If you apply a thin coat of bentonite, water will eventually enter you basement. The more it expands, the denser it becomes. CLAY-TITE is a dual layer waterproofing consisting of virgin HDPE (20 mil), sodium bentonite, and a protective layer consisting of a non-woven polypropylene. Stay connected and subscribe to get the latest news. This granular clay can naturally be found in many parts of the country. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Bentonite is also used by some contractors as a waterproof coating on basement foundations. Not to mention that if you missed some spots, ground water will leak into your basement in a matter of days. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. I am just back from Building Science Corp's Summer Symposium, where I met Skylar Swinford, who used to work for Hammer and Hand, and created the content on their details and approach to best-practice basement moisture management. An experienced trainer and consultant, hes been recognized as NAHB Educator of the Year. You can use bentonite for basement waterproofing or pond sealing. Is CLAY-TITE compatible with stone foundations? Apply CLAY-TITE MASTIC from W. R. MEADOWS over all fasteners. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. A thick bentonite coating needs to be applied This is one of the factors that cause homeowners to opt for other There are pressure limitations beyond which the clay loses its waterproofing capacity. Bentonite waterproofing involves the use of a type of clay known as sodium bentonite. Unlike traditional membrane waterproofing, which tends to be labour-intensive and expensive, crystalline technology decreases installation and maintenance costs and is easy to handle admixtures can be shipped in dissolvable, pulpable bags that are thrown into the concrete batch during mixing. We assumed that water was ALWAYS going to enter through the rubble walls, so instead of blocking it, we decided to deal with it. Surface irregularities should be removed before installation. i,`]*1)06N]Hs1/5v[#*XN# Lack of dependable resistance to vapor migration. Bentonite differs from other types of clay in that it possesses this absorptive ability to an uncanny degree. Installation is typically completed in 8-foot to 10-foot lifts with backfill after every course. Bentonite waterproofing cannot be used for all types of buildings. Bentonite waterproofing is an exterior waterproofing treatment that is supposed to work by forming a barrier between wet soil and the building foundation. Yuers can be reached at kevin@kryton.com. Now that you know what to expect in terms of costs when it comes to using bentonite for waterproofing purposes, lets talk about more about this material and see what makes it so special. However, this second method is not very efficient. Additionally, sheet membranes must be applied to a smooth finish without voids, honeycombs or protrusions. In addition, the concrete must have a floor quality steel trowel finish to ensure good adhesion. WebOur company provides insulation, waterproofing and fireproofing services for commercial construction projects throughout the southeastern and south-central United States. In addition to acting as GBAs technical director, Peter Yost is the Vice President for Technical Services at BuildingGreen in Brattleboro, Vermont. Bentonite is versatile and comes in various forms, from prefabricated panels to trowelable mixtures. Last updated in October 2021 to add additional information. Their field fabrication requires intensive labour and carefully supervised installation. It is environmental friendly: Bentonite clay does not have side effects to the environment. It is only by doing this that you can effectively execute one of the different methods of bentonite waterproofing. WebThe bentonite can expand up to 8 times its original thickness to stop water that may make it past the HDPE layer, providing a second layer of protection. WebOne of the chief disadvantages is the possible inconsistency in coverage. Further care should to be taken for the overlaps, edges and angles to verify proper bonding. Disadvantages Of Bentonite Waterproofing Bentonite clay is a great material to use for basement waterproofing, but it does come with its fair share of disadvantages. Lack of dependable resistance to vapor migration. WebThe bentonite clay swells to 15 times its original volume filling cracks and voids. How much bentonite do I need in my pond? Manage Settings As for residential fixes, this method has been used for more than 50 years by contractors. Generally speaking, bentonite injection waterproofing is when bentonite liquid mud is poured into a pressure gun and the content is injected into the cracks and gaps to seal the spaces and prevent water from penetrating. As with many aspects of life, there are advantages and disadvantages to both options. As a matter of fact, bentonite is a commonly used ingredient in skin care products. 