The Waterproofing Experts
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Quality waterproofing requires comprehensive solutions.
And Danrae Group is able to provide first-class diagnostic, design, remediation and preventative maintenance, thanks to a combination of long-standing experience and diverse in-house expertise.
Our expert waterproofers are qualified to work with every membrane, giving our customers across strata, construction, government and civil complete flexibility for a first-class waterproofing solution.
Here we take a look at membranes for basement waterproofing – including features, preferred brands and benefits.
Basement waterproofing basics
Waterproofing plays a key role in any property, to help prevent water ingress that can damage walls, floors and foundations – and comprehensive waterproofing requires several areas of a property to be treated. Rooftop waterproofing is crucial, but it will not protect an entire building.
Given their location below ground level, basements are typically damp and vulnerable to water seepage from the surrounding earth. They can also be prone to flooding from broken or damaged piping or ineffective waterproofing elsewhere in the property.
Options such as waterproof paint, sump pumps and dehumidifiers may alleviate moisture in basements, but these are short-term and additional measures only. Concrete additives are sometimes touted as an effective waterproofing alternative, however we would not recommend them, given the potential for cracks to develop with usage.
Ultimately, there is no substitution for quality waterproofing in basements.
Best membrane options
There are a variety of waterproofing membranes, each with features that make them suitable for specific locations or environments.
We consider roofs, balconies and basements to be high-risk areas.
For basements as such, we would generally opt for a blinding sheet membrane from one of our preferred brands, such as Sikaproof A+, Preprufe or Proofex Engage.
These membranes are well-suited to below-ground structures, including reinforced concrete basements, retaining walls, lift shafts, swimming pools and tunnels.
Sheet membranes are highly durable and flexible, with features including crack bridging ability and the ability to prevent lateral water underflow. Choosing the best waterproofing membrane for the task helps ensure its effectiveness… and longevity. A quality membrane that’s well maintained may last for decades.
Membrane varieties and methods
There are a couple of ways we approach waterproofing for basements. For new construction, we would apply the membrane to the external wall face during the build. If the external area is already backfilled, or we’re looking at an existing building, we need to apply membranes to the internal side.
There are two categories of membrane – liquid and sheet – and several varieties. Liquid, for instance, can be water-based, solvent-based, bituminous based or cement based. And sheet membrane types include PVC, torch-on bitumen, Butynol and Peel and Stick.
We frequently use cementitious type membranes or water-based epoxies for basements – as they are well suited to wet or damp areas, adhere well to substrates and withstand negative head pressure. They are also non-toxic, non-flammable and suitable for applications ranging from basements to swimming pools and bathrooms.
Benefits for basements
There are plenty of reasons to prioritise quality basement waterproofing, ideally at the early stages of construction. Inadequate waterproofing ultimately leads to water damage.
That can range from minor mould to major concrete cancer and can cause significant damage to property foundations.
Water damage may be quite advanced before signs such as cracks or flaking paint appear, so it’s important to act fast. If left untreated, it will worsen and lead to more costly repairs.
Danrae Group has been waterproofing basements for decades. We’re experts in membrane choice and application. And we project manage from solution design or diagnostic, to post-project preventative maintenance.
If you have a basement waterproofing issue or are planning a new strata or commercial construction, contact us for a complete waterproofing solution.
