What Can I Use To Waterproof My Outdoor Foundation?

In the beginning, it is important to define what a foundation wall is because doing so makes it simpler to comprehend the many options for waterproofing.

The component of a building that is below earth and ground-retaining, or, to put it another way, in contact with soil, is referred to as the foundation walls. Concrete or masonry is the typical material used in its construction. If there is a basement or cellar on the opposite side of the foundation walls, then those foundation walls are also referred to as basement walls. They are often built upon the slab or the footings in new building, and their height is typically somewhere around two metres.

The term "foundation walls" can also be used to refer to the portion of a building's wall that is located below ground but does not form an area that can be inhabited. This occurs more frequently in older homes that have walls that reach approximately one metre or more into the ground. These earth-retaining areas of the wall have the potential to cause problems with dampness, which will require repair work.

When most people think about waterproofing a basement, the first thing that comes to their mind is the work that takes place outside the house. At Hitch Property Constructions, we offer a wide variety of waterproofing services in Melbourne that are designed to make any water-related problem you have as stress free and easy as possible.

Even to someone who has never worked on or seen someone else work on basement waterproofing, it makes sense that preventing water from entering the basement by sealing it off from the outer surface would be the best course of action, and in many instances, this is correct. Basement waterproofing is a very specialised field.

There is no doubt that modern methods exist to effectively waterproof a basement's interior. The use of interior drain tile, for example, is a diverse solution to waterproofing that inhibits seepage from fractures in the basement floor and the seam between the floor and wall that is known as the cove joint.

You can also use interior drain tile to manage seepage that is coming through a masonry wall or porous concrete wall that has cracked or degraded mortar joints. This is made possible by the fact that interior drain tile is waterproof.

Internal injection of expanding polyurethane seals the crack to the exterior soil and, after curing, retains its pliability to prevent re-cracking due to minor foundation movement, thereby preventing the seepage of liquid and other fluids through the crack. This type of repair can prevent further cracking from occuring even if the foundation shifts slightly.

There are, however, techniques for waterproofing a basement that can only be done on the exterior of a home's foundation. These techniques are the most effective ways of preventing seepage from specific sources, and they are the only ones that can be done.

The fact that the water is on the exterior of the building is a compelling argument in favour of waterproofing a basement from the outside. The water that seeps into a basement originates from the ground that is immediately adjacent to it, either directly below the foundation or all around it.

Depending on the type of soil involved, the expansion of the soil that occurs as a result of water being absorbed by the soil. For instance, the usual sandy soil doesn't expand too much because the sand in the soil produces more gaps between the particles, which makes it easier for water to pass through the soil. This prevents the soil from becoming overly compacted.

On the other side, the clay soil that can be found throughout most of the Midwest and particularly surrounding is known for being extremely expansive. This type of soil has very poor drainage and is able to retain a large amount of water. Because the clay soil particles are smaller and more closely packed, the soil expands when it becomes soaked. This is something that any homeowner in the Chicago region who has tried to dig a hole in their yard is aware of.

The cumulative effect of this expansion and swelling results in pressure being exerted on the foundation. This pressure has the potential to practically force water through any little opening, such as a crack, a porous patch, or an unsealed utility entry, which will result in seepage in the basement.

The adoption of an outside form of basement waterproofing is typically necessary in order to combat seepage in the basement brought on by lateral pressure brought on by oversaturated soil. It is also possible to relieve the problem by performing work on the exterior of the building that does not technically include waterproofing but is more connected to water management and keeping water away from the foundation. So, how exactly does one go about waterproofing the exterior of a basement?

Waterproofing Membrane for the Exterior There are occasions when a foundation wall just leaks. Modern homes typically feature poured concrete foundation walls, but these walls can have porous spots due to construction errors. These holes could have resulted from a lack of vibration during the pouring process, which would have prevented the air from being forced out of the concrete, or from dry or aggregate cement forming pockets. Because of these porous areas, water may eventually be able to make its way into the basement.

