Effective methods of waterproofing foundations of various types. How to waterproof a foundation with your own hands How to waterproof the base of a foundation

The foundation is the most important part of the house, on which the reliability and durability of the building depends. Being an underground element, the foundation is more susceptible than others to the harmful effects of water and moisture. In most cases, the foundation of a house is monolithic or prefabricated reinforced concrete, which is characterized by a porous structure.

Is it necessary to waterproof the foundation and walls? Undoubtedly. Penetrating deep, water destroys metal elements. Experiencing temperature changes and moving from one state of aggregation to another, water changes in volume. This cannot but have a negative impact on the concrete, which deteriorates more and more with each cycle - cracks and voids appear. As a result, the functionality of the foundation is lost.

Therefore, it is very important to ensure complete protection of the underlying structure from moisture penetration. The question is how to waterproof the foundation. There are many factors influencing the quality of a hydraulic barrier - from the nature of the foundation and the type of terrain to the type of insulating material and the readiness of the base to accept it. That's why it's worth using specialized services - only professionals clearly understand how to properly waterproof a foundation. Small mistakes can lead, at a minimum, to the need for frequent repairs to the moisture barrier.

Which waterproofing to choose for the foundation?

The answer depends on the orientation of the base - horizontal or vertical surface, on the budget and the degree of rational approach. Materials for protecting the foundation from moisture are divided into:

pasting;
coating;
penetrating.

Pasted insulation

One of the types of roll insulation. Previously, it was widely used for horizon treatment, creating a waterproofing layer under the foundation. The rolled material is usually roofing felt, which is glued onto a surface treated with hot bitumen. It is recommended to use in combination with penetrating waterproofing, which is discussed in more detail below.

Coating insulation

Represented by a range of materials, divided into:

bitumen;
polymer;
cement-polymer.

Like roll insulation, coating is much better used in conjunction with penetrating insulation.

Penetrating insulation

First, let's talk about the disadvantages of other types. This will help to understand the unconditional advantages of impregnation. Other materials are relatively good for exterior surface treatment. Water pressure presses the insulation against the substrate. The liquid acts on the internal hydraulic protection by tearing off, and this greatly reduces the life of the barrier.

Plus, all materials, except impregnations, are prone to damage. Even small problems are a reason for groundwater to work on the wear and tear of the foundation. Finding damaged areas often requires a lot of work.

How to properly waterproof a foundation if liquid creates so many problems and materials are so easily damaged? We need an indivisible union of concrete and waterproofing. This is how penetrating insulation works - the mixture migrates deep into the concrete structure, filling absolutely all the pores and layers, crystallizing in them and creating a reliable barrier to moisture. The undisputed leader in the impregnation market is the Penetron family of materials.

The best way to waterproof a foundation - Penetron materials

Understanding the essence of impregnations and related materials will tell you how to waterproof a foundation according to the rules.

Penetron is the main material of the complex. It is certainly present as one of the components. Advantages:

penetrates to a depth of at least 30-40 cm; over time, the depth reaches up to 90 cm;
easy to use - applied with a brush;
increases frost resistance at least twice;
increases the strength of concrete up to 15%;
protects reinforcement from corrosion;
resistant to aggressive environments;
characterized by self-healing of microcracks;
vapor permeable;
a huge range of uses (up to nuclear power plants, thermal power plants, etc.);
environmentally friendly, allowed for contact with drinking water.

Still wondering what kind of waterproofing to choose for your foundation? Penetron is characterized by the highest maintainability. Problems are resolved quickly and locally.

Penecrit: the composition is used to seal joints/seams/junctions/cracks in combination with Penetron. It is characterized by the absence of shrinkage, high strength and water resistance, good adhesion to concrete, stone, brick, and metal.

Peneplug and Waterplug - Hydroseals that quickly eliminate pressure leaks in structures made of concrete, stone and brick. Fast setting time (depending on temperature and material). Characterized by the ability to expand. Used in conjunction with the two previous types.

Penetron Admix - An additive that is used at the concrete preparation stage. Increases the performance of a concrete foundation in terms of strength, water resistance and frost resistance. Can be used in combination with Penebar or Penecrit (after the concrete with the additive has set).

Penebar is a waterproofing strand designed to seal construction and working seams and utility passages. Expanding several times upon contact with water, Penebar creates pressure and becomes an excellent water barrier.

These are not all the materials of the complex, but those described are the main ones. Read on to learn how to properly waterproof a foundation using them.

Foundation waterproofing technology

Preparatory work

It’s not enough to know how to waterproof a foundation. Quality preparation is needed. All surface defects should be identified. Loose concrete and areas with exposed crushed stone and/or reinforcement must be dismantled and plastered with repair mixture Skrepa M500. The reinforcement is pre-cleaned and primed with an anti-corrosion solution. Defects are not always noticeable; they can be hidden by cement laitance. This milk is removed, for example, with the Himfreza composition.

There are a lot of seams in a concrete foundation, especially if it is a block structure. These are the most vulnerable places. The joints are pre-deepened by 20-25 millimeters, cleaned and, after washing, moisturized well. Then we recommend sealing these places with Penecrit.

Cracks and crevices are sealed, again, with Penecrit. The moistened surface is treated with Penetron in two layers. Possible leaks in concrete are eliminated using Waterplug or Peneplug mixtures. Leaking areas are widened by at least 25 mm in width and deepened by 50 mm. It is recommended to expand in depth in the form of a dovetail. In the case of abundant hydrofiltration with a large water influx, it is necessary to use injection resins such as PenePurFom. But this is done with the help of special devices and equipment.

