Waterproofing the concrete foundation is an important step in all construction projects. This protects your building from most of the water or moisture contained in the soil surrounding the foundation for several decades after its construction.
Over time, or under certain specific external conditions, it is possible that the water-repellent concrete foundation may deteriorate more quickly than normal. So how do you ensure that your foundation is healthy and that the waterproofing layer still protects your home? Should the condition of the foundation be checked regularly? Find out what our experts have to say about the matter!
What factors can damage the waterproofing of your concrete foundation?
Over time, certain factors can accelerate the wear and tear of your concrete waterproofing agent. One of the most common causes of degradation is the moisture content of the soil. If it is too high, or your waterproofing agent is constantly in contact with a large amount of water, it may not be effective enough.
A good quality water-repellent foundation can withstand the harsh weather conditions of Quebec’s climate. However, it is likely to deteriorate if the waterproofing no longer serves its purpose or if your other moisture protection infrastructure is deficient.
If, for example, your French drain is blocked or you have gutter problems, the soil moisture level may become abnormally high. In such cases, your waterproofing agent may not adequately protect your foundation from moisture, since it is not designed to withstand such conditions.
What are the signs that your concrete foundation is no longer waterproofing effectively?
If you want to make sure that your foundation is waterproof, you simply need to look for certain signs. For example, apply a small amount of water to your foundation, if it is accessible from the outside, and examine the result carefully. If the water glides without soaking the concrete, your waterproofing agent is functional.
If water penetrates the foundation, this indicates that your waterproofing agent may need to be reworked. In the event of a crack, you can also perform a water test on it to determine if it causes a leak.
If you notice that your basement is damp, or if you find traces of mould in it, the waterproofing of your foundation is probably insufficient. In this case, you should act quickly: health problems caused by mould should not be taken lightly.
Regularly inspect the waterproofing of your concrete foundation
As a general rule, waterproofing your foundation should be effective for decades, depending on the waterproofing agent used. We still recommend a quick annual effectiveness check, since the consequences of a flood on a building’s foundation can be significant.
If you notice small cracks or holes in your foundation concrete, it’s probably time to renew your waterproofing. Note that not all cracks always require repair; however, if they appear very deep or extend into the ground, you should consult a foundation crack repair expert before applying a new waterproofing agent.
Have you noticed an opening in your concrete foundation? Contact Foundation Crack Expert
If you find a significant crack when inspecting your foundation, we recommend contacting us, especially if you notice a high level of humidity in your home. Quickly repairing a crack will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and damage to your building.
If you have any questions about your concrete foundation, you can contact us. We will be happy to help you determine the best course of action in the event of any problems
