Waterproofing is generally done below ground level, specifically for basements. Basement waterproofing is a crucial and essential requirement to prevent water damage and maintain structural integrity.
Basement Waterproofing methods BEST
There are two types of waterproofing methods: pre-waterproofing and post-waterproofing. Pre-waterproofing is done during construction, while post-waterproofing is done after construction activities.
Waterproofing is typically performed in two ways: positive side waterproofing and negative side waterproofing.
Positive side waterproofing refers to the area that directly comes into contact with water. Negative side waterproofing refers to the area where the water source is not
Basement leaks source
- Water infiltration
- Foundation cracks
- Basement moisture
- Groundwater seepage
- Wall cracks
- Floor cracks
- Hydrostatic pressure
- Basement flooding
- Poor drainage
- Sump pump failure
- Window well leaks
- Pipe leaks
- Plumbing issues
- Condensation problems
- Roof runoff
- Gutter overflow
- Waterproofing failure
- Soil saturation
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Positive side Basement waterproofing
Surface Readiness
- The surface that needs to be treated needs to be dry, spotless, structurally sound, and devoid of any barriers like dust, laitance, grease, wax, or polish.
- All horizontal bore packing must be treated with polymer modified mortar mixed with cementitious structural grout, and all vertical Tie Rod holes must be treated with non-shrink cementitious structural grout.
- When installing copings, if necessary, polymer-modified mortar mixed with SBR, a multifunctional concentrated liquid polymer additive, and a bonding agent is used.
Crack/Joint treatment
- Clean the loose particles inside the cracks and fill the cracks with a thixotropic epoxy-based adhesive. Sprinkle sand over the surface for proper anchoring. If the cracks are expanding, use flexible sealants to fill them.
Priming
- After preparing the critical areas, apply a suitable primer over the retaining wall as per the manufacturer’s instructions. If using cement-based materials for waterproofing, no primer is required; simply saturate the surface with water. However, for PU-based waterproofing products, an epoxy or PU-based primer is needed. Always consult with the manufacturer for specific recommendations.
Waterproof membrane
- Using a suitable brush or roller, apply the first coat of Waterproofing membranes over the primed surface and allow it to dry before applying a second coat in the opposite direction.
Protection of the waterproofing membranes
Before filling the soil, the membranes must be protected with the HDPE Sheet to avoid the puncturing inside the materials.
Negative side waterproofing
The best options for negative side waterproofing are mortar-based waterproofing or crystalline waterproofing products. If water is continuously flowing, use PU-based injectable materials that react with water to form insoluble PU foam, immediately stopping the water flow.
Osmotic mortar-based waterproofing
- The surface that needs to be treated needs to be clear of debris, oil, grease, wax, polish, laitance, dust, and other barrier materials, as well as structurally sound. Since the application has just begun, all corners, construction joints, pipe penetrations, bore packing, and cracks must be addressed.
- after mixing the materials apply using a stiff nylon bristle brush or a hawk and trowel, apply osmotic based waterproofing.
- All holes, cavities, and static cracks must be fully filled and covered by the first coat. Work the material firmly into the surface to get a homogeneous, well-bonded coat. Apply 2nd coat across the surface in a horizontal direction and paint the surface after 5 days
Crystalline waterproofing
- The surface that needs to be treated needs to be clear of debris, oil, grease, wax, polish, laitance, dust, and other barrier materials, as well as structurally sound. Since the application has just begun, all corners, construction joints, pipe penetrations, bore packing, and cracks must be addressed.
- Before applying, pre-wet the surface. Using a brush or roller, apply the slurry to the prepared wet surface. For 48 hours, the surface must be shielded from foot traffic.
INJECTION GROUTING MATERAILS PU FOAM
- Placing the injectors: Drill holes that are in line with the joint and large enough to accommodate the injector placement if the joints are filled with concretions.
- Epoxy adhesive can be used to fix standard metal or plastic pipes with a diameter of roughly 10 mm if there is no water seepage. To get an expanding reaction, however, you must inject water first before injecting PU Foam.
- Continuously inject PU into the fissure. When PU comes into touch with water, it immediately expands, sealing gaps and preventing water seepages (this happens in 20–40 seconds, depending on the humidity and temperature).
- After injecting the materials, it is mandatory to inject the epoxy and Cement based injection grouting materials to permanent consolidate the surfaces.