7 Essential Facts About Foundation Waterproofing

Foundation waterproofing is an essential component of any construction project, protecting a commercial building or home from water damage. Every year, insurance companies (and home or business owners) shell out billions of dollars to cover the cost of repairing water damage. At Thome Waterproofing, we can provide you with quality foundation waterproofing services so that you don’t need to worry about future water damage, as well as some helpful facts about waterproofing in general.

1. Every Building Needs Foundation Waterproofing

When we talk about foundation waterproofing, we are talking about protecting either your slab or below-grade areas of a building. In California, basements are rare, but some homeowners do have subterranean garages or below-grade rooms such as a wine cellar. Commercial buildings, on the other hand, often have subterranean levels as well as subterranean garages, and these all need proper foundation waterproofing.

2. Improper Waterproofing Can Cause Mold Damage

When any of amount of water seeps into a foundation, this becomes an ideal breeding ground for mold. Did you know that it can take less than 48 hours for mold to start growing once water damage has occurred? While mold can exacerbate allergies or asthma, it also can cause respiratory issues for those who aren’t prone to these conditions.

If you see signs of mold in your home or business, you need to act quickly. Even if you just notice a persistent musty odor and dampness, it is wise to have this issue investigated as soon as possible. In some cases, mold might be caused by water damage in your walls and not from water damage in the slab or foundation, but it is important to identify the source of mold and remediate the situation as soon as possible.

3. Poor Waterproofing Can Cause Foundation Movement

Ground movement, to some extent, is a fact of life, but some properties are more susceptible to movement than others. Waterproofing can help prevent water from leaking into your slab or foundation and can help prevent ground movement.

However, in conjunction with quality foundation waterproofing, it also is essential that you have proper drainage around your home or buildings. When heavy rains come, they need to find an escape route away from your structure and down to the street where the water can flow to gutters. With proper drainage and proper waterproofing, you can protect structures from incurring serious water damage.

4. Concrete Is Not Waterproof

When concrete dries, it becomes porous, which means that it is not 100% waterproof. We use concrete for foundations and slabs because they offer a high level of durability, but without adequate waterproofing, there is no guarantee that a house or building won’t experience serious water issues.

Water is one of the most powerful forces on the planet (check out the Grand Canyon if you want some proof), and while concrete can resist a small amount of water fairly well, it does need extensive waterproofing to ensure that your foundation or below-grade areas stay dry. There are concrete mixes with added waterproofing, and this can be a good option for a slab or foundation, but you do still need adequate waterproofing on top of this to ensure safety.

5. There Are Different Types Of Waterproof Barriers

Typically, we work with clients during the construction phase of a project, providing below-grade waterproofing and foundation waterproofing for both residential and commercial properties. We can provide you with fluid-applied membrane systems and prefabricated sheet membrane systems, such as bitumen-modified felts or elastomeric sheets.

Every type of waterproof barrier has its advantages and drawbacks, and the trick is to study the construction site carefully to determine whether fluid-applied membranes or sheet membranes are the best fit or perhaps a bentonite clay waterproofing membrane. At Thome Waterproofing, we have the expertise and experience to assess and execute the proper waterproofing to meet your needs.

6. Waterproofing Locations Vary

Not only are there many different types of waterproofing membranes or systems, where we apply waterproofing varies. With positive-side waterproofing, the membranes are applied to the exterior structure. This is common in areas where the soil is corrosive and in areas where the ground encounters a freeze-thaw cycle each year, but as it prevents water from seeping into the structure, this can be an excellent option for any new construction project.

Negative-side waterproofing is applied to the interior structure to prevent water from seeping through concrete and into the building. The advantage of negative-side waterproofing is that it can be accessed after construction is complete, but it won’t prevent water from seeping into the concrete in your structure.

In some cases, we also might consider blindside waterproofing, which actually is installed before the construction of the foundation. Blindside waterproofing often is used in high-density areas, such as when a building is constructed in a bustling downtown or when you want to limit soil disruption due to contamination or environmental concerns.

7. Having Foundation Problems? Hiring A Pro Is Crucial

Obviously, if you have a commercial building, it’s essential to use professional waterproofing companies to provide any waterproofing services, however, many homeowners try to handle waterproofing and repairs on their own. While this might equal savings in the short term, hiring a professional can save you thousands of dollars down the line.

Many people mistakenly believe that patching a crack and using some waterproof paint is a sufficient fix for a waterproofing issue, but quality waterproofing is more complicated than that. If you have a slab leak, don’t try to tackle this job on your own. Contact a professional and hire them to fix the leak, repair the slab and waterproof the slab to prevent further problems.

At Thome Waterproofing, we can provide you with quality foundation waterproofing that protects your home or commercial property. We are below-grade waterproofing and below-slab waterproofing experts, but we also offer services such as waterproof deck coating and decorative coatings for any concrete surface including pool decks, driveways, walkways, patios and more.

If you need foundation waterproofing, don’t hesitate to contact us at any time. We provide services throughout Los Angeles County and Ventura County, including Encino, Santa Monica, the Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades and beyond.