With water being one of the main causes of foundation damage, It’s wise to do whatever you can to keep water away your foundation.
Waterproofing is one of those ways that you can use to keep water away from your foundation. Foundation Waterproofing is basically the use of techniques or materials that are impermeable to water to prevent the seepage of water into the foundation walls. With winter comes the rain, Luckily there are various ways of waterproofing your foundation for winter.
Related: Installing proper drainage systems in your home
Ways Of Waterproofing Your Foundation For Winter
French Drains
A french drain is a system that diverts water away from areas such as houses that are vulnerable to water damage. French drains can either be installed inside or on the exterior. Interior french drains don’t prevent water from getting into the basement or crawlspace but they direct water which is already inside to the sump pump to pump it out. Meanwhile exterior french drains will prevent water from seeping in the foundation walls.
Sheet Membranes
Sheet membranes are usually made from plastic, rubber or other non permeable materials. Even though they are widely applied on the exterior, sheet membranes can also be used in the interior. Compared to liquid membranes, sheet membranes are pretty thick and you can be guaranteed of excellent waterproofing provided that you properly seal the joints of the sheets.
Related : Crawl Space Encapsulation
Liquid Membranes
Unlike sheet membranes, liquid membranes are rolled, sprayed or trowelled on the walls of the foundation or basement. Liquid membranes are easy to apply, and also less costly compared to sheet membranes. The only downside to liquid membranes is that the applicator might not be able to apply the minimum required thickness.
Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts are used to channel rainwater away from the foundation. Installing gutters and downspouts will prevent rainwater from dripping off of the roof and sinking near your foundation. Gutters are installed around the roof to channel water to downspouts which then drain the rainwater to ground level away from the foundation. Gutters have to be regularly maintained so that they don’t have blockages, which might interrupt with the flow of water. If a downspout is not long enough, it will discharge the water too close to the foundation and might need to be extended in order to discharge the water further away from the foundation.
Related: Waterproofing solutions
Contact a Waterproofing Contractor
If you are in need of waterproofing your foundation for winter, contact a professional waterproofing contractor to have excellent waterproofing for your foundation. Contact California Foundation Works for a free estimate and inspection on 323-418-2239.
