What You Need to Know about Waterproofing at the Ground Preparation Phase
There is an immense amount of work that goes into preparing a foundation for a new home. It is so much more than simply digging a hole and pouring in some concrete. Of course, foundation preparation is one of the parts of home construction that many homeowners glaze over. It is just not as much fun as considering the position of walls and the finishing touches. In addition to insulation, it is important to pay attention to waterproofing the surface so that water cannot weaken the foundation of your home. And to do that, there are a range of products that all perform various functions when it comes to waterproofing the lowest level of your new building.
The Importance of Waterproofing during the Ground Preparation Stages
The foundation of any building is arguably the most important part of any construction project. Without a strong structure to hold up the rest of the building, it will be deemed uninhabitable. However, it really is a lot more than filling a hole with concrete. For a start, the ground cannot be excavated until a surveyor has assessed the property. The report that this assessment generates will have specific recommendations regarding the waterproofing and ground preparations that are required. And, this will need to be approved by the council before you can even break ground.
Different Types of Waterproofing Products that You Might Need to Use
It is important to take note of all the different types of products that you might need for foundation waterproofing. Each one of these performs a different role and is used in connection with different products. If you are unsure what is needed, it is important to speak to the waterproofing product distributor you are dealing with. Choosing the incorrect product could actually jeopardise the entire foundation of your home or office building. And remember, you may actually need to consider more than one of these products depending on the site conditions that you are working with.
Pre-applied Membranes – Just as the name suggests, pre-applied membranes are a layer of waterproofing that are suited for use underneath foundational layers. These are recommended for structures that are being build on top of surfaces with a significant amount of ground water or standing surface water. Although there are recommended uses, you may want to ensure that you have more than adequate protection by adding pre-applied membranes to your building project. However, you should note that pre-applied membranes are often used with a post-applied membrane level for ultimate protection. Your waterproofing specialist will be able to guide you as to best practice.
Post-applied Membranes – Once again, the name says it all. These products are designed for use just above the foundational layer of concrete. Post-applied membranes are needed when no other waterproofing methods are employed. It is absolutely necessary to have some sort of waterproofing at the ground level – and even if you have used a pre-applied membrane, you will want to add in a level of post-applied membrane to really ensure that your property is fully protected. However, it is worth noting that there are other types of waterproofing that are available. And, some of these may be more appropriate based on the conditions of your structure.
Bentonite Carpets – Sodium bentonite is a naturally occurring material that has exceptional waterproofing qualities. It has been used for over 30 years because of its ability to swell when it comes into contact with water. When this happens, bentonite transforms from a clay into an impervious gel. When used as a carpeting, it is a layer on its own that has waterproofing abilities whenever water hits it. Because it is a naturally occurring material bentonite can be used in just about any construction environment, and it can be applied in just about any type of weather condition.
Bentonite and HDPE Combinations – HDPE stands for High Density PolyEthylene. This is a strong building material which is also water impervious. This combination is one of the strongest waterproofing systems that you can have on your property. It is installed by applying bentonite layers to HDPE membrane. If you are looking to waterproof an area with serious water issues, this might just be the solution for your property.
Geotextile and HDPE Combinations – You can use geotextiles in combination with HDPE materials as this is one of the strongest waterproofing combinations available on the market. This material uses bentonite sandwiched between two layers of geotextiles and reinforced with HDPE membranes. This creates a continuous mechanical bond to the concrete. This is applied at the ground level along with the concrete.
Cavity Forming Membranes – This is one of the most cost effective waterproofing solutions that you can get. Cavity forming membranes are often used on the walls. It works by controlling and managing water within the gap between the cavity wall membrane and your underground wall. You can expect to use this product in conjunction with other waterproofing products depending on the end goals of your construction project.
Don’t Forget about all the Other Items You Need
Waterproofing does not happen on its own. In addition to all the other products you will need, you will want to ensure you have experienced contractors working on your project. And, you may also need any of these items: protection boards, sealing tapes, detailing accessories, primers and other safety measures.
On top of everything, it is important to note that not all waterproofing methods can be applied in every condition. There are some which need to have ideal weather to be applied effectively. The one that you choose should be a decision taken in connection with the site conditions, the architectural drawings and all the contractors on the job. And, if you are ever unsure of the materials you need to complete your building project, do not hesitate to call the manufacturer of your materials or the distributor. They will be able to answer your questions – and possibly offer some solutions to problems that you haven’t even had yet. How handy is that?
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