A break in the masonry wall or the deterioration of the mortar joints between the individual masonry units is a common cause of seepage in masonry walls. Mortar joints can crack if there is even slight movement in the foundation, and they can degrade over time if there is recurrent movement or if the installation was done incorrectly. The typical wall can have hundreds of running feet of mortar joints, which means that there is a massive expanse of space where there is the possibility for seepage issues.

Additionally, the individual masonry units that make up masonry walls—especially concrete brick and blocks may have pores large enough to allow water to seep through them over time. Because water can collect in the cavities of a concrete block and then seep through the block's porous inner side, the block is particularly susceptible to water damage. Water can enter the block through its porous outer side.

In conclusion, it is possible for water to leak over the top of any foundation wall. This is more likely if the lawn outside the house has a negative grade (that is, it slopes towards the house), or if the deck, patio, or other nearby structure was poorly constructed.

Installing an exterior waterproofing membrane to produce an impenetrable water barrier outside the foundation is the solution to all of these issues, which is why they are all discussed in the same sentence.

Beginning the digging process is the first step in the process of installing an outside waterproofing membrane. A full basement requires the excavation of the foundation to a depth of at least eight feet below grade to reach the footings. The length of the excavation can vary from just the affected wall to the entire perimeter of the house, and it must be several feet wide so that technicians have room to work.Before beginning the excavation, these two conditions must be met.

As soon as the excavation is finished, the next step in installing the wall is to loosen mortar or concrete and remove any soil that is attached to it. In order to smooth down the surface of a masonry wall composed of coarse brick or stone, a thick coat of mortar is first applied, and then it is allowed to cure before any further work is done.

After the wall has been prepared, the professionals will apply a thick covering of asphalt-modified polyurethane with masonry trowels. Because of its black colour, the substance is frequently misconstrued as tar or roofing cement. However, the substance in question is a specialised sealant designed specifically for use below ground, and neither of the aforementioned products is an appropriate substitute for it.

After the membrane has had enough time to cure, it will have the consistency of a continuous barrier surrounding the foundation. This barrier will not only prevent water from entering, but it will also help maintain the wall's structural integrity. On a regular basis, an insulating material that comes on a roll can be put over the membrane, as might a drainage board made of heavy-duty plastic. The membrane will be better protected thanks to the drainage board, which will also direct water in a downward direction. Clips installed into the wall prior to membrane application are used to fasten any covering to the membrane. This ensures that the clips are completely enclosed within the membrane after it is applied.

After that, the void created by the excavation is filled up, and the foundation is permanently sealed off to prevent seepage. However, there is an adjustment that can be made to the outer waterproofing membrane that has the potential to make it even more successful.

Exterior Drain Tile When the groundwater surrounding a foundation is particularly high, it is in the homeowner's best interest to instal exterior flow tile and the membrane. This will relieve pressure on the walls and allow water to drain away more effectively.

A bed of washed gravel is first laid down at the bottom of the excavation before the external drain tile can be installed. This is done after the membrane has been finished. After this, a network of perforated PVC tubing is built to lay even with the footings over the whole length of the excavation. This network is either connected at one or both ends to a sump pump or let to drain to daylight. With order to prevent dirt from entering the system, the pipe is typically enclosed in a "sock" made of filtering fabric.

After that, the pipe is covered with additional washed gravel, and the trench is then backfilled. The drainage board that was stated earlier will assist in directing water towards the drain tile at the bottom of the structure. The property owner will reap the benefits of an all-encompassing and very efficient outside solution for preventing moisture from entering their basement.

The installation of an exterior waterproofing membrane in addition to exterior drain tile is a substantial amount of work. However, there is yet another method of waterproofing a basement that may be done swiftly and efficiently on the exterior of the building.

Repairing Exterior Cracks - As was said before, foundations made of poured concrete are the most prevalent type found practically everywhere. A crack in the basement wall that is not related to the structure of the building is the most typical cause of water seepage in a poured concrete foundation. These cracks can be formed by the foundation settling or by the same lateral stresses that generate other types of seepage. Both of these scenarios might result in the foundation being cracked.

