The Link Between Waterproofing and Foundation Repair in Construction
When you think about it, it’s simply amazing that old (and even ancient) constructions are still standing today. True, there are not that many. And, that’s due to many reasons including warfare, changes in architectural fashion, community planning demands and the whims of homeowners. One of the most compelling reasons that we’re not surrounded by ancient buildings though is that they weren’t constructed all that well. And, one of the biggest causes for condemning a building is poor foundational work. Considering that less work was done on foundations - and waterproofing the grounds underneath buildings, it really is a marvel that we have any old buildings surviving today.
There is a very big link between the strength and resilience of a structure and it’s foundation. There’s also a serious link between the strength of the foundation and the waterproofing it had during construction.
You might think that everything has been waterproofed for a very long time. It hasn’t. True waterproofing is a relatively modern addition to the construction world. What the general public may have always called waterproofing is usually damp proofing. The two are similar, but they are not the same.
Damp proofing is the application of a product to walls (or floors) to make those structures more impervious to moisture seeping through from the ground. Typically, these coatings are not as resistant to water as actual waterproofing. Supposing the soil around these walls stays in place, and there are no water tables to contend with, they should hold up reasonably well. But, damp proofing is really only part of the process.
So What Is Waterproofing?
Damp proofing will retard water from slowly invading wall and floor spaces. But, if there is a water table sitting just underneath the foundation (or slowly rising to the level of the foundation), there will be big problems. Water will get through, starting with what looks like damp and turning (probably not so slowly) into sincere flooding.
The same thing will happen to damp proofed floors and walls is the drainage system suddenly stops working. is simply not strong enough to deal with flowing water. Waterproofing is. Sometimes it is even applied as a coating though it is usually combined with other impervious materials to ensure that water does not get through when it is not supposed to. Think of it as a stronger, more resilient form of damp proofing. And, although it is more expensive, it is often the right protection for your home - especially if you have underground living levels.
Where Is Waterproofing Needed
There are a few areas of your home that may need waterproofing. The most common and the one that should take plenty of attention is the foundation level. If you have a small crawl space between a just below ground foundation and the lowest flooring in your home, you may be able to get away with damp proofing - provided that you have a solid drainage system in place.
However, if you have any underground living spaces, you need to invest in waterproofing at the foundational level. You will also want waterproofing on the walls that extend underneath the ground level. Without this protection, you’re asking for trouble.
Waterproofing is also required in areas that are consistently wet or snow-covered. This means most homes in the UK, especially those near lakes and marsh areas where water tables are a common occurrence.
Ensuring Your Foundation Gets the Treatment It Needs
New structures in the UK usually require waterproofing at the foundational level. There are very few times when it makes more sense to skip this step based on the conditions of the area. And, when in doubt, a responsible builder will always swing the way of waterproofing - even on small structures, animal and vehicle structures and any building over half a storey high.
There are different waterproofing treatments and grades, however, and this is where it gets tricky. Obviously, the more impervious and resilient a waterproofing material is, the more it costs. And sometimes, those costs may seem prohibitive. Builders, especially those under the direction of personal and small-project homeowners, should always err in favour of the higher grade. Sure, getting in all the kitchen finishes desired within a budget, but repairing a foundation damaged due to water is a far more costly exercise than most people imagine.
Foundations Can Crack Over Time (and This Is Problematic)
Your foundation is the one thing that your house truly cannot be without - well, at least not for any length of time. It is possible to create temporary and makeshift walls and roofs when building or renovating. But, this cannot be done at the foundational level.
And, it is possible for foundations to crack over time - through entirely (or seemingly) natural causes. But, the main reason this type of problem occurs is through water damage or exposure. Concrete is simply that susceptible to water. So, not only do you need to ensure that there are a proper means of draining surface water, but it’s imperative to ensure that foundations are waterproofed underneath. This is that all too important link between waterproofing and the need for foundational repair work.
What Happens When You Spot Damp Spots or Water Damage in the Cellar?
Remember that there is a difference between damp and water. However, unless you really know what’s happening behind the walls or underneath the foundation, it is difficult to determine what those wet spots really are.
If you can say, without a doubt, that your foundation has had serious waterproofing, then you can suspect the walls, even if stains appear only at the lowest levels. In this case, you may be able to apply damp proofing to the walls retrospectively.
However, if you’re unsure of the level of waterproofing you have and it is clear that water stains are coming from the ground up, you will need to look into foundation repair work.
We Don’t Want to Scare You, But…
If you spot damage to your foundation, especially if you suspect water damage, you need to take care of it as quickly as possible. Remember that all the walls, upper levels and roofs are completely dependent on the strength of your foundation. If it becomes weak or cracked for any reason, the entire house could come crumbling down around you at any point. It’s that serious.
You might be lucky and have a couple of months before something serious happens. But, because of the hidden nature of your foundation, it could be a lot more serious than that - and extensive damage to the rest of your home could occur before you even know it.
And, there is one final tip that you need to be aware of. It does not matter how much DIY experience you have; foundation repair is not a job for amateurs. This is a critical home repair and it must be handled by a professional team. Of course, not all builders are prepared to tackle this kind of work. And, they will not always be available to handle your emergency. Short of ensuring that you’ve properly waterproofed your foundation during construction, your very best bet when it comes to foundational damage is to make that call quickly - and to the right people.
