The foundation of any building is pivotal, bearing the weight and providing stability against environmental pressures. With diverse architectural needs and evolving construction technology, we have many foundation wall types. An essential aspect of their maintenance is waterproofing foundation walls.
Insulated Concrete Form Foundations
ICF foundation is a pioneering construction technique of the modern era. It entails placing concrete between two thick layers of insulated foam. This combination provides dual benefits: a sturdy structure from the concrete and exceptional thermal insulation from the foam layers. People increasingly favour such foundations in energy-efficient homes due to their inherent insulation properties and the speed of construction.
Advantages:
- The insulation properties can result in significant energy savings, reducing heating and cooling costs;
- ICF walls tend to reduce external noise, offering a quieter indoor environment;
- The combination of concrete and foam offers a degree of fire resistance, enhancing the safety of structures.
For ICF type, a liquid waterproofing membrane is one of the best methods for waterproofing foundation walls. This technique involves applying a liquid layer that dries to form a continuous waterproof barrier on the concrete’s exterior. It’s essential to ensure the surface is clean and defects-free before application. To do so, you may require foundation crack repair services.
After the application of the membrane, you can add protection boards. These boards shield the foam and membrane from potential damage during backfilling or from the surrounding environment. They come as a part of exterior basement waterproofing.
To further safeguard against water accumulation, a drainage system, like weeping tiles or French drains, can be installed alongside the foundation, directing water away and thus reducing hydrostatic pressure against the ICF walls.
Stone Foundation Walls
Stone foundation walls echo the craftsmanship of yesteryears. Found primarily in older or historic structures, builders construct these walls using individual stones bound together by mortar. Their rugged beauty often comes with challenges, given their porous nature and the potential for mortar erosion over time.
Advantages:
- Stone foundations offer a timeless, rustic appeal that many homeowners appreciate;
- Constructed from natural stone, these walls are eco-friendly, often leveraging locally sourced materials;
- When well-maintained, stone foundations can stand the test of time, lasting for several decades, if not centuries.
If you think of waterproofing foundation walls of this type, it’s better to use masonry waterproofing paint. This specialized paint creates a waterproof seal over the stone and mortar. Age and water infiltration can cause the mortar binding the stones to deteriorate. Repointing involves replacing the weakened mortar with a fresh one. Once done, sealants can be applied to enhance the waterproofing capabilities.
You can apply an external membrane to the outer surface of the foundation. This membrane is a barrier, preventing water from directly contacting the stone walls. The key to maintaining a dry stone foundation is often in managing the surrounding water flow. Implementing a proper grading system, ensuring gutters are directing water away from the foundation, and installing efficient drainage systems can keep moisture at bay. The basement waterproofing Mississauga is an excellent idea in such a flooded area.
Poured Concrete Foundation Walls
People widely favour them in modern construction due to their firm, continuous, and seamless nature. The process involves setting up wooden or metal forms in the desired wall shape and then pouring wet concrete into these forms. Once the concrete hardens or cures, the forms are removed to reveal a solid wall. These walls have become the industry standard, primarily because of their strength and durability. However, to build solid concrete walls, you’ll definitely need an experienced concrete contractor.
Advantages:
- Without joints, as in block walls, poured concrete walls offer superior resistance against water leaks and seepage;
- Using forms allows for customization, enabling varied architectural designs and structural components. You can make a stamped concrete or concrete patio. The possibilities are endless;
- Poured concrete provides excellent fire resistance, which can be crucial for homes in regions prone to wildfires.
Water- and solvent-based sealers can be brushed or rolled onto the concrete. This sealer sinks into the pores, providing a protective barrier against moisture. Despite its strength, poured concrete can develop cracks over time due to settling or ground movement. Specialized epoxy or polyurethane injections can seal these cracks, making the wall watertight again.
As with the ICF foundation, a membrane can do the trick. This involves adhering a thick waterproof membrane to the external surface of the foundation. When paired with a proper drainage system, this membrane can prevent groundwater from directly contacting the foundation walls.
Cinder Block Walls
Commonly referred to as concrete block walls or masonry walls, builders assemble cinder block walls from hollow concrete blocks. These blocks are stacked and bound together using mortar. Their modular nature makes them versatile and often more economical than poured concrete. However, the hollow centers can pose challenges in terms of moisture retention.
Advantages:
- Cinder block walls generally come at a lower cost than their poured concrete counterparts;
- Due to their modular nature, adjustments and alterations during construction are more straightforward;
- The hollow centers in the blocks can offer better insulation if filled with insulating materials.
To tackle the issue of moisture retention in the hollows, one can use fillers to make the wall more solid. These filters help in waterproofing and add to the wall’s insulating properties. They also can be added during the windows replacement to seal the gaps between window panes and walls.
You can apply a thick, brushable solution over the surface to prevent moisture infiltration. It’s essential first to clean the surface thoroughly and remove any efflorescence or mould growth. Then, you can add a heavier, more robust exterior foundation coating outside the block walls. This method offers comprehensive protection against water seepage with good drainage and waterproofing landscaping design.
Conclusion
Every foundation wall type, with its unique attributes and vulnerabilities, demands a tailored approach to waterproofing. By recognizing each foundation’s specific needs and challenges, homeowners and builders can ensure longevity, safety, and optimum performance. With the proper waterproofing techniques, you can extend the foundation’s life and mitigate or even avoid potentially costly repairs.