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. This clay is non-irritating and does not cause any skin damage. Cemented waterproofing is the simplest method of waterproofing, materials required are freely available, easy to mix and apply. The complete source for building, designing, and remodeling green homes. Here is a practical installation guide. Bentonite clay is a great material to use for basement waterproofing, but it does come with its fair share of disadvantages. Application over concrete substrates requires a smooth surface with no deformations or shark fins. Installation is also not advised in places The average bentonite price is typically $85 per ton. A slurry about the consistency of water is then injected so that it can set up and form a continuous water barrier. (Photos courtesy of Carlisle Coatings and Waterproofing.). Back-up injection system, installation of external joint waterbars and compartmentalization of below grade application is not feasible, which limits the capability of the waterproofing system to isolate and seal water leakages in a certain area. We supply high-quality bentonite for pond sealing at wholesale prices and nationwide delivery. WebCLAY-TITE is designed to act both as a waterproofing and vapor barrier membrane when installed underslab. It contains no VOCs and can be completely recycled when demolition occurs. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Solvent-Based Curing and Sealing Compounds. A life-long veteran of the construction and renovation industries, Yuers has spent most of his career in concrete waterproofing. Bentonite can self-heal, is non-toxic and is relatively easy to install, but it is rarely used in places where the risk of leaks must be minimal and humidity control is necessary. 3 Waterproofing Solutions for Pressure Treated Wood. Protect from moisture. Trowel and sprayed bentonite applications are rarely completed anymore. Protect your home with our proven solutions & lifetime warranty. I had requested W. R. MEADOWS in the project specificationsand they were able to meet our needs with CLAY-TITE., John Ritchie CLAY-TITE BLINDSIDE INSTALLATION GUIDELINE, CLAY-TITE BACKFILLED WALL INSTALLATION GUIDELINES, CLAY-TITE UNDERSLAB INSTALLATION GUIDELINES. WebBENTONITE CLAY BASED WATERPROOFING Bentonite clays act as waterproofing by swelling when exposed to moisture becoming impervious to water. Mechanically attach MEL-DRAIN to soil retention. Whenever new water enters the concrete through changing water levels or new cracks, crystals continue to grow and seal the concrete. In areas under constant hydrostatic head conditions, all joints and seams are to be detailed using CLAY-TITE MASTIC. Areas that require flexibility and face recurring movement would be better waterproofed another way. hbbd``b` $A`,[G $w nHy Let us take a look at some of them below. Application is not recommended in areas sensitive to moisture infiltration. WebDISADVANTAGES Back up wall has to be carefully prepared to provide adequate containment Not an Adhered System water that penetrates through the membrane may travel along the concrete wall with water pressure. Liquid-applied membranes can be applied with a brush, spray, roller, trowel or squeegee, and usually contain urethane or polymeric asphalt (hot- or cold-applied) in a solvent base. Thus, the limitation and expansion process does not lead to a restricted waterfall.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'constructionor_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-constructionor_com-medrectangle-4-0'); A liquid membrane is a thin coating that contains a primer coat and topcoat used by a spray, roller, or trowel which gives extra flexibility as compare to the cementitious waterproofing. This clay is highly expansive and when water makes contact it forms an impenetrable barrier against infiltration. Paraseal is a sheet waterproofing membrane consisting of 15 mils of HDPE and expandable, granular bentonite. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. CLAY-TITE ADHESIVE is to be used when above the water table and temperatures are above 40 F (4 C). This won't delete the articles you've saved, just the list. Bentonite sheet membranes have a long history of success due to their controlled mil thickness and multiple components for waterproofing, such as an added high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material. Although hydrophobic systems may perform satisfactorily for dampproofing, they are less successful at resisting liquid under hydrostatic pressure. Our quality product line includes sodium bentonite clay waterproofing, peel-and-stick fully adhered sheet waterproofing and cold-fluid-applied waterproofing. 