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FoundationWaterproofing

Protect the base of your building - before water destroys it from the ground up.

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Why Foundation Waterproofing is Critical

  • The foundation is what holds your whole building up.
  • Water in the soil constantly pushes against the foundation walls.
  • Over time, this causes cracks, leaks, and structural weakness.
  • A damaged foundation is dangerous - and very expensive to fix.
  • Foundation waterproofing forms a barrier between the structure and the wet soil.
  • It is best done during construction - but can also be done on existing buildings.
  • Protecting your foundation protects your entire investment.

Types of Foundation Waterproofing

External Foundation Sealing

  • •This is applied on the OUTSIDE of the foundation wall.
  • •The soil around the foundation is excavated (dug away) to expose the wall.
  • •A thick waterproof coating or membrane is applied to the wall surface.
  • •A drainage board is often added to direct water away from the foundation.
  • •This is the best method - it stops water before it ever reaches the structure.
  • •Commonly done during new construction.
  • •Can also be done to existing buildings - but requires excavation.

Crack Sealing

  • •Even small cracks in a foundation can let in large amounts of water.
  • •Cracks are cleaned out and then filled with specialist waterproof materials.
  • •Expanding polyurethane foam is often injected - it grows to fill every gap.
  • •Epoxy injection is used for structural cracks - it bonds the crack back together.
  • •After sealing, a waterproof coating is applied over the repaired area.
  • •Cracks must be monitored - if they keep growing, a structural engineer is needed.

Below-Ground Waterproofing

  • •Any part of your building that is below ground level needs waterproofing.
  • •This includes basements, underground parking, and foundations.
  • •Water pressure underground is much higher than above ground.
  • •Specialist membranes and coatings designed for high water pressure are used.
  • •Drainage systems inside and outside the structure help manage groundwater.
  • •Must be designed by an experienced waterproofing professional.

Warning Signs of Foundation Water Damage

  • Cracks in the foundation walls - horizontal cracks are especially serious.
  • Water seeping through foundation walls or floor.
  • Doors and windows that are suddenly difficult to open or close.
  • Floors that feel uneven or are sloping.
  • Damp smell in the lowest level of your building.
  • White powdery deposits (efflorescence) on foundation walls.
  • Mould growing near the base of interior walls.

How Much Does It Cost?

  • Crack sealing (per crack): R500 – R3,000.
  • External foundation waterproofing: R10,000 – R50,000+.
  • Below-ground waterproofing systems: R20,000 – R100,000+.
  • Cost depends heavily on excavation requirements and building size.
  • The sooner you fix it, the cheaper it is.
  • Getting multiple quotes is essential - this is specialised work.

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