In Quebec, water infiltration through the entrance to an outdoor basement is unfortunately frequent. The weather in La Belle Province is also conducive to the appearance of this type of problem. It is common for snow, by melting against the foundations of houses, to take advantage of the slightest crack or a poorly sealed wall to penetrate the construction.
Soil pressure often plays a big role in this intrusion, pushing water into basements and foundations.
The damage caused by this kind of infiltration can be much more serious than can be imagined; That is why it is essential to react quickly.
Discover in this article the solutions to effectively solve this unfortunate situation.
Locate water infiltration in your basement and identify its origin
Symptoms of infiltration are fortunately visible most of the time. This facilitates the work of tracking and speeds up the repair process.
The most visible traces are mold.
They come in the form of whitish markings on interior walls and floors. We can also see halos of moisture (dark spots due to the penetration of water), or peeling paint.
It is then a question of identifying the origin of the problem in order to be able to remedy it as effectively as possible. It is then advisable to inspect, according to your installation, the parts most at risk. If at home, water is collected by an external drain, check that it is not obstructed by natural elements such as wood or plants.
Check the condition of the ducts and the drainage basin. If you have a pump, check its general condition and that of its valve.
Review your foundations to find the slightest damaged places, the slightest cracks. Then list all the points to be repaired to be sure not to forget anything.
Then you can take action.
Use drainage to address water infiltration into the exterior basement entrance
The installation of a French drain, mandatory in Quebec, protects your foundation and your basement against water infiltration.
To implement this technique, it is necessary to access the foundations of the building in order to install a drain. The latter will play a crucial role in restoring the waterproofing of the exterior masonry by sucking moisture.
This solution has the advantage of guaranteeing the stability of your foundations.
Poorly done drainage, in addition to being ineffective, threatens to further aggravate your problem of water infiltration in the basement.
Treat water infiltration with casing
Casing is the action of consolidating underground masonry to create hermetic protection. A watertight space is thus created to prevent water infiltration and effectively protect the foundations and basement of your home.
The casing process is often advised when the French drain is no longer sufficient and becomes inefficient. This method can be done indoors as well as outdoors.
This coating is for example of the same family as those used for underground parking lots, in which water infiltration could have serious consequences.
It is also possible to couple to this casing an interior drain in order to decompress the cased wall and better insulate the foundations.
Install a waterproof membrane
The use of a waterproof membrane can also be a good solution to waterproof your foundation. This means of combating infiltration is often considered when the two means mentioned above are not feasible in your foundation basements.
The membrane is made to be laid along the walls, but outside. Thus, it constitutes a barrier to capillary rise. There are two kinds of membranes, each of which requires a specific installation method.
- The bitumen and rubber membrane is installed in the same way as a coating, using a gun or spatula. As it dries, it gains elasticity and adapts perfectly to your wall.
- The high-density polyethylene membrane comes in roll form. It follows less the irregularities of the wall, but therefore allows it to breathe better.
As with other methods, it is necessary to hire a professional.
Conclusion
Depending on your budget, the construction of your foundations and the severity of the damage, you will inevitably find the most suitable solution to solve all your water infiltration problems in the entrance of the outdoor basement.
To discuss your situation with experts in the field of foundations, contact our team now!
