In the case of basement waterproofing, outside or inside, the more specific concern is: What is the distinction between dampproofing and waterproofing your house?
A primary thing that we require homeowners to do when we call for an assessment is to run a water test outside their homes. The test involves switching on a hose and placing it against its foundation. It gets established whether there’s a problem with the foundation that causes water to flow through the exterior.
Suppose the test results show a gap in the foundation where water flows into the basement. In that case, we must estimate whether basement waterproofing can complete from outside or inside the house.
The Benefits of Exterior Basement Waterproofing
Most basement waterproofing issues should be solved with excavation outside, as you have to stop water at the point of origin.
The waterproofing of your basement from the outside can help strengthen your foundation and guard your foundation against degradation. We have a variety of foundations in Ottawa, such as concrete, block brick, stone, and ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms). It is what we describe as semi-porous and isn’t completely waterproof. It can break as time passes, allowing water to infiltrate outside.
There is no method to repair the structural integrity without removing, repairing, and sealing the foundation from its exterior. It can also prevent insects and soil gas from entering your home.
A Step-By-Step-Guide for External Basement Waterproofing
Step 1: Find the Breach Within the Foundation
It is imperative to contact to find the location of Ottawa One Call to identify where underground utility services are. When a water test reveals a breach within the foundations, the site gets cleared and ready for excavation. Clients may need to move or relocate an AC unit for our crew to begin digging or arrange to have any other obstructions removed.
In certain situations, the client might need to temporarily move an air conditioner to allow our crew to dig or arrange for any other obstructions to get cleared.
Based on the kind of foundation, we need to ensure a waterproofing area at least 5 feet from each side of the issue area.
Step 2: Excavate and Dig to Expose the Footings
The depth of excavation depends on the property’s elevation. The majority of holes range from four to eight feet in depth and about two feet in width. We could use a machine to speed up the process if there is enough space. In other cases, our knowledgeable team will make the hole by hand.
After the hole gets dug, shoring gets installed to protect the workers and prevent soil from settling into the excavation area.
Step 3: Remove and Replace the Previously Used Weeping Tile
Excavating is done towards the footings. The old weeping tile has to get removed. A new weeping tile of 4 inches with filter cloth gets put in place. Weeping tiles get joined to the existing storm sewer.
If there isn’t a storm connection, it may be necessary to install a sump pump to ensure that water gets removed from the foundation on top of your property.
Step 4: Clean and Examine Foundation Walls for Any Problem Areas
The walls of the foundation get checked for structural cracks or voids. The damaged areas are then removed and repaired using non-shrink hydraulic concrete that can expand when applied to crevices.
Step 5: Install the Rubber Membrane to the Exterior Wall
A trowel on a rubber membrane is then sprayed and will serve as the principal component in waterproofing your foundation. This product is elongated, allowing it to expand when further settlement happens within the foundation.
Then, we embed a fabric mesh in the first layer of rubber to reinforce the material. Before applying, we apply the next coat.
Step 6: Connect a High-Density Polyethylene Membrane to the Exterior Wall
They get made up of a high-density polyethylene membrane laminated to a geotextile material. The membrane gets positioned on the foundation wall, with the raised dimples positioned away from the exterior wall.
The membrane is attached to the wall using anchors, complete with caulked end bar on top.
Step 7: Lay a Layer of Gravel Over Weeping Tile
After installing the membrane waterproofing, 3/4-inch clear gravel is laid on the weeping tile to maximize drainage. The stone is essential for ensuring that the weeping tile is shielded from silt and soil when backfilling.
Step 8: Put in a Window Well, If Necessary
If your house has below-grade windows and you need windows, a window well is put in. It is lined with 3/4 transparent stones to allow drainage within the window well by the building codes. We can also put inch-wide weeping tiles vertically downwards to the outside of the window until the footings.
Step 9: Compaction and Backfilling
Exterior Waterproofing gets done, and the area has been returned to its soil and compacted to the initial level. Now you have wholly waterproofed your foundation and will face no more problems with water leaking through your basement.
External waterproofing is an enormous job that must be performed by a professional. To learn more, contact Ottawa Plumbing Service at (613) 317-1682 or info@ottawaplumbingservice.com.
