Services
Methods
The three measures developed to prevent this problem differ greatly in ideology and design. The first being interior wall and floor sealers. The other two methods are interior water drainage and exterior drainage combined with waterproofing coatings.
Interior Sealants
Interior sealers will not provide permanent protection from water infiltration where hydrostatic pressure is present. Interior sealers are good for preventing high atmospheric humidity inside the basement, from absorbing into the porous masonry and to prevent spalling. Spalling is a condition where constant high humidity or moisture break down masonry surfaces causing deterioration Interior water drainage
Although interior water drainage is not technically waterproofing, it is a widely accepted technique in mitigating basement water and is generally referred to as a basement waterproofing solution. Many interior drainage systems are patented as well as recognized by B.O.C.A (Building Officials and Code Administrators)as being effective in controlling basement water. They function by draining underground water from alongside the foundation footers and underneath the basement floor. They then channel it with a French drain, PVC pipe, or through a patented product to a sump pump system, which will then pump the water from the basement. Foundation sump pumps can be installed through do-it-yourself kits, plumber installations, or by a professional waterproofing contractor and generally come in plastic and cast-iron models.
To simplify:
- Water enters the home via the basement wall/floor joint, through cracks in the foundation walls and/or holes created by faulty or decaying masonry/brick.
- A perimeter trench drain such as a French drain collects the water before it enters into the basement.
- Wall vapor barriers/retarders and drip moldings are used and incorporated into the sub-slab perimeter drain to collect water coming from wall cracks and other foundation wall defects, such as pipe protrusions.
- The drain directs the water to a sump pump.
- The sump pump directs the water out of the house.
Interior basement waterproofing systems should be prepared to work in the case of a power outage, the failure of a sump pump, and in the face of overwhelming torrential rain. A proper sump pump, backup sump and/or battery backup sump pump should be installed in a large sump pit with an airtight lid for safety and to keep humidity from seeping through to the basement environment, where it can promote mold growth. This airtight practice will also reduce the possibility of dangerous radon gases for entering the living space.
Exterior Waterproofing
Exterior waterproofing prevents water from entering foundation walls therefore preventing the wicking and molding of building materials. Waterproofing a structure from the exterior is the only method the IBC (International Building Code) recognizes as adequate to prevent structural damage caused by water intrusion. Prior to the 1980s much of the original exterior waterproofing was actually damp-proofing using a degradable asphalt-based covering.
Polymer based compounds
Over the past ten years, polymer-based waterproofing products have been developed. Polymer-based products last for the lifetime of the building, and are not affected by soil pH. Polymer-based waterproofing also has the advantage of a low enough viscosity that it can be sprayed directly onto a wall.
Waterproofing in Birmingham Alabama
Waterproofing in Birmingham Alabama can be accomplished in 3 ways:
- Dig trenches around your foundation and divert the water using a french drain
- Treat the exterior wall
- Treat the interior wal
When you are treating the interior, you must use a substance that adheres to the wall-surface, or the stop will only be temporary. For a permanent repair, call Waterproofing in Birmingham Alabama to get the job done right