What to Know About Foundation Waterproofing?
Foundation waterproofing is the process of applying a waterproof membrane, a sealant, or a coating on the foundation wall of a house to prevent moisture or water leakage into the basement. You should waterproof foundations that are made of concrete, brick, Insulated Concrete Form and rubble foundations. Concrete foundations are the most used foundation types and you can use bentonite clay waterproofing membranes, cementitious waterproofing membranes, bituminous waterproofing membranes, sheet membranes, and elastomeric waterproofing membranes for concrete foundation waterproofing.
Damproofing is applying waterproofing membranes on the outside of the foundation in order to prevent water leakage from the soil. Interior foundation waterproofing and exterior foundation waterproofing are the two types of foundation waterproofing methods. Interior waterproofing is done to prevent both water and moisture in the basement, and outside foundation waterproofing is done to prevent the water leak from the soil.
Foundation waterproofing is a step-by-step process of material selection, leak identification, membrane selection, foundation wall surface cleaning, crack sealing, membrane installation, drainage system building, sump pump installation, and waterproof layer protection.
You can use both liquid and sheet membrane waterproofing products for foundation waterproofing. These are the most used foundation waterproofing products. Hydro ban, Red gard, and SikaProof are the most used foundation waterproofing products you can use.
The cost for the foundation is varies with the size of the foundation, height, foundation surface, environmental condition and expertness. You have to spend money for waterproofing for an average size foundation between 4000-5000 US dollars.
The duration of the small waterproofing project is between 1-2 days. Medium-size waterproofing projects take between 5 - 7 days, and large waterproofing projects can take more than 6 days. You can use both liquid and sheet membrane waterproofing products for foundation waterproofing. A foundation waterproofing can be damaged in various ways. But you can protect it by following the proper methods.
What is Foundation Waterproofing?
Foundation waterproofing is the process of applying a waterproof membrane, a sealant, or a coating on the foundation wall of a house to prevent moisture or water leakage into the basement. Foundation waterproofing consists of interior foundation wall waterproofing, exterior foundation wall waterproofing and drainage system building.
You can use sheet membranes and liquid membranes for foundation waterproofing. The main purpose of foundation waterproofing is to keep the foundation dry and free from water and moisture. You can do foundation waterproofing as a DIY project or hire an expert.
What Types Foundations You Should Waterproof?
You should waterproof foundations that are made of concrete, brick, Insulated Concrete Form and rubble foundations. Concrete foundations are the most used foundation types for homes. Hence it should be waterproof as soon as possible after you build. A newly constructed foundation is easy to waterproof, while an old foundation is difficult. The most difficult foundation waterproofing is rubble foundation, which is mostly in old houses.
- Concrete foundation waterproofing: You should waterproof the concrete foundation in order to prevent water and moisture from leaking from cracks, joints and holes in the foundation wall. You can use bentonite clay waterproofing membranes, cementitious waterproofing membranes, bituminous waterproofing membranes, epoxy crack injection sheet membranes, and elastomeric waterproofing membranes for concrete foundation waterproofing.
- Brick foundation waterproofing: Brick foundation is well known as a block foundation and should be waterproofed in order to prevent water leakage through brick and mortar joints, cracks and holes in the foundation. You can waterproof the brick foundation by using a combination of methods, including the application of a waterproofing membrane, installing a French drain system, and using waterproofing paint.
- ICF foundation waterproofing: Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) foundations should be waterproofed in order to prevent the absorption from the concrete pores. Because ICF foundations absorb the water from the surrounding soil through the porosity of the concrete. You can use rubberized asphalt membranes, thermoplastic waterproofing membranes, bentonite clay membranes, and sheet membranes for waterproofing the ICF foundations.
- Rubble foundation waterproofing: Rubble foundations can be difficult to waterproof due to their irregular shape. You can waterproof the rubble foundation by using a combination of methods such as applying a waterproofing membrane, installing a French drain system, and sealing any cracks or gaps with a waterproof sealant. You can use Bituminous membranes, Cementitious waterproofing membranes, Liquid waterproofing membranes, Rubberized asphalt membranes, or Thermoplastic membranes, such as PVC or TPO, which are heat-welded at the seams and highly resistant to a variety of environmental conditions.
What is Foundation Damproofing?
Foundation dampproofing is installing water-protective layers on the outside of the foundation in order to control the liquid water seeping from the soil. You can use bituminous waterproofing membranes, coatings and sealants for foundation damproofing. Foundation damproofing controls the water in the soil. But it does not control the moisture in the soil. Hence damproofed foundation should be waterproofed in order to control moisture.
You should build a proper drainage system to control the water outside of the foundation. Hence, you can use sheet membranes, french drainage, sump pump for damproofing the foundation.