Typically, expanding polyurethane is injected into the cracks on the interior of the basement in order to fix them after they have been found. On the other hand, the crack can also be fixed on the exterior of the building in the event that the basement has been finished or that access to the crack is obstructed in some other way by an appliance such as a furnace or water heater.

The process of repairing exterior cracks also begins with digging, albeit on a much more minute scale. At the location of the fracture in the foundation, a hole with a diameter that is somewhat smaller than the foundation is dug. The hole goes all the way down to the footings of the foundation.

Once the hole has been dug out, it is backfilled with a granular sodium bentonite clay. This granular clay can be used to create a permanent, flexible barrier against water seepage along the length of a crack by absorbing water from the surrounding ground. When the sod or soil is replaced, the repair is undetectable to the naked eye.

Foundation Waterproofing Products

When waterproofing a foundation, there are a lot of different items that need to be used. These products range from membranes to drains to primers. However, before we get into how to make use of them, below is a list with links to all of our products:

• Newton 410 Geodrain
• PermaSEAL 20 Geodrain
• PermaSEAL 8 40m²
• Kiesel Waterproofing Liquid
• Kiesel MB Primer
• A good strip that caps off the rain
• Insulation from Fibrin (optional)
• Multi-Tight MB 2K Plus

Insulation can also be added to increase thermal performance and provide an additional layer of protection on top of the primary waterproofing.

Structured Waterproofing Systems

The goal of Structured waterproofing systems is to offer a level of protection that is unrivalled against the intrusion of water. The most effective methods of waterproofing an outside foundation include not just a main but also a secondary layer of waterproofing in addition to an initial priming stage. We will walk you through the PermaSEAL foundation waterproofing system so you can get an idea of how the precise technique for waterproofing differs depending on the system and goods used. Our approach for waterproofing the foundation is comprised of the following four key components:

• Primer is a substance that seals the foundation wall, preventing water from penetrating it.
• The first layer of protection against moisture; it creates an impermeable barrier.
• A secondary waterproofing system, an external cavity drain membrane, is installed to remove any remaining moisture.
• The structure was subjected to hydrostatic water pressure.
• A drain that is equipped with inspection ports directs water to a secure location.

Priming the masonry or concrete foundation walls with Kiesol MB Primer is the first step in installing any structured waterproofing systems. Priming is required regardless of whether the foundation is made of masonry or concrete. With the help of this primer, a strong bond with the primary waterproofing layer can be achieved.

The next step is to apply a primary waterproofing layer, which should be made of Multi Tight MB 2K Plus. This specifically formulated coating is watertight even when subjected to a high hydrostatic water pressure. Additionally, it offers defence against radon. Because it is flexible, MB2K+ can accommodate bridge and growth any cracks that may appear in the future.

The installation of a Geodrain cavity drainage membrane and drain system constitutes the final step in the process of waterproofing the foundation. Because of this, any water that may be present in the area around the building will be able to flow freely through a hollow produced by a distinctive stud profile. The water is carried to an appropriate soakaway or sump chamber via land drain or French drain that is located below floor level. If there is any water at this point, it drains down to the lower level. Looking for services related to waterproofing the interior? No need to look any further! You have nothing to worry about when you use Hitch Property Constructions.

Foundation Waterproofing Membrane—Secondary

Installing a foundation waterproofing membrane is required since it is a component of the system used to waterproof the foundation. This works by directing water away from your foundation walls and protecting the layer that is considered to be the primary layer of waterproofing. In addition to this, it stops the water pressure from exerting force against the inflicting and building damage. When selecting a foundation membrane, there are a few essential factors to take into account.

The membrane that covers the foundation wall is often manufactured from plastic and has a stud profile that makes a cavity for any water that may accumulate to drain away. After that, the water can be sent to an appropriate location via a land drain or a French drain, both of which are types of drainage systems.

