Basement Waterproofing Membranes ' A Vital Aspect for Exterior Waterproofing

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Monday, May 1, 2023 at 1:00pm UTC

Basement moisture problems are a common issue for homeowners, especially those with older homes.

Downers Grove, United States - May 1, 2023 / Everdry Waterproofing Illinois /

Basement Waterproofing Membranes – A Vital Aspect for Exterior Waterproofing

Basement moisture problems are a common issue for homeowners, especially those with older homes. Moisture can seep through foundation walls and cause extensive damage, leading to mold growth, structural damage, and health issues for you and your family. To prevent this, exterior waterproofing has become a popular solution. It involves the installation of a basement waterproofing membrane, which acts as a barrier to prevent water from penetrating the foundation walls and entering the basement. 

If you are a homeowner, you may have experienced moisture problems in your basement. Whether it’s dampness, leaks, or flooding, basement moisture can cause major damage to your home and property, leading to mold, mildew, and structural damage. 

Do you have moisture problems in your basement? You may have encountered several waterproofing methods, including exterior waterproofing. This method of waterproofing involves the installation of a waterproofing membrane that prevents water intrusion. This membrane acts as a barrier to prevent water from penetrating the foundation walls and entering the basement.

In this article, we will take a closer look at basement waterproofing membranes and how they work. We’ll discuss the materials used, the installation process, and the importance of hiring a professional contractor to ensure a successful installation. We’ll also explore the benefits of understanding the waterproofing process, so you can make informed decisions about your home and property. Whether you’re experiencing basement moisture problems or simply want to prevent them, understanding basement waterproofing membranes is a vital aspect of exterior waterproofing.

What is a basement waterproofing membrane?

Basement wall membranes are waterproof barriers that are applied to the exterior surface of the basement wall to prevent water penetration. They are used below grade to block water absorbed by the soil from entering the foundation.

Waterproof membranes can be installed on top of waterproof coatings to protect your foundation from moisture and the backfilling process. Unlike waterproof coatings which biodegrade, peel, or corrode over time, many basement membranes are designed to provide permanent protection for the foundation from moisture. They do not react with moisture.

A basement waterproofing membrane is a specially designed material that is applied to the exterior surface of a basement wall to prevent water penetration. The membrane is usually made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material, which is extremely durable and resistant to water, chemicals, and other harsh substances. It is designed to withstand high levels of water pressure, which can be caused by hydrostatic pressure from the soil, heavy rainfall, or flooding.

The basement waterproofing membrane acts as a barrier to prevent water from seeping through the foundation walls and into the basement. This is especially important in areas with high groundwater levels, where water can accumulate around the foundation and exert pressure on the walls. Without a waterproofing membrane, water can penetrate the foundation walls and cause extensive damage, leading to mold growth, structural damage, and other costly problems.

Waterproof membranes can be installed on top of waterproof coatings to provide additional protection for your foundation. Unlike waterproof coatings, which can biodegrade, peel or corrode over time, many basement membranes are designed to provide permanent protection for the foundation from moisture. They do not react with moisture and are not affected by the natural settling of the soil around the foundation.

In addition to preventing water from entering the basement, waterproofing membranes also help to prevent the buildup of hydrostatic pressure on the foundation walls. Hydrostatic pressure occurs when water accumulates around the foundation and exerts pressure on the walls. Over time, this pressure can cause the walls to crack and weaken, leading to structural damage. By installing a basement waterproofing membrane, the pressure is relieved, and the walls are protected from damage.

Overall, basement waterproofing membranes are a vital aspect of exterior waterproofing. They provide a long-lasting, effective solution for preventing water damage and protecting your home’s foundation.

Installation of waterproof membranes

The installation process for basement waterproofing membranes typically involves several steps to ensure that the membrane is installed correctly and provides maximum protection for your foundation. While the specific installation process may vary depending on the contractor and the type of membrane used, the general steps are as follows:

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Excavation: The ground around the outside of the foundation is excavated to expose the exterior surface of the foundation wall. This allows the contractor to inspect the foundation for any cracks or damage that may need to be repaired before the membrane is installed.

Cleaning and Repair: The exterior surface of the foundation wall is cleaned thoroughly to remove any debris or contaminants that may interfere with the membrane’s adhesion. Any cracks or damage to the foundation wall are also repaired at this stage to ensure that water does not penetrate the foundation wall.

Sealant Coating: A sealant coating is applied to the exterior surface of the foundation wall. This coating acts as an additional barrier to prevent water from seeping through the foundation wall and into the basement.

Membrane Installation: The waterproofing membrane is installed over the sealant coating. The membrane is typically rolled out and cut to fit the specific dimensions of the foundation wall. It is then anchored in place with fasteners or adhesives.

French Drain: A French drain may be installed to guide water away from the foundation. This drain is typically installed at the base of the foundation and covered with gravel to allow water to trickle into the drain, away from the foundation wall. This helps to relieve hydrostatic pressure against the wall of the foundation and prevent water from accumulating around the foundation.

Backfilling: Finally, the foundation is backfilled with soil. This soil should be free of debris and well-compacted to prevent settling, which could damage the foundation over time.

