The service life of any building primarily depends on the strength of the foundation and high-quality waterproofing of the foundation, since it bears not only the maximum weight loads of the structure itself but also the negative effects of underground and wastewater. Penetrating the concrete, moisture destroys it, and as a result, the foundation is deformed, the building sags, the walls and ceilings begin to crack, the roof fails and after some time the building becomes unsuitable for use.
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Foundation waterproofing rules
Waterproofing of the foundation of the house is carried out using various protective means. When choosing the method of insulation and material, the following factors are taken into account:
- the maximum level of rain and melt water rise;
- the depth of groundwater flow, the level of its seasonal rise;
- the purpose of the building itself, the conditions of its operation;
- soil characteristics during frost periods;
- climatic conditions of the region: the possibility of heavy precipitation and flooding.
The waterproofing layer of the foundation concrete is made continuous along the entire perimeter of the building without breaks. If there is a basement, the floor and walls of the basement, including the basement of the building, are also protected from moisture penetration.
Types of foundation waterproofing
Waterproofing of the building foundation is divided into two types according to the location of the insulation coating: horizontal and vertical protection. Each option has its purpose and differs in the installation method.
Horizontal waterproofing
The protective coating prevents capillary moisture suction between building materials placed at different levels. Insulation work is carried out directly during the construction of the house. The technology is suitable for any type of foundation: columnar, strip, monolithic, or pile-and-grillage.
The first protective layer is always a sand and gravel cushion, which is poured under the soles of the columnar foundation or on the bottom of the trench (pit) for the construction of a reinforced concrete strip (monolithic) structure.
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For horizontal waterproofing of the foundation, roll materials are used, most often roofing felt. Individual strips of the coating are laid on top of each other with an overlap of 10-15 cm. For complete sealing, the joint areas are welded with a gas burner. Experts recommend making a two-layer roofing felt coating for reliability.
Vertical waterproofing
This type of insulation is most often used for columnar, slab, and strip foundations, including turnkey bathhouse construction. It effectively protects against groundwater and moisture that accumulates in the soil.
When constructing new residential buildings, vertical waterproofing of foundation walls is thought out in advance. In old buildings, the arrangement of protection requires additional excavation work, so such activities are organized only when there are obvious signs of water and moisture penetration into the building.
First, a trench is dug around the entire perimeter of the building near the concrete foundation to expose its walls to the maximum possible depth. Concrete surfaces are carefully cleaned of soil, delaminations, and loose areas are removed and sealed with concrete mortar. Only after such careful preparation is bitumen waterproofing of the foundation performed or the walls of the foundation are covered with roll materials. For more effective protection, it is worth using liquid bitumen and roofing felt at the same time.
When building a country house on your own, experts recommend performing both horizontal and vertical protection of the foundation immediately at the stage when construction work is carried out.
The construction company "DLC Hardscapes" offers turnkey brick houses. All specialists have extensive experience in construction. We need to maintain the company's reputation. That is why we proceed from the client's wishes and carry out our work at the highest level.
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