Basement & Foundation Waterproofing
For your home, do you need basement & foundation waterproofing? Thinking about the construction of a new home and wish to safeguard against future issues with water intrusion and termites? Do you have plans to finish a basement, or keep the option open for the future, while ensuring protection against mold? Are you concerned about radon exposure and its potential impact on your health? Uncover the advantages of a thorough basement moisture management system!
Obsidian Construction and Fine Homes, LLC, is a respected custom builder, specializing in the delivery of high-performance foundation sealing systems. Our team expertly designs and implements comprehensive water-proofing systems for both under slab and below grade foundation walls, providing added benefits such as radon and termite protection. We have an impressive track record of completing basement waterproofing projects that not only meet but exceed code level minimums in terms of safety and water management.
Get in touch with our solutions advisor today to discover more about our basement and foundation waterproofing services!
Key Advantages of Comprehensive Basement Water Management
- Lowers humidity levels in finished basements due to the combined water and vapor membrane
- Protects above-grade wood framing from termites using an integrated physical termite barrier system
- Ensures protection of the foundation and prevents water absorption into concrete walls via footing capillary breaks
- Promotes a safer and healthier home through a unified radon barrier below the concrete slab and along the foundation walls
- Maintains the long-term effectiveness of the waterproofing membrane with layered protection and a drainage mat system
- Decreases hydrostatic pressure against foundation walls and potential for cracks thanks to an integrated drainage system
We offer complete and integrated foundation sealing and waterproofing
- Comprehensive Initial Construction Documents Review
- Site Survey & Evaluation
- Client Consultation
- Expert System Design
Give Us a Call to Get Your Project Started Today
Key Insights on Foundation Water Sealing
- Despite building codes allowing damp-proofing as an option, industry best practice recommends waterproofing any foundation wall enclosing interior living space.
- Waterproofing is a more robust method, sealing individual cracks and holes and applying thicker membranes that resist hydrostatic pressure and bulk water intrusion.
- IRC Section 406.2 outlines foundation waterproofing requirements, including approved products and application thickness.
- The International Residential Code (IRC) stipulates that foundation walls may be damp-proofed or waterproofed based on soil conditions and water table levels below grade.
- IRC Section 406.1 requires foundation walls to be at least damp-proofed if they retain earth outside and enclose living space inside.
- The Concrete Network explains that damp-proofing protects against soil moisture and vapor, while waterproofing shields basement walls from bulk liquid water and pressure.
- Damp-proofing may leave large cracks and holes open and can fail in the presence of hydrostatic water pressure. Its applications are thin and can easily be damaged during backfill.
- Basements constructed in poorly draining soils or high-water table areas need a stronger moisture management system.
Both damp-proofing and waterproofing can be installed as a liquid-applied coating, which can be rolled on or sprayed. Coating thickness is measured in wet mils (millimeters). The challenge is ensuring an even thickness across the entire wall and meeting minimum requirements specified in the IRC or manufacturer instructions. That is why Obsidian Construction uses only sheet membrane products accompanied with careful sealing details, and protection mats.