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The Trick to Waterproofing Basements

The big challenge when waterproofing basements is that you’re below ground level.  Remember, water seeks the path of least resistance and continues 'down' as long as it can easily do so.

Wherever possible we need to trap the water before it gets to your brickwork or other wall or danger area. We call this 'positive tanking' as it keeps the water on the 'right' side.

A professional and comprehensive approach to positive tanking where basements are involved includes three key steps:
  1. Review the current drainage where the water problem is originating. If appropriate to improve this this can make quick and relatively significant improvement.
  2. Access the positive side of the wall and waterproof on this side to stop the water actually making contact with the wall proper.
  3. Typically this will include caulking and tanking of the positive side of the wall.
  4. To complete the process apply protective barrier sheets before backfilling with scoria.

A beautiful garden … a water problem

Because of this beautiful garden next door ……….
this water seepage problem was caused in a basement carpark AND made it difficult to access the source of the problem. 
But careful planning and a professional approach solved the problem.

                      


Our specialists do whatever needs to be done

Depending on the environment external to the basement, the amount of water and the terrain we will, if the situation necessitates, incorporate submersible pits and pumps to capture and disperse the water in a controlled manner.

Negative Tanking

Unfortunately there are occasions where we cannot access the source of the problem.

If we can’t get to it from the positive we need to address it from the negative. This is much more complicated.

Steps may include:
  1. We may need to dry it out first. As we're unable to stop the water seeping from the other side this can be a challenge. Often weep holes will be sued to drain the existing water. The weep holes are later plugged.
  2. Then (on the negative side) we apply suitable chemicals that work as a fast drying non shrink grout to apply the waterproofing.  In a situation where we‘re working on the negative side and we can't completely stop the water coming through we may
    • Blow dry small sections at a time and,
    • use a application chemical mix that dries in 40 seconds !

A Professional Approach to Fix a Major Problem

Remember, if you see signs of water leakage or efflorescence in your basement you have a problem that requires professional attention.  If you'd like more information on how we may go about fixing your problem please contact us now for a no obligation chat.



Ask us to find you a waterproofing specialist in your area.

info@waterproofingaustralia.com.au
(03) 9016 9530



 
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