Very often, FBS foundations contain brick inserts. What waterproofing should I choose for the foundation in this case? In this situation, it is worth paying attention again to Skrepa M500. It is used to plaster the brick over a metal mesh, simultaneously achieving a significant increase in strength and waterproofing effect. We must not forget about Penecrit, which is used to seal the joints, and in this case along the border of the M500 Scraper and the FBs themselves.

Final treatment with Penetron

At this point, the preparation is complete and you can proceed to the final stage. After the mixtures used have set, the surface to be treated must be cleaned and moistened very well. Finally, prepare the Penetron mixture and apply the solution in two layers - with a break of 4-6 hours, or as soon as the first layer dries. After completion of the work, the foundation is moistened for three days at intervals of several hours. At this stage, we can say that you already understand how to properly waterproof a foundation.

The ready-mixed composition must be used within half an hour, so prepare the amount that can be applied during this time, otherwise the composition will turn into stone!

As the practical experience of users shows, it is not enough to build a strong house. In order for your home to become truly comfortable and serve you faithfully for many years, it must be protected from the destructive effects of groundwater and precipitation. And for this you need reliable waterproofing.

So, let's try to figure it out:

For what ?
What can result from failure to waterproof?
What is included in the package of measures for waterproofing a house?
What types of modern waterproofing materials are there?
In what cases should one or another type of waterproofing be used?
How to ensure waterproofing protection when backfilling?
What rooms require waterproofing?
Why and how is roof waterproofing needed?

Why is waterproofing needed?

The main purpose of waterproofing is to protect buildings and structures from the negative effects of water. The purpose of waterproofing is to increase the life of the house and improve the quality of its operation.

Director of the company "Kalmatron-SPb"Elena Merzlyakova:

– Waterproofing a building cannot be done with just one material, even the best. Waterproofing is always a set of measures.

For example, basement waterproofing may include:

Waterproofing of floors and walls;
Waterproofing of junction points;
Waterproofing of technological concreting joints;
Waterproofing of expansion joints, communication entry points and horizontal cutoffs;
Construction of drainage ditches and blind areas.

The choice of technology and materials in each case is strictly individual and depends on the specific operating conditions of the object, its condition, location, and the materials from which it is made.

Expert of the Corporation " TechnoNIKOL"Andrey Zubtsov:

– Water, penetrating into the underground part of the house, reduces its operational properties and worsens the microclimatic conditions in the rooms located in the underground part of the structure.

In addition, water penetrating into building structures causes corrosion of reinforcement and destruction of concrete, which worsens the static properties of the structure and ultimately leads to its destruction.

Company technical specialist Sika Nikolay Mikhailov:

– Waterproofing done only from the inside eliminates the problem of dampness in the basement. But if the outer part of the structure remains in constant contact with water, this will lead to its premature destruction. Therefore, it is important to waterproof the outside as well.

A set of waterproofing measures includes:

Waterproofing of communication inputs;
Installation of wall or deep drainage.

The need for certain measures is dictated by the type of soil, groundwater level, landscape features and other natural factors.

Foundation waterproofing is the basis of everything

The foundation is the basis of any structure. The stronger and better quality, the more reliable and safe the structure or building itself. The main building material for the device is concrete. Many developers believe that since concrete itself is a fairly strong material, it does not need waterproofing. But is this really so?

Elena Merzlyakova:

– It must be remembered that concrete is quite hygroscopic and absorbs moisture well, which over time leads to leaching. As a result of leaching, the porosity of the cement stone increases and its strength decreases. The process is accelerated if the cement stone is exposed to “soft” water or water under pressure.

The main means of combating the leaching of calcium hydroxide is the use of dense concrete and the introduction of active mineral additives into the cement. If problems with water permeability arise in a structure that has already been built and is in operation, then the use of penetrating waterproofing will be an effective remedy.

The use of penetrating waterproofing compounds eliminates the possibility of water filtering through the body of the concrete structure.

Andrey Zubtsov:

– Concrete itself is a fairly good waterproofing material. But in order for concrete to show its waterproofing properties, it is necessary to follow several simple, but, as practice shows, very difficult to follow rules. Namely:

The foundation design should not allow cracks to form under load.
The entire volume of concrete must be poured in one technological cycle without "cold" seams.

Precast reinforced concrete made from FBS blocks definitely needs additional protection.

All technological seams must be sealed using swelling cords, sealants, waterstops, etc.

Working fittings must be installed in strict accordance with the design

It is necessary to thoroughly vibrate the already laid concrete.

It is important to carry out further maintenance of the concrete.

It is necessary to cover freshly laid concrete with damp burlap and spill it with water every 2-3 hours (even at night) for three to five, and in hot weather - seven days.

But is it possible in some cases to do without waterproofing the foundation?

Nikolay Mikhailov:

– It is possible if you are not going to use basements and do not expect a long service life of the foundation. For example, a strip foundation for a garage or shed can be done without waterproofing; nothing will happen to such a foundation in 10-15 years.

Types and types of modern waterproofing materials

Modern waterproofing materials can be divided into three large groups based on their origin: polymer, bitumen and mineral materials.

According to the method of application, waterproofing materials can be made using coating, roll free-laying membranes, roll welded membranes and liquid applied materials.

Elena Merzlyakova:

– It is important to know that materials that provide waterproofing are designed to solve specific problems.

Roll waterproofing.

Traditionally, rolls have a cardboard base impregnated with waterproofing materials (roofing felt, glass roofing felt).

