What is the role of waterproofing?
The integrity of the structure, whether it is a house, garage, or stone fence, is very much dependent on the integrity and stability of the foundation. Cracks in the foundations can appear for a variety of reasons. The main ones are:
- the soil under the foundation begins to settle or move;
- extreme weather conditions (abnormal freezing and thawing) can put pressure on the foundation, causing deformation;
- inadequate compaction or use of inappropriate materials during construction;
- tree roots growing close to the building can cause cracks in the foundation and building walls.
All of these factors affect the condition of the foundation to varying degrees and may require appropriate remedial or preventive measures. But the appearance of cracks in itself entails problems with the waterproofing of the building.
Foundation waterproofing problems can be detected by moisture penetration through basement walls or floors, damp spots and mold, and high indoor humidity that can cause allergic reactions and health problems for occupants.
If the problem of constant foundation dampness is not eliminated in time, it can lead not only to the formation of cracks and deflections in the masonry, but also to serious consequences, including the destruction of concrete and even structural elements of the building. In such serious cases, serious repairs may be required, which will include:
- Installation of waterproofing materials: This may be the laying of special waterproofing membranes or treatment of walls and foundation surface with waterproofing compound.
- Repairing foundation cracks and defects: If necessary, masons seal cracks and defects in the foundation using specialized materials and techniques.
- Installation of drainage systems: Drainage systems (drainage pipes and collectors) can be installed to effectively drain moisture away from the foundation.
- Slope Correction: If necessary, masons adjust the slope of the foundation surface to ensure timely drainage of water.
The speed at which the problem can be repaired depends on the nature and extent of the problem, but in most cases, the foundation repair process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Therefore, it is very important to perform regular preventive inspections and repair dampness problems in a timely manner.