Water seepage is a central causal agent in the declension or deterioration in building edifices and elements. Rain water collects in the ground around a house and, more often than not, slowly seeps into the foundation causing an excess of moisture which further aids the growth of mold and fungi that corrode and eat away into wood. This action of ground water seeping into the foundation of a house by means of capillary action is known as ‘rising damp’. Rising damp, a serious issue which cannot be overlooked, is a health hazard and ruins the décor of the structure as well. This phenomenon of rising ground moisture can be controlled and avoided by damp proofing the structure.
There are several techniques available today by which a building can be protected from the effects of pervasive nature of moisture. Damp proofing membrane systems are very convenient procedures to treating rising damp. A common and practical alternative to the more traditional methods like chemical Damp Proofing Course (DPC) and the application of treated paints and external water repellents; damp proofing membranes are more user friendly. The application of damp proofing membranes is a preferred practice since it requires nominal preparation, it is easy and quick to install, it is congenial and responsive to any structure, can be inverted and aerated making it ideal for restoration projects.
According to the International Residential Building Code, a building must be damp proofed when setting down the foundation. If a building is not waterproofed, a damp proofing is an essential process that cannot be avoided. Any habitable space below grade level must be treated with an application of bituminous coating or a damp proofing membrane in order to be habitable. The membrane fills pores, gaps and spaces that form in the concrete, sealing moisture from getting into the interior foundation by capillary action. Damp proofing the top of the footing is also recommended by the building code, this will prevent water from rising up from the footing into the foundation.
A Damp proofing membrane, very basically, is a layer of an impervious material like asphalt or an underlay plastic sheet, which can be placed either under or over the ground slab. Similar to tanking, damp proof membranes are built to prevent wood decay and rot caused by ground moisture seepage. Surface damp proof membranes are usually made of mastic asphalt and placed over the ground slab. Used most often in cases where a suspended floor is constructed to replace the existing solid floor.
Damp proofing can be applied by two methods, the solid application and the chemical or fluid application. The solid application is the addition of a layer of impermeable material like asphalt or creosote based products, whereas the fluid application is the process of injecting epoxy based chemicals into the foundation. The liquid application is usually applied to the ground layer by using a trowel, brush, roller or spray. In order to protect the applied membrane from damage, protective boards which work as drainage composites are applied over the liquid membrane. This also provides better protection from water vapor and also acts as a channel for extra water to drain out. Damp proofing membranes are also available in the peel and stick variety. These membranes bind with the EPC in the ground floor, some stick on membranes recommend the application of a formulated primer on the surface to further enhance the cohesive properties of the membrane.
Damp proofing is often confused with water proofing. Although similar, waterproofing is very different from damp proofing. Damp proofing is a process by which water vapor accumulation is retarded by the addition of a layer of impermeable material. Damp proofing is an age old method to prevent from water and salt decay in buildings. However, apart from slowing down water vapor transmission, damp proofing does not fill in cracks in the foundation. Most of damp proofing membranes become brittle, whereas some dissolve in ground water after a while. Yet, damp proofing is more commonly used by builders as it is cheaper.
Waterproofing on the other hand, a more expensive project to undertake, seals a building from rising water moisture caused by hydrostatic pressure. The compounds used when waterproofing are designed to put a stop to water. Water proofing uses a rubber based material that is capable of stretching over time, thus covering cracks as time wears the foundation of the structure down. Environmentally friendly, waterproofing materials have varying compositions. Some are urethane based, some are asphalt or concrete based, where others are clay based and then there are rubber based polymers as well. All these compounds can spread over the foundation, bridging gaps created in the foundation as time settles. When installed correctly water proofing can keep a basement dry for years to come.
Consult an expert who can help you take a wise decision. If you are a resident of Pennsylvania suffering from basement problems and if your house is located in any of these regions, call us at 800 771 – 3244 or visit us at
http://www.keystonebasementsystems.com/about-us.html. Schedule your appointment and seek solution to your basement woes, now!
“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, a engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”
Tags: Article, Basic information, Informative
Putting drain tile on the interior will keep the basement from flooding, but obviously will not prevent water from seeping through the walls. In the case of flooding basements, relatively simple solutions can often yield significant results. First, make sure your gutters and downspouts are in good condition and that the water from the downspouts is directed well away from the foundation. Second, make sure the ground surrounding your foundation slopes away from the house, thus encouraging water to run away from your basement walls.
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