Mastics are adhesive plastic compositions based on organic binders and dispersion fillers.

The most famous are cold and hot mastics based on petroleum bitumen.

Powders.

Mixtures based on cement, synthetic resins and various additives (plasticizers, hardeners). They are sold dry and mixed directly on site.

Mixes based on silicones, ester compounds, silicic acids and organic solvents, which, unlike “ordinary” external waterproofing materials, are “absorbed” by concrete surfaces.

Films.

Based on their basis, they are divided into polyethylene films, polypropylene films and membranes.

Injection waterproofing.

It is carried out by injecting binder material into the seams, cracks of building structures or into the adjacent soil. They are usually used for repairs.

Penetrating waterproofing.

Components applied to the concrete surface penetrate deep into the concrete through its pores and capillaries, even against high hydrostatic pressure. These formations, densely filling all the pores and microvoids, compact the structure of the concrete, thus ensuring reliable water resistance.

The service life of penetrating materials is equal to the life of the concrete itself.

Materials "penetrating waterproofing" are best suited for the repair and waterproofing of concrete and reinforced concrete products and structures, as well as cement-sand plaster coatings.

But in what cases is it necessary to use one or another type of waterproofing?

Elena Merzlyakova:

– The choice of material for waterproofing depends on a number of factors, for example:

Characteristics of the aggressive environment affecting the building structure;
Operating conditions of the structure;
Type of design;
Climatic conditions;
Results of engineering-geological surveys;
Possibility of mechanical or thermal impact on the structure.

Andrey Zubtsov:

– If the structure is buried in the ground, then in any case it must be waterproofed. Even if your groundwater level is low enough, there may be rainfall, flooding and snowfall. And groundwater levels can change over time.

Nikolay Mikhailov:

– Mineral waterproofing is suitable for structures of simple shape that are not prone to cracking. In general, mineral and bitumen-based coating materials are suitable for waterproofing foundations up to two buried floors. For more serious structures, difficult geological conditions and greater reliability, it is advisable to make waterproofing from polymer membranes.

But in addition to protecting the foundation, rooms that are constantly in contact with water need waterproofing.

For example:

Waterproofing of balconies and terraces is carried out using mineral waterproofing materials, on which tiles can be laid using mineral or polymer tile adhesives.

There are also waterproofing materials based on polyurethane, which can combine the function of waterproofing and elastic adhesion of tiles.

To waterproof wet areas, you must first identify and eliminate the cause of water penetration. Most often, weak points of structures leak, such as working joints of concreting, structural and expansion joints.

The seams are waterproofed using injections of polymer materials or using waterproofing tapes glued to the surface of the concrete structure. After which it is necessary to waterproof the floor and walls of the room using cement-based waterproofing.

Methods of laying and applying waterproofing

According to the method of application, waterproofing materials are divided into coating, roll free-laying membranes, roll welded membranes, as well as liquid applied materials.

Nikolay Mikhailov:

– Coating, spraying and welding materials require mandatory mechanical preparation of the surface. They can only be applied to substrates that have the necessary strength and, as a rule, at temperatures above +5 degrees.

Sandblasting, high-pressure water treatment or mechanical preparation using power tools are used to prepare the base.

Andrey Zubtsov:

– Surface preparation before applying waterproofing membranes is one of the most important, and often the most complex and time-consuming technological operations.

Since concrete is the most common building material, surfaces made of concrete and reinforced concrete, less often brick and natural stone, are most often subject to preparation.

The quality of surface preparation depends on the material used as a waterproofing membrane. We can highlight the basic requirements for the quality of preparation of concrete and reinforced concrete surfaces:

Absence of loose, easily peeled elements;
Absence of cracks (especially parallel to expansion joints), chips and cavities, areas of non-vibrated concrete;
Smooth surface geometry;
Removal of all contaminants and materials that impede adhesion (dirt, dust, cement laitance, form release agent, etc.).

If the surface preparation requirements are not met, the quality of the waterproofing membrane and the entire waterproofing system will be poor.

Waterproofing protection

Since waterproofing, as noted above, includes a whole range of measures, it is very important to protect the waterproofing layer when backfilling the foundation.

Elena Merzlyakova:

– The waterproofing layer, as a rule, must be protected from mechanical damage, chemical exposure, ultraviolet radiation, etc.

First of all, mechanical protection of the waterproofing is necessary before backfilling the foundation pit, since there is a risk of damage to the waterproofing by mechanisms, stones and construction debris.

To protect waterproofing, various methods are used:

Construction of retaining or protective walls made of brick or reinforced concrete;
Making plaster or protective screeds from cement-sand mortar;
Fastening or gluing various materials: profiled membrane, asbestos cement sheets, extruded polystyrene foam boards, etc.

Penetrating waterproofing does not require protection, since its operating principle is based on the penetration of the chemically active part of the composition deep into the concrete and the formation of poorly soluble crystals in the pores and microcracks, thereby forming a homogeneous, monolithic structure with the concrete itself.

Andrey Zubtsov:

– Flexible waterproofing membranes differ from rigid ones by the presence of such an indicator as flexibility, or relative elongation at break. It is expressed as a percentage and means that with various types of movements and deformations that may occur in the foundation, the flexible waterproofing membrane will retain its integrity. But flexible membranes additionally need to be protected. Rigid waterproofing membranes do not require additional protection, but they cannot maintain integrity during movements and deformations of the foundation.

Nikolay Mikhailov:

– It should be remembered that no protection will save waterproofing from backfilling made with frozen soil and soil containing construction debris and stones.