What is Exterior Foundation Waterproofing?
Waterproofing foundation wall from outside, also known as exterior waterproofing. It is a method of protecting basement or foundation walls from water damage. This process involves excavating the soil around the house down to the foundation wall footer, cleaning and inspecting the exterior foundation walls, repairing any cracks or damage, and then applying a waterproofing membrane or material to prevent water from penetrating the walls.
The purpose of waterproofing foundation wall from outside is to prevent water infiltration which can lead to a variety of problems such as structural damage, mold growth, and basement flooding. It is a preventative measure that can save homeowners a lot of money in potential repairs and increase the value of their home. It also helps in maintaining a dry, healthy, and safe living environment.
What is Interior Foundation Waterproofing?
Waterproofing a foundation wall from the inside is a process used to prevent water or moisture from seeping into the interior of a building from its foundation. It involves the application of waterproof material or sealant to the interior surface of the foundation walls.
The main purpose of waterproofing a foundation wall from the inside is to prevent water damage to the interior of the building. This can include preventing the growth of mold and mildew, protecting the structural integrity of the building, and maintaining the health and safety of the occupants. It can also help to prevent basement flooding and protect belongings stored in these areas.
How to Waterproof Foundation?
You can waterproof the foundation by using these 8 steps. Foundation waterproofing is a combination process of material selection, leak identification, membrane selection, foundation wall surface cleaning, crack sealing, membrane installation, drainage system building, sump pump installation and waterproof layer protection. Each of these processes should be done step by step as follows.
8 Steps for foundation waterproofing
- Choose tools and materials for foundation waterproofing.
- Identify the water-leaking areas inside the foundation
- Choose the suitable foundation waterproofing method and drainage system
- Clean the foundation wall
- Seal the foundation cracks using primer
- Install the waterproofing membrane on the foundation wall
- Build a drainage system around the foundation perimeter
- Install the sump pump in the foundation sump basin
Related Topic: How to Waterproof Exterior Foundation Walls?
What Products Can I Use for Foundation Waterproofing?
You can use both liquid and sheet membrane waterproofing products for foundation waterproofing. These are the most used foundation waterproofing products.
- Blue Max Liquid Rubber Membrane
- MEL-ROL Waterproofing Membrane
- Drylok Extreme Masonry Waterproofer
- RedGard Waterproofing and Crack Prevention Membrane
- Hydro Ban Waterproofing Membrane
- SikaProof A Edge Sheet Membrane
- Super Thoroseal Waterproof Coating
- KERDI Waterproofing Membrane
- Volclay Panels
- Bituthene 3000 Waterproofing Membrane
How Much Does Foundation Waterproofing Cost?
The average size foundation (500-1500 square feet with of 8 foot height) costs between $4000-$5000 for waterproofing. For minor repairs such as sealing cracks and installing a sump pump, the cost can range from $2,000 to $6,000. For more extensive repairs like installing an interior drainage system or exterior waterproofing, the cost can range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
How Long Does It Take to Waterproof Foundation?
For minor repairs, such as sealing small cracks, foundation waterproofing can be completed within 1 - 2 days. For more extensive repairs, like installing an interior or exterior drainage system, it could take several 5 - 7 days. If the foundation needs to be excavated for repairs, it could take several weeks. Weather conditions can also affect the timeline. Always check with your contractor for an accurate timeline.
How to Protect Foundation Waterproofing?
Foundation waterproofing should be protected in order to have a durable and higher-performance waterproofing layer on the foundation wall. If the foundation waterproofing is damaged, it can cause water to leak into the basement. This can be used to increase the dampness, mold and mildew growth, and structural damage on the walls. Therefore you should protect the foundation wall as below.
- Install a sump pump below the foundation level.
- Apply waterproofing sealants on the waterproofing membrane on the foundation walls.
- Ensure proper drainage systems around the perimeter of the foundation
- Regular maintenance and inspectionInstall a French drain system around the perimeter of the foundation
- Use of water-resistant paints and primers on the foundation walls.
How to Damage a Foundation Waterproofing?
Foundation waterproofing damage is the deterioration, tearing, wearing, blistering and weakening of the waterproofing layer on the foundation. Due to foundation waterproofing damages, water can leak inside the foundation, and it can cause to negative effects of foundation damage, including structural instability, decreased property value, and potential safety hazards.
Here are seven ways that can potentially damage foundation waterproofing:
- Poor drainage system
- Tree roots growing into the foundation
- Soil erosion or shifting
- Incorrect installation of waterproofing measures
- Natural disasters like earthquakes and floods
- Poor construction materials or techniques
- Lack of regular maintenance and inspections
If the foundation waterproofing is damaged, you should know how to waterproof the foundation again step by step.