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Watch the video on Keeping Foundation Walls Dry.
Every home needs a strong foundation. If a foundation is poorly protected, water can soak up into the concrete, causing cracks and weakening the home's support. By using a waterproof spray and drainage board, you can prevent moisture from soaking up into the concrete.
The foundation handles water from roof runoff, and it drains water from above and below the ground. The problem with this is that without a waterproofing system, the foundation can crack under hydrostatic pressure — the force a standing fluid, such as water, exerts on the foundation walls.
You need a better method to successfully waterproof the foundation while also allowing the water to drain away from the home. By applying a waterproof asphalt coating to the foundation walls and by attaching a drainage board to the foundation, you can create a two-part system that gives the foundation a strong defense against water problems.
Here's how you do it:
- First you'll need to spray the top of the footing with the waterproof coating before the foundation wall is set. This coating will stop any water from wicking its way up through the footer and into the home.
- Before the asphalt coating is applied, you'll want to make sure the foundation walls and surfaces are clean, dry and free of debris. Also, if any of your plumbing or electrical lines are below grade, make sure they are completely sealed prior to spraying.
- Typically, waterproofing should extend up to 4 inches above the grade line. Mark the grade line so that you know where to stop. Then apply the coating evenly and consistently.
- The final step in the process is to install a proper drain at the side of the footer to drain any bulk water away from the foundation.
- When it comes to attaching a fiberglass drainage board, make sure the boards are butted up against each other with no gaps. The boards simply stick onto the asphalt coating. When using a drainage board with grooves or a dimple board, it should be oriented per the manufacturer's recommendations.
The common method for waterproofing foundation walls is to apply a damp-proof coating to the walls. This "one-step" process seals all gaps in the concrete; however, a drainage board is not used. Although this is a simpler and cheaper method, it does not provide adequate protection from moisture buildup. As a result, it can lead to leaks, cracks and a buildup of mold. And remember — the leaks are not always obvious. If they are left undetected for too long, somebody's going to pay for expensive repairs.
With a two-part waterproofing system for foundation walls, you are giving your basements the best protection against moisture buildup. You're also helping deter mold and mildew and keeping your basements dry all year long.
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