Waterproofing Solutions for Greater Sudbury
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The process of waterproofing the exterior of a house or building is highly recommended because this procedure addresses the problem at the source. The control of water exposure at the source means that the foundation blocks will not develop cracks which can compromise the strength and integrity of the building.
Interior Waterproofing Services
For an interior waterproofing project, the floor is broken around the perimeter in which the system is needed, approximately 6” to 10” away from the foundation wall. Concrete is then removed and the trench is dug out to accommodate the 4” perforated weeping tile. The weeping tile is installed and connected to a discharge such as a sump pump or a floor drain. A dimpled sheet of drainage membrane is then installed on the interior exposed wall where the system has been installed.
At this point, a layer of ¾” clear gravel is applied over the weeping tile to give maximum drainage to the tile. Once the membrane and gravel are in place, any water from above grade or below grade will drain into the installed system. Finally, a layer of concrete is installed over the exposed trench so that the floor returns to its original level.
We do not recommend interior waterproofing as this process should only be used if the exterior waterproofing process cannot be done due to confined or inaccessible spaces.
Exterior Waterproofing Services
Exterior waterproofing is a system that requires excavation around the perimeter of the building. The excavation depth depends on the elevation of your property, therefore most excavations range from 4’ to 8’ deep and approximately 4’ wide.
Excavation is done to the footings. Old weeping tiles are removed and new 4” weeping tiles with filter cloths are installed. Foundation walls are then cleared and inspected for any voids or structural cracks. The defective areas are chiselled out and repaired with non-shrink hydraulic cement which expands when applied to the voids.
A dimpled sheet of drainage membrane sealed at the top is then applied to act as a protection board and a drainage membrane. Once the waterproofing has been completed and the membrane has been installed, a layer of ¾” clear stone for a minimum of 16” is placed over the weeping tile to maximize the drainage.
If your home has any windows below grade and you require a window well, it will be installed and a 4” weeping tile will be placed vertically from the side of the window well to the footings and filled with ¾” clear stone in order to create drainage in the window well.
The area is then backfilled with free draining material up to 12” below its final grade. The area is backfilled once more, this time with its native soil and compacted to its original level.
Benefits of Exterior Waterproofing
Home and business owners throughout Sudbury will experience many benefits from exterior waterproofing work. These benefits can include:
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A decrease of moisture in basements which in turn decreases mildew, odour and allergies
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An increase in home value
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The creation of a structurally sound foundation which results in a decrease of interior cracks and shifting of floors
Drawbacks of Interior Waterproofing
As previously stated, PCC Contracting does not recommend interior waterproofing if exterior waterproofing is in any way possible. Possible disadvantages of interior waterproofing can include:
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Hydrostatic problems
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The process is not cost-efficient for unfinished basements