There is a saying that a building stands on its foundation. When you see cathedrals and other historic buildings stranding erect weathering centuries of wear and tear, you can not help but wonder how strong the foundations of these buildings must have been to withstand it all. Of all the elements which can damage the foundation of a home or any structure, excess underground water is perhaps the biggest culprit. Not only is a wet basement the result of such watery soil but it can have a serious impact on the strength of the overall foundation. So when you are building a new home, one of the areas where you must give the most attention is to waterproof the foundation, so that your home can carry on providing shelter for years on end and you will not land up with a wet basement. There is a large range of waterproofing materials which are available in the market, which can confuse any new buyer. Given below is an easy-to-comprehend overview of some of the commonly used waterproofing systems which can add extra strength to your foundation:
Liquid rubber foundation: These are waterproofing membranes made from liquid rubber. Similar materials are used to make car tires as well. This material is conveniently applied using a spray, roller or a trowel. The liquid dries up very rapidly and is applied in cold condition. The liquid transforms into an elastic rubber coating which prevents water from seeping into the foundation wall. It can easily fill up small holes and join all the cracks. It is affordable too. the only disadvantage which people find is inconsistency of coverage – some areas may be thinly sprayed, etc. The modern brands have taken care of this problem and you can easily determine the thickness of the solvent by its color. If you find some areas lighter than the rest, simply spray more liquid. For larger cracks or holes, fill it up with cement filling and then apply the overall coat.
Hot applied Liquid Rubber Foundation: This is an asphalt compound which is rubberized. It offers strong and flexible waterproofing to your foundation walls. This can be applied on roofs also. The biggest advantage of this type of waterproofing material is that it can be applied even on rough surfaces. It stops water migration and controls build-up of moisture. The cost of application of this material is higher as several layers of this has to be put and the surface needs prior priming. Because the application process is hot, it is usually done best with a certified professional.
Rubberized asphalt membranes: This are self-adhering and one of the most common forms of waterproofing material where the membranes are laminated to a waterproof polyethylene film. Consistent thickness is its biggest advantage. The material is sturdy and resistant to hydrostatic pressure. This can be applied to concrete, metal, wood or any other masonry surfaces. The disadvantage of this material is that is very sticky and hence harder to apply. The cost is also another deterring factor – as it requires a couple of people to put on rightly.
There are some other waterproofing materials also like cement based flexible and Bentonite waterproofing membranes which are regularly used by home builders. Scan all the possibilities and then make your informed decision regarding which waterproofing material you will use to make your foundation strong and the basement dry forever.
