Infiltration in the walls, flooding in the basement, uplift of foul smell, apparent mold, crack on the façade of the building… All these signs can be the result of a non-waterproof foundation sensitive to the upwelling of the water by capillarity.
Feeling of cold glass, explosion of energy expenditure, high heating consumption, air current in a room… Insulation prevents thermal shocks and coldness, but insulating materials do not stop as a bulwark against upwelling and cracking.
Insulation and waterproofing require two different and associated techniques to enable quality foundations
Our team of building experts is able to advise you on best practices in basement insulation and foundation sealing.
The difference between insulation and waterproofing of foundations
In new construction or renovation, the installation of insulating materials does not play a sealing role.
In order for the foundations to be waterproof and to avoid moisture rises in the walls, a waterproof membrane and drainage system must be put in place. The French drain andwaterproofing prevent the rise of water by capillarity in the walls and infiltration through the flooring. Avoiding this prevents the appearance of moulds harmful to the health of the inhabitants (respiratory problem, allergy, eczema on the skin …).
At the same time, the installation of insulating materials in the basement is very important. But you should know that insulation does not play a watertight role.
The function of insulation:
- Prevent heat loss
- Regulating indoor temperature
- Avoid condensation
- Be a bulwark against outside noise
Usually, the foundation sole is deep enough to be protected from the cold. When this is not the case, the insulation of the building prevents the thermal shock that causes cracks in the foundations and walls. This temperature difference can crack the concrete and increase the condensation on its surface and thus its porosity.
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The different waterproofing materials for foundations
Projected membrane, self-stick membrane, honeycomb membrane, what can you choose to waterproof the foundations? Answer from your foundation expert below…
The honeycomb membrane
Composed of several small air alveoli, this semi-rigid plastic material (polyethylene) is effective. This honeycomb mat is ideally placed between the waterproof membrane and the embankment. Metal solins will be placed on the membrane to hold everything in place. It is a solution that reinforces the waterproofing of foundations.
A waterproof membrane
The Quebec Building Authority proposes the application of a waterproof coating in the form of a bituminous layer or rubbery coating.
This kind of protection can be found in several forms:
- Projected membrane
- Self-stick membrane
- Manually applicable membrane (trowel)
The three solutions are recommended to ensure good insulation and waterproofing of the building:
- A waterproof membrane to protect concrete
- A honeycombed draining mattress to release hydrostatic pressure
- A French drain at the sole to carry and drain standing water
Isolating the basement
Regardless of the type of foundation, the material for the structure does not have enough insulating capacity to keep a basement warm during the winter. Efficient insulation is essential for significant energy savings. There are several types of insulating products.
Polyurethane squirt
This concrete-powered product provides high protection and acts as a barrier to steam and air. It is particularly effective in specific and hard-to-reach locations.
Insulating panels
These Styrofoam leaves provide thermal protection and are resistant to water and moisture. Easy to install, they are often placed between the foundation and the interior finish. We sometimes place these leaves on a sole that is not deep enough to be protected from the cycle of freezing and thawing.
Insulating form
This technique is used for new constructions. It consists of using a special formwork that has an insulating capacity. Usually the formwork is completely removed when the concrete is hardened, but in the case of an insulating formwork it is left in place as it represents thermal protection.
A question? Need a professional opinion? Our foundation experts from Gatineau to Montreal answer all your requests. Our team travels quickly throughout the Quebec region to make an accurate diagnosis of the building and a free and personalized submission.
We offer solutions tailored to your needs with the best waterproofing materials for sustainable and sustainable construction.