Roof waterproofing

Roof waterproofing is an essential element in any building. To prevent the roof of your house from leaking, it must be waterproofed. But it has its own characteristics and secrets.

Expert of the Corporation "TechnoNIKOL" Anastasia Pokachalova:

– When installing roof waterproofing, it is extremely important to pay attention not only to the quality of the material, but also to the quality of installation of the waterproofing coating, and to the correct design of the roof.

Construction specialists from Germany received the following figures:

45% of roofing problems are caused by poor-quality installation;
34% of errors are due to incorrect design;
7% of problems occur due to roof damage during construction;

But only

14% are due to material deterioration or the use of unsuitable roofing materials.

If roof waterproofing is installed incorrectly, the developer risks losing all the benefits of the material he has chosen.

The choice of waterproofing material for the roof is influenced by the following factors:

Fire safety requirements.

Because Waterproofing materials differ in fire hazard class.

Roof area and type of base.
Type of use – whether the roof is in use or not, and the degree of its load.
Frequency of roof operation and maintenance.
Roofing cost.
Climatic features affecting the service life of the roof.

To choose a waterproofing material that is suitable for your type of roof, you need to take into account the technical features and types of waterproofing.

Among modern materials for roof waterproofing, the following can be distinguished:

Bituminous materials.
Polymer materials based on PVC.

The basis is high-quality plasticized polyvinyl chloride, which includes plasticizers (up to 35%) and various additives (up to 8%).

Polymer materials based on TPO.
EPDM - materials.

The base is synthetic rubber.

Sprayed roofs.

Let's consider each of the materials separately.

Bitumen materials:

Well suited for residential buildings where access to the roof is unlimited.
Basically, they require installation in two layers, and this leads to an increase in the installation time of the roofing carpet.

Anastasia Pokachalova:

– It must be remembered that the flammability group of this material is G3/G4, which means that for roofs of large areas it is necessary to install firebreaks or use gravel backfill.

PVC membrane:

The flammability group is G1/G2, which means that it is possible to use PVC membranes with an area of up to 70,000 sq.m without additional fire safety measures.
Installation can be done quickly, regardless of the time of year and on roofs with any slope: from 0 to 90 degrees.

Anastasia Pokachalova:

– Among the features of this material, one can highlight high vapor permeability – PVC membranes are capable of releasing excess vapor pressure from under the roof space into the atmosphere.

This property of polymer membranes allows them to be widely used in the reconstruction of old roofs without dismantling the existing roofing pie.

EPDM membranes:

They are highly resistant to aggressive chemicals.

The choice of EPDM membranes is justified if your home is located near a plant that produces chemical reagents.

In order for the EPDM membrane to provide good waterproofing of the roof, the following features must be taken into account.

Anastasia Pokachalova:

– The service life of a carpet is determined by the quality of the seam, not the membrane itself. The average repair-free service life of glued joints does not exceed 10 years. It is possible to ensure reliable connection of sheets using the method of vulcanization with a strip of raw rubber. In this case, it is necessary to maintain the continuity of the process, to ensure that there are no gaps when applying reagents and contamination on the seam.

The minimum temperature for installation is +5 degrees, since this temperature is the working temperature for sealants, adhesives and adhesive tapes.

But when choosing such roof waterproofing, you need to know that:

EPDM membrane requires additional measures to install a “breathable” roof.
The EPDM membrane gets very hot in the summer due to its black color.

Sprayed roofs

Anastasia Pokachalova:

– This is the most expensive method of roof waterproofing. But it allows you to waterproof a roof containing a large number of penetrations on the surface.

The features of this waterproofing include:

Increased requirements for the qualifications of the technician performing installation work.
The spraying composition is prepared directly at the construction site.

And the quality of the sprayed material largely depends on weather conditions and compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions for storage, transportation and preparation of the mixture.

When spraying several layers, it is necessary to wait for the previous layer to completely dry and polymerize, which increases the construction period.
Preliminary preparation of the base and cleaning it from dirt and moisture is necessary.

When applied to an unprepared surface, the service life of such a roof is quickly reduced.

When installing large-area roofs, it is necessary to install fire belts or use gravel backfill.

Thus, when installing a waterproofing system, it is necessary to take into account every little detail, and the system itself includes a whole range of various installation and construction works and materials. And only by taking into account all the above factors, you can build a truly comfortable and reliable home.

Do you need waterproofing for a strip foundation? Users can find the answer to this question on our forum. You can read our forum member’s detailed and visual story about how he poured concrete under the foundation simply into the ground. And in our forum there is a discussion of the correct cake for multi-layer foundation waterproofing. A heated discussion is underway: “Is waterproofing necessary for a “cold” roof?” In this video clearly shows all the stages of work on quickly repairing a garage roof using bitumen waterproofing self-adhesive tapes. From this video you will learn everything about waterproofing, its types and applications. And this video clearly demonstrates what nuances need to be taken into account when installing waterproofing on a flat roof in use.

When building country houses and cottages at the planning stage, in order to increase the service life and reliability of the foundation, do not forget about treating it with high-quality layers of waterproofing materials. Currently, there are many ways to perform this procedure, but one of the most effective is penetrating waterproofing of the foundation.

Features of waterproofing materials

Treatment of the foundation of a house is necessary to ensure the durability of concrete and prevent premature destruction from the harmful effects of moisture.

However, most modern waterproofing materials have a porous structure, which makes them vulnerable to environmental factors.

The most resistant building materials: natural stone or concrete, under prolonged exposure to moisture can crack and collapse, which subsequently negatively affects the entire erected structure.

