How to make waterproofing materials and their application for different foundations? Review and Step by Step + Video

Waterproofing the foundation from water is an important component in the construction of any premises.

In most of Russia, groundwater is located close enough, so this issue is very relevant.

Concrete is not afraid of water, on the contrary, it even becomes stronger, but there are also disadvantages. Let's start this article with the cons.

General information

Cons of concrete

1. Possesses capillarity - when water rises higher and higher through the pores.

   For example, think of a lump of sugar dipped a little into a mug of tea. In our case, moisture rises from the outside of the wall to the inside, and then to the walls. Walls become wet, lose heat, fungi and mold appear, materials deteriorate quickly.

2. Now the foundation is not only made of concrete, but also contains iron reinforcement. And it corrodes when interacting with water.

   The metal begins to rust, while increasing several times in size. Pressure builds up inside the foundation and destruction begins.

3. Most of Russia in winter is characterized by low temperatures, and even frosts. When water freezes, it turns into ice, which increases in volume. And if water is in concrete at this time, then this becomes the cause of destruction.

IMPORTANT: there is another problem - groundwater often contains salt, sulfates or acids. Chemical elements can cause "concrete corrosion".

If the insulation work is done correctly, the above processes can be prevented.

There are two ways:

1. Bridge concrete can be used. It has a high level of impermeability.

2. Use foundation waterproofing materials.

How to avoid problems when working with concrete

The first option has several drawbacks, although it seems that it is much easier - I placed an order for a special concrete and all problems solved.

• - the cost increases from 30% and more.
• - not every manufacturer can produce such concrete. And if you do it yourself, the result may not be very high quality.

• - since this concrete mix quickly hardens, delivery should be very fast.

The second option is more affordable, and almost any builder can handle it.

Before purchasing the material, study such factors as:

• - At what depth is the groundwater.
• - At what level does the soil freeze pass.
• - Soil composition.

• - Features of the construction (residential building, office, etc.).

IMPORTANT: to improve the performance of the mortar, builders often add special additives. They will not fully protect, but the quality will increase.

Samples of materials suitable for insulation

It is important to consider all factors that may affect the construction.

We have described them above and you should understand that the higher the water, the more effective waterproofing should be.It's the same with ground vibrations and soil composition. For example: sandy soils immediately transfer it to a depth, and alumina not only absorbs moisture, but also prevents it from evaporating for a long time.

Impregnation for deep penetration

This material can often be confused with a primer, however, the solution is thicker and more resistant.

Due to the impregnation, efflorescence does not occur, the solution penetrates into all cracks, and does not allow moisture to penetrate, and does not freeze in winter.

Most often this is an additional material, and not the main one, this is due to the high humidity of almost the entire territory of the Russian Federation.

Plaster

This material also does not act as the main option. Plaster is most often used as a decorative coating. It is usually applied to waterproofing, thereby enhancing its properties.

If you want to improve the properties of the material, as well as increase the service life, then plaster is an excellent option.

As a coating, you can use ordinary cement mortar, but I will need it in a few years, but the insulating plaster will last a long time. In the long run, this is much more beneficial.

Bituminous waterproofing of the foundation

This has been used for many decades material. Despite the development of technologies, the invention of new materials and additions, its composition has not changed much. A big plus is its resistance to moisture, even if there is constant contact.

Can be used as the main or as an additional option. They can easily repair cracks and joints.

Even a beginner in construction can handle the material. It is necessary to melt the bitumen and simply apply it to the areas with a brush.

FOR REFERENCE: ready-made liquid mastic is available in almost any hardware store.

It is easy to use and does not differ from its solid counterpart. The downside is the cost of the liquid form.

Lubricating waterproofing of the foundation

The material contains bitumen. It is applied in several layers with a brush, roller or spatula. You can often find it on the shelves under the name bitumen mastic.

There is a ready-made mixture, but you can prepare it yourself according to the recipe:

• - split the bitumen briquette (as small as possible),
• - completely melt in a metal container,
• - add waste oil or diesel fuel to the resulting mixture,
• - mix everything well with a wooden stick.

Ready-made mastic can be purchased in a bucket. Before starting work, be sure to mix it with a solvent, as indicated in the instructions. Manufacturers make mastic with different properties, so choose carefully so as not to purchase material for the wrong purpose, for example, roofing.

Before starting work, it is necessary to clean the concrete well from dirt.

Prime the surface if possible. Apply the plaster in several layers. Remember. That the next layer is applied only if the previous one is completely dry.On average, the coating is 0.

5 cm thick.

This is the most cost-effective option. The disadvantages include the fragility and duration of the work.

