Concrete Foundations

How do you seal concrete foundations?

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    Any building project requires a solid foundation. Sealing a foundation is one of the most important aspects of keeping it functional over the long haul. Moisture that enters the home through the foundation walls and floor can cause mould growth and health problems if not properly sealed. Knowing more about foundation sealing can help you avoid problems and fix older problems.

    Moisture ruins homes. Roofs, walls, and floors are all vulnerable to water damage from rain and ground seepage. Mold thrives in dark, damp places like basements and crawlspaces. Above ground, it might be caused by leaks in the roof or gutters. A home that has been properly waterproofed will require less upkeep overall.

    The main enemy of your house is moisture. Masonry, foundations, roofs, siding, doors, cement, and windows are all susceptible to water damage from rain and ground seepage. Mold thrives in dark, damp places like basements and crawlspaces. It can also occur above ground, due to leaky roofs and gutters. The most essential home maintenance task is waterproofing.

    We have a wide range of external waterproofing services at Hitch Property Constructions.

    Foundation Sealing in a New Structure

    Sealing a foundation varies by region. Soil composition, annual rainfall, and temperature changes affect sealing in your area.

    Construction techniques and materials can eliminate moisture and soil gases. On the foundation wall's exterior, mastic and drainboard are often applied. Water is directed away from the home using drain tile installed at the footing of the foundation. Before pouring the basement floor, the gravel is sealed with a poly membrane or vapour retardant. Sealed edges and seams prevent moisture, radon, and other soil gases from entering the home.

     Concrete Foundations

    Sealing a Foundation That Is Already Damaged

    Older homes often need foundation repairs due to outdated building techniques and problems neglected by previous owners. People building a home shouldn't have to worry about cracks and gaps in their foundation (as long as their contractor knows what he or she is doing).

    Foundation cracks can lead to costly repairs in the future. Imagine you have foundation cracks, misaligned windows and doors, and sloping floors. In that case, a structural engineer should examine the issue. If you seal cracks or gaps before a professional inspects them, you may make the problem worse by hiding it.

    You can hire a contractor right away, but a handyman may only provide a temporary fix to a more serious problem. Getting a proper diagnosis from a structural engineer (who has no interest in the repair process) is the first step in a successful repair. After a professional inspects your foundation and determines that cracks and gaps need to be filled to prevent further damage, you can use caulks, foams, and other fillers to do the job.

    How To Make a Foundation Waterproof

    Concrete Waterproofing Schedule and Planning

    Waterproofing should be let to float. During the busy season, there is a great demand for competent waterproofers. Waterproofing takes longer when it rains.

    Waterproofing should be well-planned. Elevations on the plan should indicate where the completion grade line will be on the foundation walls; however, this should be verified with the architect. We seal our boats with a black, sticky substance that must not be visible. Note grade changes. If the architect uses a retaining wall, a diagonal waterproofing line won't work.

    Construction Tips

    Make use of crayons or chalk to draw layout lines on a complex, grade-changing foundation. The waterproofer might be able to get up to a certain height on a simple base. Waterproofing should be done within 6 inches of the final grade at the very least. Ensure that the holes used to secure the underground form are safe. It's important to prepare in advance for things like overlapping walls that aren't watertight, bulkheads and basement windows, and porch foundations.

    When waterproofing walls, keep in mind the following guideline: Walls on one side of the foundation that are waterproof and can be used for living space, such as crawl spaces. Extend the waterproofing a further 12 inches onto the non-waterproof walls. Waterproofing additional walls is recommended if the site is particularly damp. Water can flow along the keyway and enter the occupied area under extreme conditions. Questions? Architects have the answers.

    Find out what the maximum and minimum temperatures are recommended by the maker. Waterproofing using a solvent can be applied even on a chilly day. A word of caution, though: substances based on water should be avoided. There are 40F items available.

    Cure Time for Waterproofing

    Find out how long you should let concrete cure by consulting the manufacturer's guidelines. Typically, a seven-day curing period is required before any sheet membrane can be applied over cured concrete, however this might vary. Even longer times may be required at times. This is because the concrete needs a long period of time to fully dry after being poured.

    Water vapour emitted by the concrete may interfere with the waterproofing material's ability to adhere to the surface. Curing times for liquid membranes can be as variable as those for concrete. It may take up to 14 days for some. Applicants should only wait till the forms are gone before submitting new ones.

    Preserving The Existing Waterproofing

    Backfilling usually damages waterproofing systems. Boards of defence are used by some manufacturers. Insulation or drainage mats can be used to create protective boards. Basic safety is provided by a board of 1-inch-thick expanded polystyrene foam. The drainage board, insulation, and protection all come from the same manufacturer.

