Basement waterproofing is, unarguably, a crucial task that requires attention to details to keep the basement free from water seepage that is capable of causing health risks and damage to properties in the basement. The primary criteria for any waterproofing method include the ability to provide adequate insulation for the basement against all forms of moisture seepage.
Get a FREE Estimate Today & Receive 10% OFF
Basement Waterproofing & Other Services
in Southern Ontario!
Request a Call Back
Because of the above, basement waterproofing requires the use of the right materials, including waterproofing membrane. If you do not invest in the basement waterproofing you might end up with a wet basement and would have to invest in leaky basement repair services.
What Is a Waterproofing Membrane?
A foundation waterproofing membrane is a thin sheet of water-tight material that is laid on the foundation surface for waterproofing purposes. A waterproofing membrane is usually continuous and prevents water from passing through. Effective basement waterproofing requires the use of a waterproofing membrane to be laid over the surface of the foundation or basement. It could be laid below the finish tiles or above the structural slab to prevent water from penetrating the structural slab. In addition to laying the foundation waterproofing membrane, care must be taken in order to avoid water from forming puddles in the basement.
Types of Foundation Waterproofing Membrane
Waterproofing membranes are usually composed of thin layers of water-tight material that is about 2-4mm thick. It is essential that a waterproofing membrane is flexible, elastic, durable, and tear-resistant, to ensure that it can stretch to provide a covering for cracks and also move with the building.
Waterproofing membranes come in two types: sheet membranes and liquid applied membranes.
1. Sheet-based Waterproofing Membranes These are waterproofing membranes that come in the form of rolls but later unfurled and spread on the firm surface of the foundation or basement. The most popular type of sheet-based membrane is the bituminous waterproofing membrane. The installation process of this type of membrane involves using a hot tar-based adhesive and blowtorches. Other types of sheet-based waterproofing membranes include composite membranes and PVC membranes. However, the joints between sheets must be perfectly done to prevent leakage.
2. Liquid-applied Waterproofing Membranes The liquid-applied waterproofing membranes come in liquid form and applied on the foundation surface through spraying or use of a brush. The liquid uses the air to cure over the surface to form a joint-free and seamless membrane. The thickness of this type of membrane is determined by the number of times and amount of liquid chemical applied per unit area. Liquid-applied waterproofing membranes are considered the best type of waterproofing membranes because they do not have joints, and are usually completed in a day to prevent cold joints.
Factors for Choosing Waterproofing Membranes
The following characteristics are essential when selecting the waterproofing membranes for basement waterproofing:
-
Breathability
-
Elongation
-
Chemical stability
-
UV stability
-
Tear resistance
-
Abrasion resistance
About Aquamaster Waterproofing
Aquamaster Basement Waterproofing is your full-service plumbing and basement waterproofing company assisting the Greater Toronto Area residents. We offer services such as drain cleaning, basement floor lowering, sump pump installation, and more.