Possible base protection technologies and their characteristics

Currently, there are many ways to waterproof a house, each of which has its own individual set of advantages and disadvantages. In order not to make a mistake in choosing the optimal option, you should take into account the functional characteristics of each of them.

According to the degree of directionality of protective properties, waterproofing can be:

vertical type (installation work is carried out, as a rule, on the ground part of the base to ensure protection of vertical walls);
horizontal type (involves the production of a protective layer around the perimeter of the entire foundation, including the lower elements).

By type of materials used as a starting material:

bitumen mastic;
liquid rubber filler;
plaster.

In addition, there is a classification of waterproofing according to the direction of action: penetrating, screen and roll.

The choice of one option or another depends on the functional purpose of the building being erected, the natural and climatic characteristics of the area, as well as the type and structure of the soil on which construction is planned.

Installation of a horizontal waterproofing layer

The presented type of house waterproofing is planned at the stage of marking the base, since its functional purpose is determined by protection from the harmful effects of moisture on the lower structural elements.

Along with this, the arrangement of such waterproofing will perfectly play the role of a high-quality drainage system that will evenly drain excess water.

The construction of this protective layer takes a significant amount of time, about 10-12 days, but the use of horizontal waterproofing is the only way to protect the underside of the foundation.

The question of using this type at high groundwater boundaries is especially acute, since it is precisely due to the formed drainage cushion that the constructed foundation will function reliably for a long period of time.

The horizontal type is the most effective when constructing a strip foundation with a large area of contact with the ground, but it can also be used with other types of foundations.

Installation technology

Ruberoid is one of the best insulating materials

During installation work, the following sequence of actions should be followed:

Depending on the type of soil, a 30-40 cm layer of sand or fine crushed stone is poured onto the bottom of the prepared pit. The equipped site is compacted with high quality.
A concrete screed with a layer thickness of 10-15 cm is poured on top of the formed substrate.
After waiting for the concrete to completely harden, we begin treating the resulting surface with mastic and then laying layers of rolled roofing felt.
We repeat the activities described in the previous paragraph, after which we begin to equip the foundation itself.

Waterproofing with plaster

The most popular method of installing waterproofing is based on filling the finishing layer. With the development of modern technologies, special additives began to be added to the putty, increasing the duration of operation of such a coating and giving it high performance characteristics.

The advantages of plaster waterproofing include:

moderate cost;
simple and quick installation;
no need to use special tools and equipment.

However, like any building material, a solution based on limestone and sand has a number of disadvantages:

low levels of waterproofness;
short service life;
Due to the weakness of the foundation to moisture, cracks and chips appear soon after placement (1-2 years), which must be regularly lubricated to avoid more intense destruction.

Installation of plaster is carried out by preparing a solution and then applying it to the prepared surface with a spatula or rule.

Creating a screen

One of the new methods of arranging waterproofing, which involves installing concrete slabs or mats with clay filler. Installation of the protective material is carried out using dowel nails.

The fundamental difference between fastening mats and slabs is their fixation. In the first case, the protective material is placed overlapping with a margin of 10-15 cm, and in the second - joint to joint with subsequent sealing of the seams.

Clay material, due to its high density, provides high protection against moisture and does not require periodic repairs. The advantages of such insulation are a long period of operation and the possibility of use on any soil.

Penetrating waterproofing

Penetrating foundation waterproofing is a relatively new procedure using cement-based products, the operating principle of which is based on the spraying of special, already prepared mixtures. The presented group of building materials, due to the presence of a water component in its composition, gives the solution the ability to penetrate into the porous structure of concrete.

Subsequently, when hardened, excess moisture is removed through chemical reactions, and the capillaries of the processed material are reliably clogged, forming a poorly soluble film around the perimeter of the entire surface.

Advantages:

durability;
ease of application;
no need to prepare a solution;
Possibility of processing basements and basements.

Before performing work, the surface to be treated should be prepared (cleaned from dirt and dust). Having completed this procedure and allowing the walls to dry, we spray the solution. By using a sprayer, the special composition penetrates 10-15 cm deep into concrete bases, providing a reliable waterproofing effect.

To ensure high-quality waterproofing, it is recommended to apply at least two layers of a protective agent.

Liquid rubber filler

Heated rubber is an effective means for waterproofing the foundation or basement of a house. Significant disadvantages of this method are the excessively high cost and the need to use special equipment for application.

Advantages:

long period of operation;
solid surface;
reliability of coverage;
resistance to temperature changes;
easy installation.

Depending on the class and density, it is better to lay liquefied rubber in several layers: the first – rough (its purpose is to fill the voids of the porous base materials) and the second – finishing (to form an external monolithic protective layer). The spraying process is carried out using special equipment. The only drawback of such devices is the high consumption of the protective composition.

Watch the video on how to insulate the base using liquid rubber.

Waterproofing with mastic

One of the most economical options for protecting the foundations of a house, the application features of which include:

the possibility of use in regions with a temperate climate, since at high temperatures this material can melt, and at low temperatures it can crack;
the need to maintain high temperature when applied to surfaces;
melting point from 60°C.

The defining advantages of mastic are:

ease of application of layers and reliability of the coating due to the elasticity of the composition;
blocking the pores of concrete surfaces from moisture;
low pricing policy.

Before purchasing bitumen mastic, it is advisable to study its composition to determine the presence of impurities in it that increase resistance to various temperature changes. In addition, you should pay attention to the duration of operation and the possibility of use as a waterproofing material.