    Protective boards are best attached with a watertight glue. Waterproofing can be eaten by some adhesives. Keep employees and trades away from the waterproofing area while it is being backfilled. All horizontal membranes, including footings and decks, must be kept clear of workers at all times. Don't assume that everyone else is as impervious to water as you are.

    Add Some Color

    Color can be added with Thompson's Concrete Care 100% Acrylic Latex Stain. It's suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and offers protection against water damage, flaking, and peeling on concrete and masonry surfaces. It won't get old or fade.

    Preparing the surface for concrete is a tedious process. Degreaser and cleanser for concrete should be used as needed. Service for Concrete by Thompson's It is possible that smooth concrete will require a Pre-Stain Etch prior to being stained. In other words, it creates a surface similar to 80-grit sandpaper. Pick up and wash away etching debris. When it is cool, that is the time to put on sunscreen. Roller, brush, low-pressure sprayer, or pad can be used for application. Spread the stain and wet the leading edge. This avoids the appearance of lap marks and guarantees a consistent hue.

    Looking for external waterproofing Melbourne? Check out Hitch Property Constructions.

    Waterproofing Safety

    Below-grade waterproofing is risky. Due to the risks, nobody should waterproof alone. Check that the waterproofing contractors you hire are adhering to a formalised safety plan and all necessary hazard warnings. The waterproofers' area should be kept clear of other workers.

    As soon as you've mastered waterproofing, you may speed up your task without compromising on safety. Waterproofing safety concerns.

    Flammable materials 

    There are a lot of waterproofing products that use solvents. Maintain a safe distance from any potential ignition sources, such as welding operations, fire, cutting torches, smoking materials, and others.

    Risks to Respiratory System

    Many different waterproofing products use solvents as their primary component. Maintain a safe distance from any potential ignition sources, such as welding activities, cutting torches, smoking materials, fire, and other flame-producing equipment.

    Skin injuries

    Waterproofing materials may include a number of compounds that are harmful to human skin. Wearing safety gear like goggles and gloves is a must in some situations. Wear solvent-proof gloves when scrubbing instruments in a solvent.

    Injection hazards 

    It is essential to use caution when operating with or near spray equipment. Using an airless sprayer under high pressure makes it possible to inject toxic compounds straight into the bloodstream.

    Eye injuries

    Always use safety glasses or goggles, but especially when handling liquids.

    Procedure For Preparing the Surface

    Taking the time to properly prepare a surface is crucial. Sweep the subfloor and footing clean and level them out. Try to prepare as much as possible: When waterproofing, rhythm is important; you can't afford to pause to fix little things like loose concrete or broken form ties.

    Huge holes or honeycomb structures aren't sealed off. Use patching cement or non-shrinking grout to fill them. Holes in form ties might be repairable with trowel-grade mastic. It is important that the patching material and the waterproofing product be compatible.

    Waterproofing is more effective on walls that have been cleaned thoroughly. To best prepare your surface, I recommend:

    Check out the watertightness of the region. Standing water on footings, remaining concrete forms, poorly dug footings, and inadequately prepared pipe penetrations are just a few of the unusual challenges. It is imperative that these issues be resolved immediately, especially if they are the result of the work of another trade.

    Solid, dry ground. If you had a 20-pound propane torch, that will do the trick. Put your broom and torch to use on puddles.

    Sever all ties. Use a reciprocating saw or cutting torch to remove the misaligned end of a tie with an unusual shape. Remove internal form ties. After waterproofing a foundation, the general contractor had an employee tear off form ties. The worker re-anchored the ties to the wall by pounding on them. Each one pierced the watertight membrane that had been backfilled.

    Disinfect the floor and walls. For this, you'll need an icebreaker with a long handle. In order to satisfy the standards of some waterproofing manufacturers, it is necessary to machine-grind any ridges or protrusions. The use of a brick hammer is a practical tool. Beginning on the right foot is crucial. Congealed slurry pools at the footing of a wall as it is being poured. As this stuff isn't as tough as concrete, it should be easy to scrape off.

    Scrub the foundation and the walls. They need not be edible, but they must not produce dirt or dust. Waterproofing products may not adhere well to dirty surfaces. Please don't let any repairmen in. Waterproofers typically go about their duties unseen by other employees. After cleaning footings, I've seen workmen walk down them with filthy boots.

    Patch and fill. Follow the waterproofing manufacturer's instructions for grouting penetrations.

    At Hitch Property Constructions, we offer Melbourne external waterproofing services.