You should go with a membrane that has an inherent fabric layer if you want to prevent any fines from getting into the foundation drainage system, which can lead to clogs and other problems. These foundation wall membranes have the additional benefit of protecting your primary waterproofing layer from potential damage. In the following sections, we will go into drainage in greater detail as well as the installation of foundation waterproofing membranes.

By utilising the foundation waterproofing strategy described above, you will have both a main and secondary waterproofing barrier at your disposal. You drastically cut the potential for errors when you combine all of these different approaches. Both approaches of waterproofing are quite versatile in their use. Because of this, you can rest assured that the external masonry waterproofing will move with the structure in the future, even if it settles or shifts, and will continue to keep the building watertight.

Drainage from the Basement Wall

You will need to establish a drainage system as part of your foundation waterproofing system in order to securely remove any water that accumulates. There are a few different drainage systems that can be utilised for foundation walls.

When it comes to foundation wall drainage, efficiency and capacity are the most important factors to consider. Both of these factors are necessary for the rapid and risk-free removal of water in order to alleviate hydrostatic pressure against the building.

Foundation drainage, in the form of a french drain or a land drain, should be installed at slab level to prevent water from pooling in the basement. Any seepage through the Geodrain membrane can be directed to an appropriate evacuation point, like a pump-equipped sump pit, the city's sewage system, or a soakaway.

For this drainage system in the foundation walls to be properly maintainable, a sump pit should be easily reached in the design. It could be a sump pump's concrete inclosure with a stairway leading down into the pit, or it may be something else entirely. Access and jetting points should also be incorporated for ease of maintenance. When necessary, you can use these to clear the drains.

Why Is Foundation Waterproofing Important?

The importance of foundation waterproofing lies in the fact that it protects any below-ground structure from water incursion and, if done correctly and with the appropriate solutions, can also provide Radon protection. You can reduce the likelihood of substantial damage being done to possessions and safeguard the health of the people living in a property by keeping water and ground gases from entering the building.

It is of much greater significance for houses that are situated in regions that are susceptible to flooding or that have high water tables. Additionally, the British Standard 8102 stipulates that earth-retaining structures must be protected by at least two different means of waterproofing. The following are some examples of these:

• Protection of the kind A barrier, either internally or externally tanked
• Type B waterproofing (constructing your foundation walls from waterproof concrete)
• protection depleted according to type C (internal cavity drainage system)

An exterior foundation waterproofing system must be installed in accordance with BS8102: 2009 if the walls of your foundation aren't constructed from water-resistant concrete. This is a requirement of the British Standard. During the building process, it is absolutely necessary to guarantee that the foundation waterproofing is carried out in the appropriate manner and that it is treated with the respect that it merits.

The stains we found on the interior of our sunroom, which we had painted white shortly after we moved in, served as the impetus for me to go on our journey of waterproofing. Within a year, there were spots of discoloration as well as paint that had blistered, so it was evident that there was something wrong with the foundation wall. Our company, Hitch Property Constructions, provides services for external waterproofing in the Melbourne area.

Our home inspector had observed water damage in the area of the house that is adjacent to the sunroom, so this news did not come as much of a surprise to us. He examined the wall with a metre and discovered an abnormally high level of moisture within the drywall that he believed to be suspicious. Given that the basement level of the home is already finished, there was no feasible way to examine the interior of the block wall. Despite this, the water damage did not appear to be of a severity that would prevent us from purchasing the house.

The exterior of the wall is the best place to search for foundation problems; however, this area is many feet below the surface of the earth. Even though that is a significant amount of digging, it was not enough to dissuade me from digging up a significant amount of earth in order to investigate the wall on our own. No matter how challenging it was or how much time it took, we were determined to complete the task because we wanted to ensure that it was done correctly.

Conclusion

Hitch Property Constructions offer a wide variety of waterproofing services in Melbourne. Modern methods exist to effectively waterproof a basement's interior. Interior drain tile, for example, is a diverse solution to waterproofing that inhibits seepage from fractures in the basement floor and the seam between the floor and wall. There are techniques for waterproofing a basement that can only be done on the exterior of a home's foundation. Internal injection of expanding polyurethane seals the crack to the exterior soil and, after curing, retains its pliability to prevent re-cracking due to minor foundation movement.