Roll waterproofing

This is one of the best options in the process of isolation from water. In appearance they are similar to roofing material, but in its composition there is a special.

components that increase service life.

Consider the differences between insulation and roofing material:

1. Due to the polymers in the composition, it is more resistant to moisture.
2. Does not deteriorate under the influence of the sun.
3. Covers all surfaces well.
4. Withstands mechanical damage.

5. "Breathable" material, does not let water in, but lets it out.
6. Provides additional warmth.

All materials of this type are divided into 2 options:

• - insulators that need to be glued,
• - Insulators that need to be fused on bitumen.

The second option is more complicated, but also more reliable, since a uniform homogeneous layer is obtained. For such work, it is best to contact a specialist.

Rubber as an insulator

One of the most expensive, but more durable options. The entire surface is covered with liquid rubber, it easily fills all pores, cracks, etc.

Nowadays, many manufacturers produce rubber insulators.

Clay castle

A good and inexpensive way to keep a building from moisture ..

. We dig a foundation pit half a meter deep. We make a pillow of gravel and crushed stone about 5 cm.Pour clay in layers, do not forget to tamp each layer. In this embodiment, the clay is a buffer against water.

A plus is the ease of execution, but it is best to use this option for utility buildings and wells. For homes, it is best used as a complementary option.

Screen waterproofing

This option has been used recently. We clean the surface of the foundation, fix the mats filled with clay with a mounting gun. We install the mats so that they overlap each other by 120-150 cm.

The mats can be replaced with clay panels, and do not forget to process the joints.

Application Features

There are two application options:

• - Horizontal.
• - Vertical.

IMPORTANT: Don't skip the sand cushion. It will not only prevent the concrete from leaking, but will also protect the foundation from washing.

First, it is assumed that bricks, blocks, etc. will be placed on the material. Many do not attach importance and forget about the need to use an insulating material, but it is better not to do this.

However, all horizontal parts can crack, you can seal all the cracks with plaster or other finishing, but as a result, destruction or sagging will begin.

Horizontal waterproofing consists of stages:

1. To the bottom fill the pit with a pillow of sand or clay to a level of 0.

   2-0.3 m. Do not forget to tamp everything.

2. Pour a screed over the pillow with a thin layer. We are waiting for it to dry.

3. We attach roofing material to mastic or bitumen. So we make 2 layers.
4. After the concrete has completely hardened, the foundation can be erected.

IMPORTANT: when building a wooden house, the entire foundation must be covered with an insulating layer, otherwise the tree will start to rot.

Vertical waterproofing of the foundation assumes the protection of all visible parts.

It is better not to save money and choose the most profitable options. Several options can be used such as primer, rolls and rubber.

Drainage system

When the moisture permeability is low and the amount of groundwater is high enough, do not forget to drain. We make drainage according to the algorithm:

1. We dig a foundation pit around the entire perimeter by 25-30 cm. Make a slope in the direction where the water collects.

2. Laying geotextiles. The edges should be about half a meter on the walls. We pour gravel to a height of five centimeters.
3. We lay the drainage pipes. Don't forget about the bias.

4. Add another layer of gravel, 25 cm high. Cover it with another layer of geotextile and cover it.

With this option, water will accumulate in the pipes, but they will not get clogged.

Also, insulation can be external or internal. The first option is ideal for new construction.

The second option can be done when the house has already been built, but there are problems.

The underground insulation is a PVC membrane and can be made during the construction phase. In the prepared pit, we make a thin cement screed, cover everything with a membrane and connect everything well together. It is necessary to raise the membrane by 1 meter. If possible, cover the walls with a membrane as well.

The edges of the membrane can be soldered with a hot air stream.

Which insulation option to choose?

1. Column foundation . It is possible to use only insulation in rolls. I roll up the material in the shape of a cylinder, attach the edges to each other and install it in the well. A cheaper option would be roofing material.

   Remember to turn the smooth side outward. Better to do two layers of insulation. Additionally, use bitumen on asbestos and metal pipes.

2. Shallow strip foundation . It is done only in cases where the groundwater is deep.

   In this case, ordinary roofing felt and bitumen mastic are suitable.

3. Recessed foundation without basement . We put the rolls at the bottom, and coat the sides well with insulation.
4. Recessed foundation with basement . We process the walls with plastering material.

   We cover the base in several layers with rolls.

5. Slab foundation . Most often, two layers of roll material are sufficient.Place the layers perpendicular to each other.

Do not walk unnecessarily on waterproofing to avoid damage.

( 1 grade, average 5 of 5 )