4 Sneaky Signs Its effectiveness is based on the properties of impure clay, which swells to block water. This image from a Tremco Technical Bulletin shows how challenging it can be for negative-side waterproofing to prevent below-grade water leaks. One of which is bentonite waterproofing. And by the time the clay has gotten to its full capacity, it would have become very dense, that water would no longer be able to pass through at all. ** Warranties vary by product and service. Exposed membranes contain granular mineral aggregates to withstand the weathering and other parts requires the contractor to apply protective screws to prevent perforation of the membrane. Bentonite can be applied in sheets, but can also be injected into cracks when its in liquid mud form. Installation still demands the use of solvent-based primer and adhesives and any asphalt-based protection boards cannot be placed directly on the PVC membranes. Signs of water damage aren't always easy to spot. It is a primary ingredient in cat litter and in some pore-cleansing cosmetic products. Paraseal GM/LG 60 mil is a sheet waterproofing and methane-mitigating membrane consisting of 60 mils of HDPE, expandable granular bentonite and a protective layer of spun-bonded polyester. Note the taps and installler in this image of the Koster injection system being used on a concrete block wall in the Empire State Building. On average, a sheet of one square foot of bentonite costs only $5. endstream endobj startxref WebSikaProof Bentonite can be applied to damp concrete, however, concrete must be at least 48 hours old and must be free from standing water. As water molecules bond to clay particles, the clay expands, filling cracks and gaps in the foundation so that water cant get in. The most common use of bituminous coatings are under wet bolts, particularly on surfaces such as concrete foundations.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'constructionor_com-box-4','ezslot_10',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-constructionor_com-box-4-0'); These waterproofings is made up of bitumen fabricated material as it becomes very brittle when exposed to sunlight with flexible materials such as polyurethane or acrylic-based polymers. much do you consider sustainability in your designs? Once installed, bentonite is difficult to remove, so options for future repair or replacement are limited. Baking Soda, Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar, 10 Leaky Basement Repair Options To Stop Water Seepage, How To Install Vinyl Plank Flooring In Basements. The polypropylene fabric protects the bentonite from direct installation of shotcrete. Application Video. The crystals within the concrete are impervious to physical damage and deterioration; there is no danger of punctures, tears or seam leaks. These needle-like crystals grow until all pores are blocked and no water can penetrate the concrete. WebBENTONITE WATERPROOFING 02/16 PART 1 GENERAL 1.1 REFERENCES 1.2 SUBMITTALS 1.3 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING PART 2 PRODUCTS 2.1 BENTONITE MATERIALS 2.1.1 Bulk Bentonite 2.1.2 Bentonite Properties 2.1.2.1 Free Swell Rating 2.1.2.2 Active Ingredient 2.1.3 Bentonite Panels 2.1.4 Bentonite Mineral Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Like any exterior coating, bentonite can only provide effective protection against water intrusion if the application is perfectly done. The first method of bentonite waterproofing we shall discuss involves stacking loose bentonite into spaces between the soil and the foundation walls. Contact your local dealer or call 1-800-638-7048, Or select a state or province to get started. There you go, I hope this post answered all your bentonite-related questions. Water-soluble sulphates can degrade concrete. Disadvantages of Bentonite Bentonite waterproofing systems have the following disadvantages: Need for constant (high) hydrostatic pressure. This can be problematic, since more need more labor and weather conditions cannot allow always to withstand several days before applying the second layer. When heated, traditional bitumen both coal tar pitch and asphalt releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and potentially carcinogenic fumes. It is currently offered in four forms: 4. They can disband or blister if a negative vapor drive is present because they do not breathe. Bentonite materials are weather-sensitive and not resistant to soil chemicals (e.g., brines, acids or alkalines), which ultimately decreases their ability to thoroughly waterproof structures. Compact This would increase the