This method of protection is recommended for use when constructing foundations on soils with a low groundwater limit. It is better to apply the mastic onto the prepared base with a hard brush in several layers. Each subsequent layer should be coated after the previous one has completely dried.

Roll view

The presented type of waterproofing involves the use of roll materials: roofing felt, a combination of fiberglass and polyester, as well as a bioresistant covering waterproofing. The installation of waterproofing with the presented means allows you to best protect the foundation from moisture due to the integrity and optimal density of the raw materials.

Advantages of roll materials:

moderate pricing policy;
high degree of protection;
long period of operation.

In terms of efficiency, the named materials differ little from each other, so roofing felt is widely used due to its low cost.

Watch a video about modern materials for base insulation.

Roll panels can be attached both vertically and horizontally. In most cases, to increase the degree of protection of the supporting element, it is usually pre-coated with a layer of mastic. During installation, the material is heated with a burner and then fixed to the surface. Due to this feature, a reliable connection and high seal density are ensured.

The most rational way to place roofing felt panels is horizontal installation, since placing each layer overlapping ultimately forms a kind of “staircase” along which water is discharged.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to answer the question of whether waterproofing the foundation is necessary. A well-made and protected base is the key to the durability and reliable functioning of the entire structure. Moisture has a strong destructive effect and is one of the most active harmful environmental factors, so it is better to protect yourself and your home in advance by ensuring reliable protection of the supports of the house.

08.06.2016 0 Comments

A well-made foundation is a reliable foundation for the structure. The strength and durability of your dream home will depend on how correctly it is built. Therefore, it is important that at this stage of construction all work is carried out in accordance with all technical standards. In order for the base structure to be strong, it must be protected from moisture and temperature fluctuations. Proper waterproofing of the foundation will help to do this.

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Building materials for foundation waterproofing

Not so long ago, bitumen-based material was used to waterproof strip foundations. People treated the foundations of the house with bitumen mastic and glued roofing felt to it. In principle, this technology helped protect the foundation of the house, but unfortunately, not for long.

Typically, such foundation waterproofing dries out after 5-7 years, and after another 3-4 years, cracks appear on it, which allow moisture to pass to the concrete base. Therefore, if you have the opportunity, then purchase durable and modern materials for the work.

Modern waterproofing materials:

Coatings. This group can be divided into two more subtypes: mineral and polymer. These include solutions that contain plasticizers, hardeners and fillers. Most often they are used for anti-capillary waterproofing of foundations.
Pasting. They are glued to the surface of the base using a certain type of durable mastic. Used as anti-filtration protection at home.
Plastering. This type is represented by cement-mineral mortars. Most often they are used at the advanced stage of waterproofing work.

Preparatory work

If you do not understand how to waterproof a strip foundation with your own hands, then seek help from a professional builder. After inspecting the foundation of the house, he will give you recommendations that will help you carry out all the work correctly. In this case, all you have to do is strictly follow their advice and carefully carry out all waterproofing work.

But if you still have experience in construction, then you can easily cope with this task yourself. The main thing to remember is that this stage of building a house requires special attention. If the walls of the building have not yet been erected, then you will simply need to seal all the cracks between the base slabs.

But if you are going to waterproof the foundation of a residential building, then first you will have to clear it of soil and only then proceed to sealing the cracks. Once the base has been leveled and minor defects have been eliminated, subsequent work can begin.

Before you start waterproofing a strip foundation with your own hands, you need to properly plan all the work. First you need a construction plan. If you did everything strictly, following the technological conditions, then it will indicate all the parameters and properties of the soil on which the house stands.

Take a close look at how deep the groundwater lies under the house, what quality of soil is underneath it, and whether it is prone to frost heaving. And only after you have studied all the factors can you decide which type of insulation is more reliable and will protect the foundation of your home.

Groundwater lies below the base of the foundation. In this case, it will be enough to carry out vertical coating waterproofing of the foundation and, if desired, reinforce it with roofing felt or any other covering material.
Groundwater occurs at the basement level. You will have to lay two layers of waterproofing, and each of them must be coated with bitumen or some other polymer material. After the horizontal waterproofing of the strip foundation is completed, carry out the vertical waterproofing as well. It will be better if you use both adhesive and coating material for it at the same time.
Groundwater lies above the base of the basement. In this case, you will have to spend money on penetrating roll and coating materials. For greater efficiency, they will need to be laid in 2-3 layers. You will also definitely have to make a drainage system to constantly drain water from the foundation.

We do waterproofing work

As you already understand, waterproofing a strip or slab foundation is a complex matter. But still, if you prepare for it correctly, carefully study the technological process and buy the necessary material and tools in advance, then even a novice builder can cope with this task. This article will describe, as an example, waterproofing a foundation with your own hands using the cheapest building materials - bitumen and roofing felt. But if you wish, you can replace it with more modern and durable ones.

Materials and tools:

High-quality roofing felt
Mastic (bitumen)
Burner for heating bitumen
Stiff bristle brush
Large roller
Medium spatula

Stages of waterproofing a strip foundation:

At the initial stage, you need to clear the base of sand and look at the condition of the concrete from which it is made. If everything is fine with it, then you can start applying bitumen mastic to it. If you purchased solid mastic, you first need to heat it with a gas burner. Just make sure that during work the temperature does not drop beyond +15°C.
Before applying the mastic to the base of the house, mix it thoroughly. After preparation, you should have a perfect homogeneous mass. Apply the material to the base using a brush and roller. It can also be applied by spraying. But in this case, you will have to buy or rent a special device. The thickness of the applied bitumen must be at least 2 ml.
While one person is applying bitumen to the foundation, another person must warm up the roofing material at this time. This will make it more elastic and maximize the adhesion force of both protective materials. Roofing felt must be laid with an overlap (it must be at least 10 cm). Moreover, it must be additionally coated with bitumen and heated with a gas burner.
If you want to maximize the strength of the waterproofing layer and extend its service life, then you can lay the roofing material in several layers. Just do not forget that each subsequent layer must also be laid overlapping, additionally heated and coated with bitumen.
At the final stage, it is necessary to backfill the base with soil. But to do this, you definitely need to wait until absolutely all layers of waterproofing are completely dry. By doing this you will protect the roofing material from damage and from sudden temperature fluctuations.

