Waterproofing: Interior Under-Floor

Waterproofing: Interior Under-Floor
To Help Our Clients . . .
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Since 1978, Popham has been waterproofing area homes
and businesses. We understand that waterproofing methods
can be confusing to those who are not in the industry. This
information sheet provides descriptions to clarify the process
of water control. “Waterproofing” is a general term used to
represent various methods of controlling water that leaks
into a basement.
Why does water leak into basements?
The most common cause of leakage results from basements
built with concrete block or brick foundations. Both materials
are semi-permeable. Although builders apply parging
(water resistant coatings), air bubbles often occur, and the
parging deteriorates over time. In our Tri-State area, concrete block foundations are most prevalent. Concrete blocks
have hollow cores that allow water to drain down into the
base of the foundation. As water accumulates, it enters the
basement through the “cove” area, the seam where the
floor and the wall meet.
Other conditions that cause water leakage in basements:
The “Rock & Pipe” Drain Tile System
This system controls water by installing round drain tile next
to the footing, below the concrete slab floor. This system
is often used with moisture barrier wall panels that direct
water to the drain tile while keeping the basement free from
mold and mildew. The drain also draws water from under
the slab and directs this water to the sump pump, which
expels the water outside. To install this system, Popham’s
Certified Waterproofing Specialists remove a small section
of the floor in the impacted areas, and dig a trench around
the perimeter of the basement. Clean rock is then installed
around the tile to filter out sediment. The concrete floor is repoured to original thickness, ensuring its structural integrity.
Holes are
drilled to allow
water to drain
into drain
system instead
of basement
Concrete
Block Walls
allow water
to drain
into the
hollow
cores
Drainage systems that are clogged, deteriorating, or are
inadequate for heavy storms
Dimpled sheeting
forms a pathway
to direct water
to drain pipe
Concrete Floor
section removed
and replaced
Drain Pipe
connects to
Sump Pump
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Concrete
Footing
Soil composition problems and drought conditions can
cause soil to contract
Trees and shrubbery planted near the home’s foundation draw water from the soil through their deep root systems.
This results in the soil around the foundation losing moisture and contracting. Often, following heavy rains, the soil that surrounds a home’s foundation begins to swell again.
Repeated cycles of contracting and swelling lead to cracks in
the foundation that allow water in.
Any of these conditions may cause walls to settle and crack.
Hydrostatic pressure forces water through the cracks.
What is the solution to controlling water?
Popham’s Certified Waterproofing Specialists assess your
individual situation to determine the best water control
solution within your budget. Popham installs two types of
interior under-floor water collection systems that connect
to a submersible sump pump. (Please see information and
diagrams on the column to the right.) These water collection systems are similar to installing a gutter under your
floor to direct trapped water from the foundation into the
sump pump well. The sump pump system is the lowest part
of the water collection system, and when the well is full, the
water is pumped outside. Read more about sump pumps on
the reverse side of this sheet.
Drains to
Sump Pump
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The Hydraway Drainage System
This heavy-duty engineered material is an alternative to the
conventional rock and pipe drain tile system. o install this
system, Popham’s Certified Waterproofing Specialists remove
a small section of the floor in the impacted areas, and dig a
trench around the perimeter of the basement. The Hydraway
System is then inserted into the soil adjacent to the interior
side of the footer. This system collects the trapped water and
directs it to the sump pump system. The removed section of
the concrete floor is re-poured to original thickness, which
ensures its structural integrity.
Concrete
Block Walls
allow water
to drain
into the
hollow
cores
Concrete
Footing
Popham Construction Co., Inc. is a member
of the National Association of Waterproofing
and Structural Repair Contractors, Inc.
Popham Construction
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(812) 479-5850
Holes are
drilled to allow
water to drain
into drain
system instead
of basement
Concrete Floor
section removed
and replaced
Hydraway Drain
System channels
water to drain pipe
Drains to
Sump Pump
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www.pophamconstruction.com
Waterproofing: Interior Under-Floor
Moisture Barrier Wall Panels
In some cases, additional protection is recommended. This
is achieved by installing Moisture Barrier Wall Panels, which
are designed as a permanent solution to water seepage by
covering and sealing interior foundation walls. The panels
are installed below the concrete slab to a determined height
on the foundation wall. If water would penetrate the foundation wall, it would be contained behind these panels and
directed to the water collection system.
The Pedestal Sump Pump
The pedestal pump’s motor is mounted above the tank,
where it is more easily serviced, but is also more visible, and
typically noisier.
The Submersible Sump Pump
The submersible pump is entirely mounted inside the tank,
and is specially sealed to prevent electrical short circuits.
Screening on the bottom filters out debris before it can get
into the mechanical parts. Submersible pumps tend to be
quieter than pedestal ones, but are usually more expensive.
Example of a Submersible Sump Pump
with a Back-up Sump Pump
Close-up of
Moisture Barrier
Wall Panel
Wall outlet with
separate circuit for
back-up pump
Wall outlet with
separate circuit for
primary pump
These panels are extremely durable and will not fade, chip,
peel, rot or splinter. The textured surface will not support
mold, mildew or other bacterial growth. The combination of the panels along with the water protection system provide the best solution to water control —
keeping the basement interior dry.
Back-up
Power Supply
Back-up
Switch
Sump Pump Systems
Sump pumps play an important and necessary role in the
waterproofing process. The sump pump is placed beneath
the basement slab floor at the lowest point of the drainage
system so that all of the water captured in the perimeter
drainage pipes flows toward the pump by means of gravity
feed. Once the water reaches the sump pump and fills the
sump pump “tank” (also referred to as a pit, well, or basin)
to a specific level, it is then pumped outside through a
discharge pipe that exits the basement above the sill of the
foundation. The discharge pipe carries water a safe distance
away from the foundation.
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Horsepower is important
A sump pump must have sufficient horsepower for an occasional deluge of rain or even a plumbing failure like a
backed-up sewer or a broken pipe. The average residential
pump uses 1/3 or 1/2 horsepower, depending on factors including the depth of the basement, the size of the drainage
area and the distance water must be pumped.
Popham Construction
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Tank
Primary
Sump Pump
Back-up
Sump Pump
Battery Back-up Sump Pumps
Our Tri-State area has a history of heavy storms with power
outages. A battery-powered backup with an alarm is
advisable to prevent a flooded basement. If you don’t use a
back-up sump pump, be sure your home insurance policy
specifically covers sump pump failures from storms and
power outages since most do not.
Maintenance
Popham’s Certified Water Control specialists recommend
a yearly maintenance check of all sump pump systems.
However, homeowners should perform routine maintenance
such as periodically checking for debris that could cause
clogs. The sump pump owner’s manual offers routine maintenance information for each particular model.
(812) 479-5850
Popham Construction Co., Inc. is a member
of the National Association of Waterproofing
and Structural Repair Contractors, Inc.
n
www.pophamconstruction.com