It is possible for water to leak over the top of any foundation wall. Mortar joints can crack if there is even slight movement in the foundation. Because water can collect in cavities of a concrete block and then seep through its porous inner side, the block is particularly susceptible to water damage. A full basement requires the excavation of the foundation to a depth of at least eight feet below grade. The professional will then apply a thick covering of asphalt-modified polyurethane with masonry trowels.

This barrier will not only prevent water from entering, but will also help maintain the wall's structural integrity. The process of waterproofing a basement begins on the exterior of the building. A typical cause of water seepage in a poured concrete foundation is a crack in the basement wall. Expanding polyurethane is injected into the cracks on the interior of the basement to repair them. When waterproofing a foundation, there are a lot of different items that need to be used.

These products range from membranes to drains to primers. We will walk you through the PermaSEAL foundation waterproofing system so you can get an idea of how the precise technique for waterproofing differs. The installation of a Geodrain cavity drainage membrane and drain system is the final step in waterproofing the foundation. This works by directing water away from your foundation walls and protecting the layer that is considered to be the primary layer of waterproofing. It also stops the water pressure from exerting force against the inflicting and building damage.

The importance of foundation waterproofing lies in the fact that it protects any below-ground structure from water incursion and, if done correctly, can also provide Radon protection. The British Standard 8102 stipulates that earth-retaining structures must be protected by at least two different means of waterproofing. An exterior foundation waterproofing system must be installed in accordance with BS8102: 2009 if the walls of your foundation aren't constructed from water-resistant concrete. This is a requirement of the British Standard. Hitch Property Constructions provides services for external waterproofing in the Melbourne area.

