What are the benefits of concrete waterproofing?
/
The benefits of concrete waterproofing are so great that it really should be a requirement for any structure. When you are dealing with damage to the foundation of a building due to water, it is very hard to undo or repair. For this reason alone prevention is key. As mother always says, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and this is a situation where the old adage certainly applies. The good news, it’s not too late to waterproof your concrete and we can help.
Why waterproof? It seems fine now.
Good! You definitely want to take this on BEFORE you have problem. Here are a few reasons why!
It keeps the structure strong
Waterproofing strengthens the structure and the foundation of any building. Limiting the ways that water and moisture can get in through the ceiling, walls, or floor will help to prolong the life of your building. If you keep these areas dry and protect them from unintentional water intrusion you can avoid the damage that water will cause such as rust, corrosion, rotting and deterioration.
It prevents mold and maintains a healthy environment
Moisture build-up in the walls and the ceiling can cause fungus and/or mold growth. Concrete waterproofing is not just about ensuring the structures integrity but also preventing health problems. The detrimental effects of mold are more than just an increasing nuisance for those affected by it. The microorganisms can cause serious health issues such as chronic coughing and sneezing, irritation to the eyes, and mucus membranes of the nose and throat, rashes, chronic fatigue and persistent headaches, allergies, asthma and an overall weakened immune system. And once you have mold, it is hard to get rid of it.
It reduces maintenance costs and increases property values
Who doesn’t want to save money in the long run? When your building is without water damage the cost of maintaining it is much cheaper… and when you are ready to sell it increases its worth quite a bit when the next buyer knows that it will stay free from water damage.
What does waterproofing entail?
Most basement walls leak due to outside cracks and other direct openings in the foundation, walls, around basement windows, openings in mortar joints, cracked porous bricks and other outside openings that allow water to enter. Now the only way to stop water from getting into these openings, is from the outside.
This requires excavating around the perimeter of the house to access the problem area. Any old weeping tile is removed and replaced. The foundation wall is cleaned and repairs are done as needed. If the foundation wall is concrete block, the walls are parged with 1/2“ concrete parging and then a thick flexible rubberized waterproof membrane is trowelled on. Dimpled drainage board is applied overtop of it. New weeping tile is installed, connected to the storm drain or sump pit and covered with 3/4” clear stone.
The excavated area is back filled with native soil and compacted at 10 inch intervals. We complete the job by replacing the sod, concrete, asphalt or whatever was there before the excavation took place. We remove all debris from the job site. Foundation Fix prides itself on leaving the area as close to pre-excavation status as possible.
