Waterproofing Best Practices

Waterproofing will result in the driest possible basement. All causes of water seepage are addressed. Experts agree that the very best method to deal with water intrusion is on the outside where the problems exist. If any one tells you different, they are attempting to sell you an interior water control system. No work is necessary inside of the basement when true basement waterproofing is performed, as all of the water is kept outside where it belongs.

Basement waterproofing requires excavating to the footing, or the bottom of the foundation, replacing both sets of drainage tile, footing and downspout, and treating the walls. An important difference is in the material used to waterproof the walls. Most companies are using the same sealant that was being used twenty years ago, tar. Tar is not waterproofing, it is dam-proofing. Tar has no flexibility and quickly will crack. With the seal compromised, the whole process of dampness leading to cracking leading to water, begins again.

Excavate and haul all earth from around the walls being treated. The main benefit to the homeowner is the removal of the expansive clay which eliminates the pressure that causes wall cracking.

Inspect exposed foundation wall for cracks and damage. We clean the walls and inspect for cracks or openings. This is the one opportunity to make repairs and strengthen the foundation. We use hydraulic cement, which expands as it cures, to restore structural integrity.

Our sealing process is exclusive to Clink Builders Waterproofing. Our first layer of protection is a portland cement based sealant. This material strengthens and hardens the concrete by closing the pores. It also repairs hairline cracks.

Most companies in the waterproofing industry rely on tar for the wall seaming. Tar cracks very readily and provides a short-term seal. Clink Builders Waterproofing uses elastomeric to waterproof your walls. Elastomeric membranes are a polymer modified asphalt. It is formulated to stay pliable.

Elastomeric self-heal if new cracks occur. Tar has no flexibility and will crack with any foundation movement. Tar will only slow down the penetration of water under pressure; elastomeric will prevent it completely. As a result, tar is classified as a damp-proofer, elastomeric is a water-proofer.

While most companies do not protect the sealant, Clink Builders Waterproofing uses a drainage mat in order to provide permeant waterproofing. Drainage mats are made of polyethylene that will never break down or deteriorate. The drainage mat serves as a barrier between the gravel we will be brining in and the elastomeric.

Clink Builders Waterproofing replaces the existing drain tile with new 4 in. PVC. Cleanouts are installed to provide access to the drainage tile for periodic maintenance.

We then begin the backfilling process. While most waterproofing companies backfill with limestone, Clink Builders Waterproofing uses river washed gravel. Limestone tends to compact and limits flow. It also breaks down, bringing lime deposits to the bottom of the trench. Lime is the bonding agent for concrete. When lime gets wet and dries it congeals and turns into a form of concrete. Often clogging drain tiles in a very short period of time. River washed gravel is round so it does NOT compact. It is a hard stone the does not contain lime.

We backfill up to the next lines that we are going to install. Which are your down spouts.

We continue with the backfill to 18 inches from grade and install filter fabric and top soil to grade.

For driveway or walkways, gravel is brought to 4 inches from grade. It is tamped and new concrete is re-poured.

Clink Builders is an extremely neat waterproofer. We don’t destroy yards or landscaping which is common practice in this business. We don’t stock pile earth or materials, which again is common practice. We protect your yard with plywood, we re-plant all shrubs that were removed. Often times its difficult to tell we ever waterproofed your home.