We install a drainage system

If the house is built on soil that does not absorb moisture well or groundwater lies above the foundation level, you will definitely have to take care of drainage. This fairly simple system will help ensure that water does not accumulate at the very base and is directed as far away from the house as possible.

But when installing a drainage system, be very careful. If you make a technological mistake, you will end up not only failing to protect the base, but also allowing water to flow directly onto the concrete. You can also take care of an additional protection system. You can strengthen the drainage system with special water collector trays. Since you will have to spend a lot of money on materials for drainage, it will be better if you calculate in advance what you may need.

Materials for installing the drainage system:

Metal-plastic pipes
Geotextiles (threads and staples for its fixation)
Shovel
Sand and crushed stone
adjustable wrench

Instructions for installing a drainage system:

The installation of the drainage system must begin by digging a trench. Its depth must be at least 1 meter. But keep in mind that the drainage ditch is made with a certain slope. It should be 1 cm for every 2-2.5 m of trench. However, do not forget that according to the rules, the highest level of the ditch should be located at the lowest point of the foundation of the house. The width of the trench can be completely different, as long as it is not smaller than the diameter of the pipes that will be laid in it.
At the next stage, you can move on to installing a special cushion under the drainage pipes. First, pour sand into the trench, compact it lightly and place geotextiles on top of it. Its ends should be brought out to both sides of the trench in such a way that they can later be easily connected to each other.
We pour a 10 cm layer of crushed stone onto the geotextile and lay drainage pipes on it. To prevent them from becoming clogged, their ends must be wrapped with protective cloth. Pour the remaining crushed stone on top of the pipes and carefully cover everything with geotextiles. For greater reliability, it must be fixed with special brackets and the trench must be filled with previously selected soil.
At the last stage, install the water receiver (this can be a plastic container). It is dug into the ground at a distance of 4-5 meters from the base of the house. It should be placed in such a way that the drainage pipes are above its extreme point. Once the pipes are securely connected to the water intake, the drainage system will be ready for operation.

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Owners of country houses try to make the most efficient use of the area allocated for construction. This is explained by the high cost of land in the suburban area, and the desire to reduce the cost of the project, since it is more profitable to build housing in several tiers than to scatter several one-story buildings that have the same usable area. For this reason, in most cases, a basement is made, the external walls of which are the buried foundation of the house, made of reinforced concrete monolith or blocks.

In order for the basement to ultimately have a full-fledged comfortable room with an acceptable microclimate, it should be protected from ground moisture, for which purpose waterproofing the foundation with your own hands is done. You can hire someone for these purposes, but if you can save a little at this stage of construction, why not. From the article you will learn what is the essence of protecting the foundation of a house from moisture, and how to waterproof the foundation efficiently, inexpensively, and with your own hands. To consolidate the information received, you will be offered to watch a video on this topic.

Why is it necessary to waterproof the base of a building?

Why do you need to protect the foundation wall from moisture? Those who build on wetlands will not understand the question. However, in many areas the groundwater is quite deep, and precipitation throughout the year cannot be called abundant. Is it worthwhile to install waterproofing in this case?

It's worth it, and here's why. Firstly, no one can reliably predict how the course of surface ground currents may change in the near future. There is no guarantee that in a year or two, water from below will not approach a completely dry area. What awaits the owner of the building in this option? You need to forget about the basement, or do waterproofing with an already functioning building. And this is very labor-intensive and expensive, and besides, there is no question of doing it yourself.

Secondly, the climate is now very changeable. Where it rained twenty years ago, you won’t get it now, and vice versa. There is no point in expecting that it will always be dry. So it is much more profitable and convenient to protect underground walls at the construction stage, so as not to return to this problem later.

What does the waterproofing work package include?

High-quality protection from moisture of an underground structure involves a set of technological operations aimed at waterproofing all surfaces in contact with the ground. Moreover, it is necessary to provide hydroprotection from water approaching from below, as well as from atmospheric moisture. The full range of waterproofing measures consists of the following technological stages:

horizontal moisture insulation;

vertical protection from excess ground moisture;

arrangement of a drainage system;

installation of high-quality blind area around the perimeter of the building.

Creating a reliable horizontal water barrier will protect the basement from water coming from below. Sometimes groundwater puts significant pressure on the basement floor, so you need to carefully protect the basement floor and subfloor.

Vertical waterproofing is applied to the external foundation surface and is intended primarily to be a barrier to excess ground moisture that accumulates due to precipitation. When groundwater rises above the base of the building, a vertical hydraulic barrier created using standard technology will be ineffective in this situation. Drainage is required to drain water.

If construction is carried out in a region characterized by heavy rainfall, 50% of the success of vertical moisture protection depends on pouring a reliable blind area that will drain sedimentary water away from the outer foundation surface. So this stage of construction should be given due attention if you want to keep the basement walls dry. Now let's look at the most common and effective technological methods that can be used to carry out work on each of the listed waterproofing measures.