cost of completion, being that you have to buy a lot more of the material. This means using heavy machines which may damage your yard and even the foundation is the whole process is not carried out properly. When hydrated, ENVIRO-SEAL has an exceptionally low permeability and a high swelling capacity. Injection holes or ports are drilled into an interstitial space or right through to the exterior of foundation concrete, typically spaced 18 to 24 inches on center. The Koster NB1 system includes a cove detail at the cold joint formed between the foundation wall and slab. The more the bentonite expands, the better its protective abilities against water. We created an interior drainage plane to any moisture, and a network of big "O" drainage pipe under the floor to a sump pump. Get building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. In order to apply the respective sheets, they need to completely excavate the ground around your foundation. WebDisadvantages of Waterproofing: Bitumen-based products soften in the summer heat because the black color has restricted life due to solvent evaporation. The torch seal is used for podiums, outdoor development, and works on site and prevalent method used for on-site waterproofings, it is a more durable and cost-effective method than self-adhesive membranes. Pre-curing and post-curing stresses cause cracking in any concrete, which creates pathways for water passage. Bentonite is a cheap waterproofing solution. %%EOF Nonetheless, we have to mention that bentonite cannot stop water from penetrating your basement through the floor or any crack that is located where the walls and the floors meet. Clear the floor systematically so that it needs to be free from loose materials, mud and oil.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'constructionor_com-leader-1','ezslot_13',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-constructionor_com-leader-1-0'); Floor cleaning performs a very vital function in all of the membrane based waterproofing coating programs. Integral waterproofing admixtures tend to be less expensive for materials, and additional labour costs are almost nonexistent. The polyurethane protective coating shouldnt be very versatile. Keep in mind that bentonite cannot fully waterproof the cracks in the area where the basement floor and the basement walls meet. If installed in the horizontal direction, ensure that seams are shingled in a manner to shed water. the "author" of the Hammer and Hand basement detail Bentonite systems cannot be installed during rainfall while groundwater level is fluctuating, or in areas with constant wetting and drying cycles because the clay will deteriorate. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. One of the major reasons why your basement is vulnerable is the fact that it is surrounded by soil. And they require the use of solvent-based primers and adhesivesanother drawback. One of the most common causes of structural damage to a home is water intrusion. Surface Preparation Surface must be smooth, sound, and void-free prior to installation of CLAY-TITE. Extremely high resistance to chemicals and gases. As a result, it can swell up to 15 times its dry volume. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. (Hammer & Hand is a builder with headquarters in Portland, Oregon.). Since the early 1990s, the bitumen systems popularity has fallen due to an increasing number of bans on its use by governmental and regulatory agencies. You can also install a French drain to support your bentonite waterproofing. Examine the proper alignment and adjust the sheets where required and unrolls the sheets on the floor of the structure. These products typically come in liquid form, and include oils, hydrocarbons, stearates or other long-chain fatty acid derivatives. They are typically not characterized as waterproofing materials or repellents because they have no ability to seal cracks and joints. For detailed instructions, refer to CLAY-TITE UNDERSLAB INSTALLATION GUIDELINES. Apply a primary coat to the floor of the structure, while solvent-based or water-based primers are suitable for bitumen membranes. Although the oldest and most widely used positive side technology is sheet membrane waterproofing, its failures and limitations are also common and costly. Content, including images, displayed on this website is protected by copyright laws. As bentonite expands in contact with water, it also fills the cracks in the foundation preventing water from getting in. You can also sign up for BuildingGreens email newsletter to get a free report on avoiding toxic insulation, as well as regular posts from Peter. The liquid is cured in a rubber coating on the wall and surface elongation properties can reach 