The main way to protect the strip foundation from moisture in the soil with a sufficiently deep arrangement of groundwater is coating. It is important to choose the right mixture for waterproofing the foundations in order to guarantee their reliability and long service life.
Advantages and disadvantages of using
The coating of the walls of the basement has the following advantages:
- Creating a monolithic layer. The weak point of any insulation is joints and seams. If they are absent, we can talk about the greater reliability of the method.
- Ability to fill cracks and bumps. Heated mastic can even out the surface if its defects are not too large. Microcracks and minor flaws are eliminated.
- Easy to apply. Coating insulation of the foundation is characterized by high ability to adhesion (adhesion), which allows it to be used on almost any surface. If the base has a complex configuration, of all materials for waterproofing it is easier to work with mastic.
- Turnaround time. The composition is applied in several layers (first the first is a primer, then the required amount until the design thickness is reached). It will only take time for the previous layer to dry out a bit, after which you can proceed to the next.
- Low cost. The price depends on the composition, but for most it is lower than that of other options for waterproofing the foundation.
- Resistance to environmental influences. The layer does not collapse under ultraviolet and oxidizing agents. Not subject to corrosion.
The disadvantages include instability to fire and the fact that bitumen cracks at low temperatures. Strength can be increased by introducing additional components into the composition.
Types of bituminous mastics
The first classification depending on the method of application:
- hot;
- cold.
In the first case, the preparatory process may be delayed. The composition is sold in briquettes. To make the mixture you will need a bitumen cooker, which is in maximum heating mode.
The disadvantages of this method are:
- the complexity of technology;
- increased safety requirements for work;
- time spent on the preparation of the composition.
Coating waterproofing of the hot application method is cheaper than cold, which reduces the estimate for the construction of the foundation.
The cold mixture is ready for use immediately after purchase, this increases the speed of work and reduces labor costs. The cost of such a mixture is higher, but it provides safety and convenience of waterproofing measures.
Depending on the application and function, the following types of coating materials for basement walls can be distinguished:
- Primer. It is necessary to prepare the base for applying the main layers of waterproofing. The primer has a second name - primer. It is used to improve adhesion of the base and subsequent components.
- Mastic for isolation. Its function is moisture protection.
- Topcoat. For its manufacture, varnishes, paints, emulsions, which are made on the basis of water, are used. Serves to protect the foundation waterproofing.
The composition of the mastic, with which the coating is performed, may vary. The material classification is as follows:
- bituminous compositions;
- bitumen-polymer compositions;
- rubber compounds.
Bituminous mastic
The cheapest and most common option. It is made on the basis of oil products. It cannot provide high reliability due to insufficient ductility. Most often, such a coating waterproofing is used in conjunction with other types:
- under the pasting roll materials;
- under diffusion membranes.
In this case, it plays the same role as the primer, leveling and preparing the surface before applying the main protective layer.
Available in two types:
- One component. It is sold in liquid form, has a short shelf life (not more than 3 months from the date of manufacture).
- Two-component. It consists of two separate packages with the substances necessary for cooking. This method allows you to increase the shelf life up to 1 year. You can buy materials for future use, but before use, you will have to spend time preparing the solution.
Polymer mastic
Coating waterproofing with such compounds is characterized by increased strength. The layer adheres better to the surface (or to the primer if a primer is applied). Thanks to the introduction of additional components, the drooping ability is increased, and the mechanical resistance is increased. This material is less susceptible to negative environmental influences and can be used as an independent protection of the foundation from moisture.
Rubber mastic
The second name is liquid rubber. This method of waterproofing the foundation has high ductility and good adhesion to the base. Due to the characteristics of the composition, when shrinking the foundations, cracks and damage do not appear on the surface of the layer.
Work technology
Insulate the supporting part of the building in the following order:
- Base cleaning. Elimination of strong irregularities and surface defects. Sharp corners and protrusions are rounded to a radius of 3 cm or more. For internal corners, fillets are installed having a triangular section. If cracks and chips are found on the foundation, they are sealed with a cement-sand mortar.
- To improve the adhesion of the mastic to the surface, a primer is required. The primer is selected depending on the type of base and type of mastic. If a mixture of organic solvents is to be used in the work, the primer should be with the same base. The application takes place with a roller; to brush the corners, a brush is required. Before performing the next stage of work, you need to wait several hours to allow the primer to dry.
- Prepare mastic. Follow the steps in strict accordance with the instructions on the package. For different formulations, the process is different.
- Application of the first layer with vertical strokes with a wide brush, roller or spatula. Waiting for time to dry completely. The second application. A total of 2-3 layers of insulation will be required.
- To ensure the strength of the corners, fix the fillets and the reinforcing mesh. Fiberglass need to strengthen all the sharp projections of the structure.
After the insulation has dried, you can proceed to subsequent work, such as insulation.