    The Do's and Don'ts of Foundation Crack Sealing

    As concrete cures, cracks often form in foundations. This happens when there's too much water in the concrete mix, it dries too quickly, or the material or location isn't ready. Common cracks like these don't always need immediate attention.

    When the subgrade soil is not properly compacted or when trees or roots are buried beneath the foundation, cracks form. In such cases, the soil is prone to sinking, shifting, or expanding, so pressure is added directly to the foundation rather than the surrounding earth.

    Water is another culprit. High water tables or flowing water can remove or shift soils, making the foundation less stable and creating voids under the footings.

    Whether the crack is moving or static, it should be sealed. Sealing the crack will preserve the wall's integrity and keep water out. This article discusses crack sealing from the inside of the wall, as sealing from the outside is sometimes impossible.

    We often find a crack that was incorrectly sealed by the homeowner or a professional. What does improper sealing mean?

    Surface fills like caulking or hydraulic cement are common mistakes. Both are nonpermanent crack sealants. They may look good, but they make the problem worse.

    Two things are wrong. First, cement or caulking erodes or falls away, reopening cracks. These applications are inefficient because they block water from flowing away from the wall instead of acting as a diversion. When water can't freely flow, it can erode the wall's integrity.

    Avoid water damage. Sealing and waterproofing are easy tasks that can protect and beautify your home.

    Conclusion

    Moisture that enters the home through the foundation walls and floor can cause mould growth and health problems. Sealing a foundation is one of the most important aspects of keeping it functional over the long haul. A home that has been properly waterproofed will require less upkeep overall. During the busy season, there is a great demand for competent waterproofers. Waterproofing should be done within 6 inches of the final grade at the very least.

    Walls on one side of the foundation that are waterproof and can be used for living space, such as crawl spaces. A seven-day curing period is required before any sheet membrane can be applied over cured concrete. This is because the concrete needs a long period of time to fully dry after being poured. Curing times for liquid membranes can be as variable as those for concrete. Check that the waterproofing contractors you hire are adhering to a formalised safety plan and all necessary hazard warnings.

    Maintain a safe distance from any potential ignition sources, such as welding operations, fire, cutting torches, smoking materials, and other flame-producing equipment. Wear solvent-proof gloves when scrubbing instruments in a solvent. After waterproofing a foundation, the general contractor had an employee tear off form ties. Disinfect the floor and walls. Machine-grind any ridges or protrusions.

    Patch and fill. Follow the waterproofing manufacturer's instructions for grouting penetrations. Please don't let any repairmen in. When subgrade soil is not properly compacted or trees and plants are buried beneath the foundation, cracks form. Sealing the crack will preserve the wall's integrity and keep water out. This article discusses crack sealing from inside of the wall, as sealing from the outside is sometimes impossible.

    Content Summary

    • Any building project requires a solid foundation.
    • Knowing more about foundation sealing can help you avoid problems and fix older problems.
    • Getting a proper diagnosis from a structural engineer (who has no interest in the repair process) is the first step in a successful repair.
    • Elevations on the plan should indicate where the completion grade line will be on the foundation walls; however, this should be verified with the architect.
    • Preparing the surface for concrete is a tedious process.
    • Check that the waterproofing contractors you hire are adhering to a formalised safety plan and all necessary hazard warnings.
    • Follow the waterproofing manufacturer's instructions for grouting penetrations.
    • Whether the crack is moving or static, it should be sealed.
    • Sealing the crack will preserve the wall's integrity and keep water out.
    • This article discusses crack sealing from the inside of the wall, as sealing from the outside is sometimes impossible.

    FAQs About Concrete Foundation

    Overall, concrete slab house foundation are the most common type. These foundations are made from poured concrete – usually between four and eight inches deep – and reinforced with steel bars called rebar. Basement foundations have subterranean concrete walls that support the above-ground structure.

    Concrete slab foundations are more common in states with warm climates where the ground is less likely to freeze and cause the foundation to crack. There are good reasons for building or buying a house on a slab, such as cost savings and less risk of damage in certain instances.

    Poured concrete block footings and slab foundations should last a lifetime, 80 to 100 years or more provided they were quality built. The foundation termite proofing, 12 years, provided the chemical barriers remain intact. Properly installed waterproofing with bituminous coating should last 10 years. Flooring.

    Concrete is the best material for foundation among all other materials used for foundation because it is hard, durable, and strong in compression. Concrete does not affect by moisture and can be made nearly watertight for basement walls.

    Concrete walls are exceptionally stable, providing the home with an increased sustenance and firmness. Unlike other types of foundations, they do not shift with the movement of the soil beneath the house. Due to its durability, poured concrete is the most commonly used building material for a foundation.

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