials used for foundation waterproofing are flammable, and solvent vapors can be dangerous.
It’s essential to handle all materials carefully and work in a well-ventilated area to minimize risks of inhalation hazards and fire.
- Chemical hazards: Chemicals in foundation waterproofing materials can cause skin lesions and other injuries. We recommend using appropriate protective equipment, such as goggles and gloves.
Again, it’s wise to consult with an expert foundation repair service. These professionals have the experience and knowledge to handle foundation waterproofing materials safely and ensure the project is done right.
FAQ
Do you have more questions about foundation waterproofing? You asked, and the experts answered!
How Long Does Foundation Waterproofing Take?
The total time to complete a foundation waterproofing project will vary based on factors like the work’s complexity, the foundation’s size, and possible weather delays. That said, most foundation waterproofing projects take a few days or less.
Can I Waterproof The Foundation Without Expert Help?
You can make minor repairs, but a professional foundation repair service should perform most of the work. Foundation waterproofing is complex and requires special tools and expert knowledge for proper installation and maximum efficacy.
What Are The Top Signs That My Foundation Needs Waterproofing?
You need to consider foundation waterproofing if you notice musty odors, water seeping into the crawl space or basement, and cracks in the floors and walls.
Reach Out To Regional Foundation & Crawl Space Repair
Turn to a professional foundation repair service for guaranteed results.
At Regional Foundation & Crawl Space Repair, we specialize in providing top-notch foundation repair services, basement waterproofing, concrete leveling, concrete resurfacing, and comprehensive crawl space repair.
We proudly serve Eastern North Carolina, including Durham, Greenville, Raleigh, and surrounding areas. Our expert team uses proven techniques and premium products to restore your foundation efficiently.
Most foundation repair projects can be completed in less than a week, and solutions offered by Regional Foundation & Crawl Space Repair are designed to be permanent – you won’t have to worry about expensive future repairs! Additionally, we stand by our work with a warranty for all foundation repair jobs.
No matter what foundation problems you have, we’re here to help. Whether you need foundation waterproofing, concrete resurfacing, or crawl space repair, reach out today! Call 919-364-6710 and receive a free estimate!