280%, the durability of a waterproofing coating depends on the type of manufacturer. Remove all sharp protrusion greater than 1/4 (6.4 mm). If you bury your waterproofing treatment behind finished floor and walls such that they cannot be inspected for new cracks, there is no guarantee that your waterproofing system will stand the test of time. endstream endobj 62 0 obj <> endobj 63 0 obj <> endobj 64 0 obj <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC/ImageI]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/Thumb 40 0 R/Type/Page>> endobj 65 0 obj <>stream Also, because the seams between sheets are field-fabricated, they never attain the base materials tensile strength. ), even years after the original construction. Required fields are marked *. There is no universal answer to this question. The polyurethane protective coating has a restricted pot life, the impermeable floor coating permits water to form below the floor coating. Blog For the Quirk Hall project, I would like it to be known that we didnt consider any other products except for W. R. MEADOWS. Many contractors have even begun issuing warranties for your basement wall after repair with bentonite. It was a dungeon! The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. $87LgA00Fg\ Tremco Technical Service Bulletin No. Copyright 2023. Thanks for sharing that foundation waterproofing means that there should be no water that will penetrate the concrete wall and submerged conditions, and they called it damp proofing. As architectural protrusions do not pose any waterproofing challenge, any type of concrete structure vertical, horizontal or shaped can be securely waterproofed. Finished waterproofing liquid coatings can be inspected. As you can see, bentonite is quite cheap. Backfill should be completed immediately after installation. Some alternatives are available which have advantages over bentonite. But I finally got the adult supervision that I needed, mostly from The Manual of Below-Grade Waterproofing (2nd edition, 2016) by Justin Henshell. Please see our Privacy Policy for details. Cementitious waterproofing applications: Water treatment plants Sewage treatment Bentonite has the ability to expand up to 15 times its normal size, hence absorbing more water and becoming denser until moisture can no longer pass through. Reasons to Choose Waterproof Flooring. This speeds up the construction schedule and decreases labour costs by combining steps with concrete placing. Remember, bentonite wont completely waterproof the cracks in the parts where the basement floor and walls meet. The good news is, most homeowners dont have to fret about water entering their basement through the above-mentioned areas. We offer an array of options and newest technologies for maximum protection and expedited schedules. This waterproofing method has been employed for more than 75 years, but its popularity has recently increased. If youre wondering how much it would cost to waterproof your basement using bentonite in 2021, then wonder no more. How much bentonite youll use depends on soil characteristics. For more information about whether bentonite would make a good choice for waterproofing your basement. The traditional form of bentonite was extremely labor intensive and required skilled workmen for precise applications. Sodium bentonite can absorb water until it has expanded to as much as 15 times its original size when dry. For installation temperatures below 40 F (4 C), use CLAY-TITE MASTIC in place of CLAY-TITE ADHESIVE. Bentonite waterproofing systems have the following disadvantages: Need for constant (high) hydrostatic pressure. WebParaseal GM/LG 60 Mil. For blindside applications, benonite can be applied over concrete, steel, lagging walls, slurry, retaining walls, and diaphragm walls retaining earth. This waterproofing selection chart provides a useful approach to separating the wheat from the chaff when choosing a waterproofing product. There are at least five types of injection materials: Perhaps most famously, Kosters injection system was used on two different below-grade walls in the Empire State Building, one a 36-wythe brick wall (see Image #7) and the other concrete block (see Image #8). Refer to ACI 302.1R-04: Chapter 4 Site Preparation and Placing Environment for sub-grade preparation. Resources Thermoplastic membranes also effectively resist chemicals and hydrostatic pressure. Thermosetting membrane sheets tend to stretch and are difficult to install on vertical surfaces. WebNo matter what the waterproofing need is, MAPEI has the system solution. This can be time consuming as well as inconvenient. The polyurethane protective coating shouldnt be very versatile. How much does bentonite waterproofing cost? Application of Bentonite On average, youll need between 7 to 10 pounds of bentonite per square foot. hmO0GU4!