Leaked Basements
The most common causes of basement leaks are pressure created by water in the soil surrounding the foundation. During periods of heavy or persistent rain, the soil can become saturated, creating hydrostatic pressure (or water pressure) that can push moisture and water through the basement walls and floor. The looser soil around the foundation tends to absorb more water. The area around the structure is often flooded with rain water from clogged gutters or downspouts that are discharging water right next to the foundation. When the soil expands, it creates lateral (or sideways) pressure against the foundation. This can cause damage to your structures foundation and creates leaks in the basement.
Water can find its way into your basement several ways, such as:
-Through cracks in the walls or floor.
-At the joint where the poured concrete floor meets the wall (Between the raft and the retaining walls).
-Through cracks in mortar joints of block or masonry foundation walls.
Fixing basement leaks
Fixing basements leaks can be a trick y proposition. A thorough inspec tion of the basement is essential to diagnose the points through which the leak age is tak ing place. Once the leak age points have been identified, proper treatments can be made to ensure that the leak age can be stopped from the basements.
Water Guard Crysta Coat 101
Water Guard Crysta Coat 101 is a cementitious slurry waterproofing system by crystallization. The active chemicals in the applied Water Guard Crysta Coat 101 reacts with the free lime & moisture present in the capillary track in the concrete to form an insoluble crystalline complex. The crystals block the capillaries and minor shrinkage cracks in the concrete to prevent any further water ingress. Water Guard Crysta Coat 101 can be used for various concrete elements in structures including basement raft and retaining walls.
The application of Water Guard Crysta Coat 101 can be done in a series of steps.
Step 1: Preparation
It is essential to remove all the paint, loose materials and non-cement-based plaster over the concrete surface which has been affected. It is also essential to thoroughly keep the surface slightly moist prior to application of Water Guard Crysta Coat 101. The preparation of the surface should extend at least one meter over the sign of leakage. All surfaces should be saturated with water prior to application.
Step 2: Preparation of Water Guard Crysta Coat 101
The Water powder ratio of Water Guard Crysta Coat 101 is between 0.50 to 0.55. This means for a 2KG bag the water ratio can vary from 1 Ltr to 1.1 Ltr, and for a 20KG Bag 10 Liters to 11 Liters of water can be used. Only potable water is to be used for mixing. Always add powder to water, mix using a slow speed drill fitted with a paddle until a smooth lump free consistency is obtained. Do not rework stiff material by adding more water. Only mix enough material that can be used within 30 minutes.
Step 3: Application of Water Guard Crysta Coat 101
Apply Water Guard Crysta Coat 101 with a stiff fiber brush. Scrub well into the damp surface, filling all pores and finish with final strokes in one direction. After the first coat has been set but while it is still green, apply a second coat. If this is not possible, prewet the first coat before application of the second coat. It is recommended to apply Water Guard Crysta Coat 101 in right angled opposite directions. If the first coat has been applied in a top to bottom direction, the second coat should be applied in left to right direction. Please ensure that all the coats are done over all the prepared area and no area is left untreated. For further information on the product, please refer to the product technical datasheet.
For leaking cracks
Water Guard Crysta Coat 101 can be mixed to the dry mortar consistency and used to fill the cracks. If there is any active water leakage, then Water Guard Crysta Coat 101 can be mixed with a suitable plugging material recommended by Ressichem at a Ratio of 1:1 and fixed at the point of water leakage to stop the flow of water. Over such treatment two coats of Water Guard Crysta Coat 101 can be applied at a said rate of application.
Once the material has been properly applied, it is recommended to keep the coating moist for 7 to 10 days. Water Guard Crysta Coat 101 is effective against negative and positive water pressure. Crystals grow into the concrete creating a water barrier of insoluble crystals which penetrate and go deep into the capillary structure of the concrete blocking the passage of water. The crystals will be dormant in the concrete offering long term protection. Any later contact with water will reactivate the sealing process making the concrete structure watertight.
