...

Basement waterproofing with sanitizing plasters

This blog post is about basement waterproofing with sanitizing plasters. It offers an efficient, affordable, and reliable method of protecting basements from groundwater infiltration, mould and other potential damages. Sanitizing plasters are a cost-effective alternative to conventional waterproofing options and they perform better than most other materials. They are durable, breathable, and offer excellent water resistance. This makes them ideal for use in places where frequent flooding is an issue. Aside from preventing water damage, the plasters also have a sanitizing effect on the area, as they contain a special formulation of biocidal agents which eliminate any bacteria or pathogens present.

Basement waterproofing with sanitizing plasters

First of all, it is necessary to find and invite experienced specialists who, with the help of specialized measuring devices, will be able to establish the cause of the walls getting wet. Fighting dampness or fungus itself is useless if the source of wetting is not eliminated.

Particularly caution should be exercised against attempts to cover wet walls with sheets of drywall, ceramic tiles, film-forming materials and agents. This will inevitably lead to an increase in the affected area, a general deterioration in the sanitary condition of the premises. Sooner or later, these “creations” will have to be dismantled. Under the sheets of drywall, you will surely find whole colonies of fungi of different stripes..

The idea of ​​protecting yourself from moisture by installing internal waterproofing should be considered a bad decision. Capillary moisture, having lost the ability to evaporate, will cause a rise in the level of wetting. Problems will very soon be revealed already on the walls of the first floor. It should be understood that the building structure will forever remain damp, which means that even thick walls will not be able to provide the necessary thermal insulation. In addition to additional heating costs and aesthetic inferiority, another nuisance appears. The temperature of such a wall under certain conditions may be below the dew point. Moisture from the air will condense on such surfaces. Water droplets will collect directly on top of the insulating layer. Such a picture is often observed in already renovated basements, especially on hot, humid days or with the arrival of the first spring heat..

Basement waterproofing with sanitizing plasters

The most common causes of wet basement walls are:

  1. Leakage or breakdown of water supply, sewerage and hot water heating systems. Eliminated by system repair.
  2. Incorrect operation of the drain or drainage pipes. It is necessary to clean and check the systems responsible for the collection and removal of atmospheric precipitation from the building.
  3. High groundwater table. Work is required to lower the groundwater level, for example, the arrangement of a drainage system.
  4. Loss of condensate moisture from the air. Measures must be taken to create the correct temperature and humidity conditions. You will also have to provide thermal insulation or wall heating to equalize the air and wall temperatures.
  5. Hygroscopic moisture collected from the air by salt crystals. It is necessary to mechanically remove plaster containing traces of salt deposits.
  6. Water entering walls from direct contact with moist soil: capillary moisture. It is necessary to install waterproofing. This is the most expensive and time-consuming job.

From practice, it is possible to recommend a choice of two methods of isolation from capillary moisture.

The construction method will require an external excavation of the foundation for the installation of vertical waterproofing and wall insulation from lateral contact with the ground. In addition, you will need to insulate and insulate the floor. But the hardest part is to install a horizontal barrier in all walls below floor level. This can be done by chemical injection into the wall. This work should be done only by highly specialized firms equipped with high-quality laboratory equipment. Otherwise, you can not wait for a positive result.

Basement waterproofing with sanitizing plasters

The second modern method is electrophysical waterproofing by electroosmosis. It is much less troublesome and does not require excavation, drilling, or chemical injection. The inhabitants of the house may not even know that electrophysical waterproofing has been installed, and the walls of the basements “lose” hundreds of liters of water every month. Therefore, it is recommended to use this method to protect against capillary moisture in old historical buildings, where excavation and interference with the building structure is not permissible. It will also become irreplaceable in buildings where access to the foundation is difficult..

Basement waterproofing with sanitizing plasters

If the diagnosis is established and the sources of moisture have been eliminated, you can begin to remove water from the walls. Of course, the walls will dry up themselves sometime, but for basements this period will be from 2 to 10 years. To speed up this process, different methods are used: intensive ventilation, an increase in the heating temperature, the use of air dryers, blowing the walls with warm air – all this is effective and will significantly accelerate the achievement of the result. Just keep in mind: it is absolutely unacceptable to use open fire..

It is impossible to start internal repairs of basements without waiting for the walls to dry completely, since new repairs will be damaged by moisture in a matter of months. Of course, many basic work can be done: deepen the floor, install partitions, make a screed, lay communications. Knocking down old plaster is even helpful: it will open up salt-clogged pores and speed up drying. Do not forget to take the knocked down plaster away from the house. But finishing work is simply useless – you will not enjoy the beauty for long. We strongly advise against using primers and other blocking materials in this case. This has already been written about.

What if you already need to commission the premises? There is an exit. This is the use of sanitizing plasters. They are also called restoration, salt accumulating, drying, renovation. The term “sanitation” in Latin means treatment, restoration. The main manufacturers are German enterprises, which in 1985 developed and successfully implemented them. They were intended for the restoration of architectural structures, later their range of application expanded significantly.

The principal distinguishing feature of these plasters is their high porosity (about 45%) and excellent water vapor permeability. They work as follows. The first thin and non-continuous adhesive layer acts as a strong bond between the base layer and the wall surface. The main layer (usually 15–25 mm) does the job of evaporating water and accumulating salt crystals in its pores, which are always contained in water. Sometimes another layer is used – leveling. Moisture from the wall does not reach the surface, which means that wet spots will not appear or efflorescence is visible. The wall will continue to dry without external moisture. It remains to remember to remove the evaporated moisture by organizing ventilation or airing. The premises can be used for their intended purpose.

Basement waterproofing with sanitizing plasters

The surface plastered in this way can be painted, but the paints have requirements for compatibility and high vapor permeability. These requirements are met, for example, by silicate paints. In any case, it is necessary to carefully study the instructions for the use of sanitizing plasters and not violate its recommendations. It is allowed to use such plasters without waiting for the basement walls to dry out, and this is the main, but not the only advantage. Some manufacturers still limit the amount of permissible wall moisture.

The disadvantages include the rather high price of sanitizing plasters. Do not forget that such plasters are cumulative. This means that their service life is limited by the pore volume, which can accumulate salt crystals. In turn, the rate of salt accumulation depends on the degree of mineralization of surface groundwater and the volume of evaporated moisture. If the entry of new capillary moisture into the walls is not blocked, sooner or later one should expect a return of the old problem of “wet walls”.

Rate the article
( No ratings yet )
Recommender Great
Tips on any topic from experts
Comments: 1
  1. Luke Brooks

    Can anyone please explain how basement waterproofing with sanitizing plasters works? I’ve heard it helps to prevent moisture and mold issues, but I would like to understand the process better. Are there any specific steps involved or certain products recommended for best results? Any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply
Add comments