It is important to note that a professional contractor should always carry out the installation process for basement waterproofing membranes. This ensures that all the proper steps are followed and that the best products are used for the installation. A professional contractor will also have the necessary equipment and expertise to ensure that the installation is done correctly and provides long-term benefits for your home.

Hire a professional contractor

While it may be tempting to try to save money by installing a basement waterproofing membrane yourself, it is always best to hire a professional contractor for several reasons.

It’s important to hire a professional contractor to install your basement waterproofing membrane. A qualified and trustworthy contractor will ensure that all the proper steps for waterproofing are followed and that the best products are used for the installation. 

A professional contractor will also have the necessary experience and knowledge to identify any potential problems with your foundation and recommend the best solution. This can save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs and water damage.

Firstly, a professional contractor has the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to install the waterproofing membrane correctly. They will know the proper techniques and materials to use for the installation, which can ensure that the membrane provides maximum protection for your foundation.

Secondly, a professional contractor will have access to the latest products and technologies for basement waterproofing. They can recommend the best membrane for your specific situation and ensure that it is installed correctly.

Thirdly, a professional contractor will be able to identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to the moisture problems in your basement. They can address these issues and provide a comprehensive solution that addresses the root cause of the problem.

Finally, a professional contractor will provide a warranty or guarantee for their work. This can give you peace of mind knowing that if anything goes wrong with the installation, the contractor will be responsible for fixing it.

It is also worth noting that attempting to install a basement waterproofing membrane yourself can be dangerous, especially if you are not familiar with the proper safety procedures and equipment. It is always best to leave this type of work to the professionals to avoid injury or damage to your property.

Overall, hiring a professional contractor for basement waterproofing can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. They can ensure the job is done correctly and provide you with the peace of mind that your home is protected from moisture damage.

Understanding the waterproofing process

While it’s important to hire a professional contractor for the installation of your basement waterproofing membrane, it’s also essential to understand the process. This will help you make informed decisions about the installation and ensure that the proper steps are being followed. 

For example, you may want to ask your contractor about the type of waterproofing membrane they plan to use and why. You may also want to understand the importance of a French drain and how it works to guide water away from your foundation. This can help you make informed decisions about your project and ensure that the contractor you hire is qualified and trustworthy.

One important aspect of the waterproofing process to understand is the importance of excavation. Excavation is necessary to expose the exterior surface of the foundation wall, which is where the waterproofing membrane will be installed. The ground around the foundation is excavated to the required depth, which can vary depending on the specific situation.

Once the exterior surface of the foundation wall is exposed, it is thoroughly cleaned, and any cracks or defects are repaired. This ensures that the waterproofing membrane can be installed on a clean and stable surface, which is essential for its effectiveness.

After the foundation wall is prepared, a sealant coating is applied to the exterior surface. This coating helps to create a barrier between the foundation and the membrane and provides additional protection against moisture intrusion.

The waterproofing membrane is then installed over the sealant coating. There are several different types of waterproofing membranes available, including sheet membranes, liquid membranes, and spray-on membranes. The specific type of membrane used will depend on the specific situation and the recommendations of the contractor.

It is also important to understand the role of a French drain in the waterproofing process. A French drain is a trench filled with gravel or rock that is designed to redirect water away from the foundation. It is installed around the perimeter of the foundation and is covered with additional gravel to allow water to flow into it. The French drain helps to relieve hydrostatic pressure against the wall of the foundation, which can be a significant cause of moisture intrusion.

Finally, It’s important to note that while exterior waterproofing with a membrane is an effective way to prevent moisture intrusion, it is not always the best solution for every situation. Other factors, such as the site’s topography and drainage, the type of soil, and the depth of the foundation, may influence the best waterproofing solution for your home.

In addition to a French drain, other drainage solutions can be used in conjunction with exterior waterproofing. For example, a sump pump can be installed in the basement to remove any water that does manage to enter the space. This can be particularly useful in areas with high water tables or heavy rainfall.

Waterproofing membranes are not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are several different types of membranes available, and each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For example, some membranes are designed to be self-adhering, while others require a separate adhesive. Some are more flexible than others, making them better suited to areas with more movement. It’s important to work with a contractor who can recommend the right membrane for your specific situation.

While it’s important to hire a professional contractor for the installation of a waterproofing membrane, it’s also important to choose a contractor with experience in exterior waterproofing. Not all waterproofing contractors specialize in exterior waterproofing, and the installation process can be more complex than interior waterproofing. Be sure to ask for references and check their online reviews before making a decision.

In summary, understanding the waterproofing process can help you make informed decisions about your project and ensure that the contractor you hire is qualified and trustworthy. It can also give you peace of mind knowing that your foundation is being protected from moisture damage by the installation of a high-quality waterproofing membrane.

Contact the Professionals at Everdry Waterproofing Illinois Today! (630) 769-9300

Contact Information:

Everdry Waterproofing Illinois

5280 Belmont Road
Downers Grove, IL 60515
United States

Zach Krachinski
(630) 769-3900
https://everdryillinois.com/

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