Below Grade Waterproofing
Interior Waterproofing – is it Fact or Fiction?
Waterproofing is defined as – adjective that keeps out water completely; esp., treated with rubber, plastic, etc. so that water will not penetrate1 covered or treated with a material (as a solution of rubber) to prevent permeation by water Let’s look at the definition, first it says “keeps out water”, that makes sense. So, by definition “interior waterproofing” is an oxymoron, they should call it interior water diverting. By definition you cannot waterproof from the interior of your home. You have to stop the water from penetrating before it is considered waterproofing. When a contractor comes in your home and says that they are a waterproofing company and they want to only put an interior drain and sump pump, ask them to leave. If your roof was leaking and the roofer said he was going to solve the problem by diverting the water from inside your attic, you would send him packing. So, do the same with the bottom of your home as you would with the top of the house.
When water is entering your home you need to evaluate why it is entering. How is the water entering? Why is water there in the first place? The answers to these questions are fairly simple when you stop and think about it. Water enters a basement or foundation element if you have a void, hole or rupture. We all know that water will follow the path of least resistance, voids, holes and ruptures are such a path. The spaces must be closed or covered and then the water should be diverted away from the outside of the home to prevent future hydrostatic pressure from causing stress on the structure.
Closing or covering cracks can be done by several ways, including push piers, helical piers, plate anchors, helical tiebacks, membranes, epoxies or a combination of these. The hole or rupture needs to be closed and sealed, the exterior drain tile needs to be updated if necessary then the source of the water issue needs to be dealt with. This can be done with grading, swales and drains that will keep additional water from collecting around the foundation.
If you speak with a quality foundation engineer he will tell you the same things mentioned above and recommend quality foundation repair experts. Hiring an engineer and foundation repair expert is the best advice that can be given to anyone who has water infiltration issues in their homes. There are plenty of “waterproofing contractors” out there that advertise their “solutions” very heavily. They make their case for interior drains, sump pumps and interior wall systems that will direct water toward an interior pit and then pump it outside the home. This solves nothing, the solution is to close the points of entry and then fix the source of the problems.
There are many well documented cases of so called “waterproofing contractors” with dozens upon dozens of registered Better Business Bureau complaints against them. (see http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/189/RipOff0189594.htm#239279 ) They also have complaints filed with different States Attorney Generals, yet they still are in business and continue doing work in cities throughout the US. An informed customer is a wise customer; visit informational sites like the ones listed above and keep yourself from being ripped off.
Remember there is a difference between waterproofing and “interior waterproofing”. Know the difference and have your problem solved correctly. What if your watch was “waterproofed” from the inside?
About the Author
Jeff Tully invites you to view his website http://www.myfoundationrepairs.com if you are having any foundation issues including bowing walls, cracks in your foundation or any type of settlement issue. On this website you will find the truth about foundation repair methods and what you should expect. There are many misconceptions about foundation piers or tie backs, get the straight answers here.
This site was designed and built with the homeowner in mind is the only true source for foundation repair and waterproofing information. From determining if you really have a structural issue to hiring an engineer or foundation expert, you will find the answers on my site.
Below Grade Waterproofing
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The Manual of Below-Grade Waterproofing Systems $82.85 |
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Manual of Below-Grade Waterproofing Systems by C.W. Griffin and Justin… $69.99 |
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The Manual of Below-Grade Waterproofing Systems $124.66 |
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The Manual of Below-Grade Waterproofing Systems NEW $127.10 |
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MULTICOAT SLATEX BELOW GRADE WATERPROOFING SYSTEM WHITE $97.88 |
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MULTICOAT SLATEX BELOW GRADE WATERPROOFING SYSTEM BLUE $97.88 |
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MULTICOAT SLATEX BELOW GRADE WATERPROOFING SYSTEM BLACK $97.88 |
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MULTICOAT SLATEX BELOW GRADE WATERPROOFING SYSTEM SUN $97.88 |
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Damplock Concrete Waterproofing Paint 1-Gallon $25.44 Seal-Krete DAMPLOCK Concrete Waterproofing Paint is a ready-to-use, ultra low odor formula for concrete, masonry, stucco and brick. Suitable for above and below grade use, DAMPLOCK waterproofing paint withstands over 20psi of hydrostatic pressure – meeting the ASTM standard for below grade waterproofing. It reduces radon gas penetration through basement walls and is ideal for use on concrete and c… |
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2 each: Drylok Latex Base Masonry Waterproofer (27713) $58.09 Sold as 2 each. Gallon. Low odor, water clean-up formula for waterproofing all interior and exterior, above or below grade masonry walls, basements, concrete swimming pools and foundations. No pre-mixing or pre-wetting necessary. Guaranteed to stop water. Can. Beige. Manufacturer number: 27713. Buy Hardware Supplies SKU #: 1307818. Country of origin: United States. Distributed by United Gilsonite … |
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BARR Liquid Waterproofing and Roof Repair Membrane 4-1/2 Gallon Pouch $99.99 BARR Liquid Waterproof Membrane is a high solids, moisture curing, polyether based material designed for repairs and waterproofing roofs, foundation, cavity walls, split slabs, and planter boxes. BARR is compatible with concrete, masonry, BUR, metal, and foam. 3.74 gallons covers 2 coats total mil thickness of 60. Cover 100 Square feet…. |
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Construction Waterproofing Handbook: Second Edition $57.69 The Latest Waterproofing Techniques and Technology Fully updated to include new techniques for mold remediation, Construction Waterproofing Handbook simplifies the critical task of keeping a building’s envelope watertight. It begins with a tutorial on basic waterproofing concepts and materials, then moves on to the particulars of designing and installing systems in commercial, industrial, and resi… |
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The Complete Modern Guide to Basement Waterproofing $24.95 Now you can inform yourself about leaking basements and other foundation waterproofing problems and SAVE MONEY by doing the repairs yourself with the instruction you will receive from this unprecedented new publication.J. Scott Gallawa has over 20 years experience in the waterproofing industry and has designed and installed thousands of basement waterproofing systems. He has successfully dealt wit… |
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The Manual of Below-Grade Waterproofing Systems $78.99 As the arsenal of weapons against leakage has grown, so has confusion among architects and engineers attempting to select the best below-grade waterproofing systems and materials. Manufacturers literature offers little assistance during the selection process, as well as being biased in favor of a particular product. The first guide devoted exclusively to the subject, The Manual of Below-Grade Wate… |
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BLACK FABRIC 4X150 $9.00 Use for roof repairs, flashings, and for sealing seams in metal and composition roofs. Woven mesh fabric made of yarns of inert, flexible filaments of pure glass saturated with asphalt. Also use in below-grade waterproofing applications, tank-lining systems, and for waterproofing planter boxes. Has tensile strength of 75lb./in. Acid and heat resistant, and will not rot or decay. Complies with ASTM… |