Content Summary

1. Understanding the many waterproofing options requires first having a clear understanding of what a foundation wall is.
2. The foundation walls are the part of a structure that rests on the ground and prevents water from leaking out, or that is in direct contact with the soil.
3. The foundation walls are also called basement walls if there is a cellar or basement below the ground level.
4. Foundation walls can also be used to describe the portion of a building's walls that extends below ground but does not create a habitable space.
5. Parts of the wall responsible for holding back earth may eventually become damp and need fixing.
6. When injected from the inside, expanding polyurethane seals the crack to the exterior soil and, once cured, retains its flexibility to prevent re-cracking due to minor foundation movement.
7. However, there are methods for waterproofing a basement that must be performed outside the structure. One strong argument in favour of exterior basement waterproofing is that the water is already outside the building.
8. The swelling of soil caused by the absorption of water varies with the type of soil involved.
9. Seepage in the basement due to lateral pressure from oversaturated soil typically necessitates the implementation of an external form of basement waterproofing.
10. Working on the building's exterior in ways that aren't strictly waterproofing but are related to water management and diverting water away from the foundation can also help alleviate the problem.
11. Most contemporary houses have poured concrete foundation walls, but flaws in this material are not uncommon.
12. Seepage in masonry walls typically results from either a crack in the wall itself or the deterioration of the mortar joints between the individual masonry units.
13. All of these problems have the same solution, which is installing a waterproofing membrane outside the foundation to create an impenetrable water barrier.
14. The first step in installing an external waterproofing membrane is to start digging.
15. The footings of a full basement need to be buried at least eight feet below ground level. These two prerequisites must be met before excavation can begin.
16. When the membrane has fully cured, it will form a seamless inclosure around the structure's base. Clips anchored into the wall before the membrane is applied are used to secure the covering to the membrane.
17. Drainage Tile for the Exterior It is recommended that exterior flow tile and the membrane be installed when groundwater levels are high near a building's foundation.
18. Before installing the exterior drain tile, a bed of washed gravel must be laid at the bottom of the excavation. As was previously mentioned, a drainage board will help channel water towards the building's foundation drain tile.
19. Putting in exterior drain tile and a waterproofing membrane on the outside of a building is a major undertaking. There is, however, a second, exterior method of waterproofing a basement that is both quick and effective.
20. Putting Band-Aids on the Outside - As was previously mentioned, poured concrete foundations are by far the most common type of foundation used today.
21. The most common source of water seepage in a poured concrete foundation is a crack in the basement wall that is unrelated to the building's structure.
22. However, if the basement is finished or if an appliance like a furnace or water heater prevents access to the crack, the repair can be done from the outside of the building.
23. Cracks in the exterior of a building can be repaired by digging, albeit on a much smaller scale.
24. After the excavation is complete, the hole is filled with sodium bentonite clay granules.
25. Products for Waterproofing a Basement There are numerous tools and materials required to successfully waterproof a building's base.
26. Primers, drains, and membranes are just a few examples of what you'll find in this category.
27. Methods of Waterproofing Building Structures Structured waterproofing systems are designed to prevent water from entering a building to an unmatched degree.
28. Waterproofing an exterior foundation properly requires not only a primary but also a secondary layer of waterproofing, as well as a priming stage.
29. Here, we'll introduce you to the PermaSEAL foundation waterproofing system to illustrate how the specific method for waterproofing varies with the system and materials employed.
30. The following are the four main tenets of our method for waterproofing the base: Primers are used to waterproof walls and prevent water from seeping into the structure during construction.
31. Kiesol MB is used as a primer for masonry and concrete foundation walls. The first step in constructing any kind of waterproofing system is to apply a primer.
32. Either a masonry or concrete base needs priming before paint can be applied.
33. The last part of waterproofing a foundation is installing a Geodrain cavity drainage membrane and drain system.
34. Secondary Waterproofing Foundation Membrane Since it is an integral part of the system used to waterproof the foundation, installing a foundation waterproofing membrane is mandatory.
35. This helps by diverting water away from your foundation walls and shielding your primary waterproofing layer.
36. Plastic membranes with a stud profile are commonly used to create a cavity in the foundation wall through which water can drain.
37. The primary waterproofing layer can be shielded from harm by installing these membranes on your foundation walls.
38. More information on drainage and the application of waterproofing membranes to the foundation will be provided below.
39. If you follow the above steps to waterproof your foundation, you'll have a primary and secondary barrier against water.
40. Basement Wall Drainage If you want to make sure that any water that does seep in is safely removed, you'll need to set up a drainage system as part of your waterproofing strategy for the foundation.
41. A variety of drainage methods can be used for basement partitions.
42. Effectiveness and capacity are the two most crucial aspects of foundation wall drainage.
43. Access to a sump pit is essential for a practical and easily maintained drainage system in the foundation walls.
44. Waterproofing the foundation is crucial because it prevents water from entering a subterranean building and, if done properly and with the right solutions, it can also prevent Radon from entering a building.
45. Furthermore, earth-retaining structures are required to have dual waterproofing systems per British Standard 8102.
46. If the walls of your foundation aren't made of water-resistant concrete, you'll need to have a system installed to waterproof the exterior in accordance with BS8102: 2009.
47. It is crucial during construction to ensure that the foundation waterproofing is completed properly and with the due care and attention it deserves.
48. When we moved in and discovered stains on the newly painted white interior of our sunroom, I knew it was time to begin the process of waterproofing.
49. There was obviously something wrong with the foundation wall within a year, as there were discoloured spots and blistered paint.
50. Hitch Property Constructions is a Melbourne-based business that offers waterproofing services for exterior surfaces.
51. We weren't too shocked by the news because our home inspector had already seen water damage in the area of the house near the sunroom.
52. He used a metre to investigate the wall and found a suspiciously high moisture level within the drywall.
53. Water damage appeared to be minor, however, so we decided to move forwards with the purchase of the house.
54. The best place to look for foundation issues is outside the wall, but that's several feet below the ground.
55. That's a lot of digging, but it wasn't enough to stop me from excavating a large area so that we could examine the wall independently.