Horizontal moisture protection

You can create a horizontal waterproof cushion, which is the base of the basement floor, before pouring (installing from blocks) the foundation, or after. It is better to do this before, as there will be no need to waterproof the base of the foundation wall. To work you will need the following.

Materials and tools

As a water barrier, you can use a thick continuous polyethylene film, or a rolled waterproofing material, hydroglass insulation, for example. As an auxiliary agent, bitumen or mastic based on it is applied. In addition you will need:

concrete, or ingredients for its preparation (fine gravel, sand, portladder cement);

coarse gravel;

river sand or fine screenings (for bedding);

reinforcement (6-8 mm) or strong reinforcing mesh for screed.

The following tool should be prepared:

mechanical or manual tamping;

concrete mixer;

gas burner (if hydroglass insulation);

welding machine or binding wire (if fittings).

Sequence of work

As a result of the work carried out, a horizontal reinforced slab base should be obtained, with an internal moisture-proofing layer protruding approximately half a meter beyond the outer perimeter of the foundation. That is, the installation of the base of the building will take place on a ready-made slab base, protected from water approaching from below.

The bottom of the pit is leveled and compacted as much as possible;

Backfilling is carried out, first with gravel (about 10 cm), then with sand (about 5 cm), after which a rough layer of concrete is poured (up to 10 cm). For greater reliability, the rough slab base can be reinforced;

Important! Before pouring concrete, be sure to thoroughly saturate the backfill with water. If this is not done, the moisture from the cement mortar will quickly go down, causing the strength of the concrete to become minimal. Moreover, leveling the solution that has lost moisture will be very problematic.

After the first layer of concrete has set, the film can be laid if it is intended as a water barrier. In the case when it is planned to apply bitumen mastic, in order to glue the rolled material, it is necessary to wait until the concrete dries;

The polyethylene sheet is laid in one or two layers, after which a reinforcing frame is mounted and a finishing screed is poured over the entire area of the slab base (preferably along the beacons);

Installation of roll waterproofing is done as follows: apply molten bitumen or mastic to the dried base. Application is done with a stiff brush. After the material has set, hydroglass insulation is rolled out completely (roofing material can be used). During installation, the material is heated using a gas burner or blowtorch and glued to the base. The dense layers are overlapped, the joints are heated and immediately pressed with a sliding movement. For this, a device in the form of a poker is used.

Important! Installation of a horizontal moisture-proof base can be done after the construction of the foundation structure. The simply described method makes the whole complex of work, which includes waterproofing the foundation with your own hands, less expensive both in terms of material costs and in terms of the labor intensity of the process.

Vertical moisture protection

This type of work involves applying a water barrier layer on the outside of the foundation wall, which would protect the concrete structure from excess ground moisture. The simplest method for self-installation, yet quite effective, is the application of roll waterproofing materials. There are several other types of products used for similar purposes, but some of them are ineffective (hydrophobic plaster, for example), or very expensive and require knowledge of technology (how to apply), as well as special equipment for this.

To clearly understand the rules of foundation waterproofing, it is recommended to watch the video below, where you can not only see how to apply a water barrier layer, but also hear useful recommendations and descriptions of the nuances of the work from an expert builder. Also in the video, a specialist explains the purpose of the drainage system. We will further figure out how to build drainage for groundwater drainage yourself.

How to make a drainage system?

The installation of drainage communications is usually carried out by specialized teams, although, if you have the necessary information and a strong desire, such work can be done independently at the construction stage. Of course, you will have to hire someone to build a drainage well, but installing the system itself is not so difficult.

Tools and materials

You will need simple tools related to excavation work (shovels, crowbar, perhaps a hammer drill will come in handy somewhere). You can use a water level to determine the slope. The following materials will be needed:

large crushed stone or gravel;

special perforated drainage pipe;

connecting elements for pipes.

Work order

The underground drainage system is installed after the creation of the slab base and the construction of the foundation wall. First you need to determine the natural slope and plan a place for installing a drain well in the lowest place. After work, they are performed in the following sequence:

Dig a trench about 25-30 cm (bayonet-wise) along the perimeter of the foundation. The width of the recess is arbitrary, ranging from 50-80 cm.

The trench is filled with gravel to a level that is 10 cm below the slab base (or the base of the foundation, if horizontal waterproofing was done after the foundation of the house).

A drainage pipe is laid in the center of the trench over the gravel backfill. It is necessary to ensure that the slope is constantly maintained along its course from the highest point to the drainage well.

After laying the pipe, another layer of coarse crushed stone is added, which will protect the drainage pipeline from the pressure of the soil layers that will be filled in later.

Now, if groundwater approaches, it will be discharged into the constructed reservoir without reaching the level of the base. Water can be pumped out from the drainage well at any time.

Upper hydraulic protection of the foundation (blind area)

The screed around the building protects the underlying foundation surface from excess moisture during heavy rains or when snow melts. The ideal option is when a clay castle is created under the blind area to the depth of the building’s foundation. However, clay tends to compact for a very long time, which can take 2-3 years. Therefore, now few people want to make a clay belt.

Important! Before pouring the blind area, you should make sure that the soil poured around the base of the building is completely compacted. If this does not happen, the screed around the perimeter of the house will crack and eventually collapse completely.

How to make a blind area

To create a moisture-proof belt, you will need the same tools as for arranging the screed (trowel, usually a plaster float), as well as everything necessary for excavation work. The following materials will be needed.