@R6Z`Eh |9viiI This ensures that the greatest possible amount of space is sealed in the process. Bentonite is great for waterproofing because of its ability to absorb water and swell to about 15 times its original size. The admixture is a blend of cementitious and proprietary chemicals that actually work with the available water in concrete to form insoluble crystals. 75 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<8EA4F72C7023FA0C3F0E8FFC6F5C7022><2CB06B02E8AF9A4EAF9705E8ECE02E57>]/Index[61 27]/Info 60 0 R/Length 80/Prev 579906/Root 62 0 R/Size 88/Type/XRef/W[1 2 1]>>stream To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. No, bentonite is not toxic to humans. This method translates into additional costs and requires more time to complete. Provides a tough, durable waterproof seal. Installing a sump pump can do the trick. This machine is built to collect water and redirect it away from your basement. Your Home Has Water Damage. But I did not think that I understood the topic or the physics well enough to challenge the claims or explain my skepticism. On vertical surfaces, the panels or sheets are nailed to the substrate. The best approach is to use bentonite waterproofing during the construction phase. Using a 6 (152.4 mm) cut strip of CLAY-TITE, form a collar around the penetration and hold in place with fasteners. Waterproofing is the application of impermeable layers on the surfaces of foundations, walls, roofs, and other parts of the building which may be concrete, leather, fabric that provide a surface impermeable barrier is to prevent water penetrations. Concrete surfaces should be free of voids and sharp projections. I have a 1900 red brick Victorian that has a rubble foundation and typically had 2" of water in the basement. DiClemente Siegel Design, Inc. Privacy and Cookies Policy The average price for a bentonite sheet is $5 per square foot. A dry, healthy home starts here.Contact your local dealer or call 1-800-638-7048. So the effectiveness of water repellents is highly dependent on the concrete itself. Successful waterproofing with liquid-applied membranes depends on proper thickness and uniform application. WebBentonite Waterproofing CLAY-TITE ADHESIVE (Canada) CLAY-TITE ADHESIVE is a water-based, acrylic adhesive containing emulsified bentonite. Bituminous waterproofing is a popular technique used for the low sloping roofs due to their low efficiency, it consists of a flashlight and a self-adhesive membrane on the layer. A thin layer of bentonite will not stop water from getting into your basement, you will need a thick layer to achieve such results. vulcanized rubber) are more resistant to heat, solvents, general chemical attack and creep than thermoplastic membranes are, due to the vulcanization of butyl, ethylene propylene diene monomer or neoprene rubber. The basement is one of most vulnerable parts of a home, thanks to the fact that it tends to be surrounded by soil. Read this blog to learn about two frequent causes in basement water leaks. When the bentonite is hydrated, it swells to create an impermeable barrier to water and chemicals. Despite these advantages, there are drawbacks. Bentonite waterproofing involves the use of sodium bentonite, a naturally occurring clay mineral, to create a barrier against water intrusion in construction structures. Membranes do not have to be separated from the concrete, waterborne contaminants are not present in the concrete, and petroleum-based materials are not left behind to leach into soil. To add to that, water damage can be a real problem for those who live in areas that are prone to flooding. Henshell cites ASTM WK50244 New Guide for Waterproofing Repair of Concrete by Chemical Grout Injection as the reference that guided these systems. This method of bentonite waterproofing is pretty straightforward, although it has some downsides. All honeycombs, indentations or rock pockets should be repaired with trowelable bentonite prior to panel or sheet application. In this article, well be telling you all you need to know about bentonite injection waterproofing, and why it is an ideal choice for protecting your basement against moisture. The material is also commonly used in tunnels and subways and has a long history of waterproofing New York City basements. PACKAGING For those who dont know, a geotextile is a form of tightly weaved and sturdy fabric, which is designed to allow water to pass through it while blocking off soil and other particles. In most applications, CLAY-TITE MASTIC is the preferred product. All damage, holes and cracks in masonry substrates must be repaired with the appropriate Sika MonoTop repair system.
