What is Foundation Waterproofing: Types, Materials

The foundation is the fundamental element for any construction. The stability, strength and lifespan of a building directly depend on the quality and reliability of its foundation. To prevent problems with humidity inside and avoid damage to the structure of the walls, it is extremely important to protect the foundation from moisture. One of the most effective methods is waterproofing, which helps to significantly increase the service life of the structure. We will discuss with experts various waterproofing options and the most suitable ways to implement them.

Why is waterproofing of the building foundation necessary?

Effective waterproofing of the foundation performs important tasks:

• guarantees the safety of the concrete structure;

• helps maintain an optimal microclimate in interior spaces and prevents the appearance of mold on walls;

• protects the internal reinforcement of the foundation from the destructive effects of corrosion.

Approaches to foundation waterproofing

There are two main directions of waterproofing: horizontal and vertical. Horizontal waterproofing is designed to protect the base of the slabs from water penetration, while vertical waterproofing focuses on ensuring the impermeability of the foundation walls to water.

Roll covering methods for foundation protection

The use of bitumen-based roll materials is a standard approach to foundation waterproofing. Options include both fused and self-adhesive varieties. The stages of work involve applying a special adhesive composition heated to the required temperature and then attaching the insulating layer to the target surface.

As an alternative to direct adhesive bonding, it is possible to use bitumen mastic, which provides a similar protective effect.

Options for roll waterproofing materials include:

• roofing felt and tar paper, which are the most common choices;

• parchment, which is a bitumen-impregnated weighted cardboard;

• bitumen-polymer sheets.

Such materials are usually used when the water level in the soil is low and mainly serve as a horizontal barrier against moisture.

Coating protection of the base

This category includes methods using asphalt or cement-based mixtures with the addition of specific components to impart additional properties. Examples of materials are "liquid glass", ceresite, sodium aluminate.

Dividing the procedures into hot and cold application methods allows for the creation of a thin protective layer (1–3 mm) using polymer-bitumen or epoxy-rubber compounds. This method is ideal for counteracting capillary moisture penetration.

Prefabricated waterproofing

This approach is chosen in cases where the features of the object require a non-standard solution that is not available with traditional waterproofing methods. The use of fiberglass, polyvinyl chloride or prefabricated reinforced concrete elements requires significant investment and preparation time.

Membrane waterproofing technology

For buildings with foundations laid at a considerable depth and in conditions of high groundwater levels, it is recommended to use the membrane method of waterproofing. This procedure creates an effective protective barrier around the underground part of the structure, capable of withstanding water pressure of up to 10-12 meters. This method will require significant financial investment, especially due to the use of injection waterproofing technologies to prevent leaks.

Application of injection waterproofing

This method involves creating a protective barrier between the damp earth and the foundation of the building, effectively preventing moisture from getting in. The technique is based on the injection of a hydrophobic gel, which, when hardened, seals all the pores and prevents any possibility of water getting in. This option is one of the most expensive, but it is often used in repairs and reconstruction to eliminate leaks. The gel forms a strong barrier on the surface and penetrates into the concrete to a depth of 20 cm, thereby strengthening the outer layer and blocking moisture channels.

Penetrating waterproofing

This type of waterproofing uses special additives for concrete, which reduce the porosity of the material and increase its water resistance. Additives help to seal the pores and reduce the number of air bubbles in the concrete during its hardening. As a result, the concrete itself begins to function as a waterproofing agent, capable of resisting the action of water, preventing its penetration into the structure.

Variety of foundations and methods of protecting them from moisture

1. Pile. It is characterized by its economy and simplicity of execution. In this design, concrete is poured into pre-installed metal shells, creating the so-called "pipe concrete". For pile foundations, it is preferable to use horizontal roll waterproofing.

2. Tape. Consists of interconnected blocks that form the foundation for the walls of the building. It is possible to use both coating and roll waterproofing to protect both the upper and lateral parts of the foundation.

3. Slab. This is either one solid concrete slab or a prefabricated structure of concrete blocks on which the walls are erected. Depending on the geological and hydrological conditions of the area, either adhesive or membrane waterproofing can be used.

Criteria for choosing waterproofing:

• soil characteristics and its mechanical properties;

• groundwater level and its location;

• climatic features of the territory;

• type and depth of foundation;

• presence of a drainage system;

• functional purpose and operating conditions of the building.

Fundamental principles of foundation waterproofing:

1. High-quality waterproofing work is the key to preventing premature wear of building materials. The importance of strict compliance with building codes and regulations from the beginning of the project is very high.

2. Saving on drainage is unacceptable. A drainage bed of sand and gravel is essential for effective moisture removal.

3. Particular attention should be paid to waterproofing corners and joints of the foundation with the walls. It is important to ensure a perfect fit and the absence of any defects in the protective layer.

4. The evenness of the foundation pouring is critical for its reliability. Incorrectly installed formwork can cause defects in the base.

When choosing building materials, it is extremely important to take into account the climate and geographical location of the construction. Consultation with our specialist helps to make the right decision regarding the materials for the project.

Screw piles from the "Royal Pile Factory"

"Concrete Guelph" is your reliable partner in the field of construction of pile-screw foundations throughout the Guelph region. We offer not just services, but a comprehensive solution to provide the foundation of your facility with unrivaled strength and stability. Our team is a group of craftsmen, each of whom has at least 7 years of real experience in this field, thereby guaranteeing deep knowledge of technical aspects and absolute adherence to standards and installation regulations.

Our goal is not only to do the job well, but also to make the construction process as comfortable as possible for the customer. By contacting the "Royal Pile Factory", you receive a guarantee for high quality installation work, which is the key to long-term operation and reliability of your structure, allowing you to significantly reduce possible future costs for its maintenance and repair.

In addition, our team regularly undergoes training and advanced training to stay up to date with the latest technologies and methods in the field of pile foundation construction, which allows us to offer our clients the most advanced and effective solutions. From the choice of pile type to the methods of their installation, we provide an individual approach and optimization of each project in order to achieve the ideal result.