Below-grade waterproofing refers to protective sealants, membranes, and drainage to prevent water from seeping into underground structural components. Basements, parking garages, crawl spaces, utility rooms, and foundation wall footings are mostly below ground. Water can infiltrate because the foundation and other walls are close to the soil. A below-grade waterproofing system protects the building’s structural integrity, preventing water damage and mold growth.
The waterproofing creates a barrier to seal underground spaces, keeping water out and ensuring a dry and stable environment. Waterproofing materials prevent water ingress and damage related to dampness and pooled water.
Key below-grade foundation waterproofing methods include:
Below-grade foundation waterproofing is critical in areas with high water tables, heavy rainfall, or where the soil has a high clay content. All of these conditions increase the risk of water infiltration. Properly installed, below-grade waterproofing prevents structural damage, preserves the indoor environment, and extends the building’s lifespan.
Architects, engineers, and construction contractors carefully consider site-specific conditions in the design and installation of below-grade waterproofing systems.
Foundation footings stabilize and support structures. Individuals often overlook the importance of these below-ground structures that bear the weight of the building, distributing loads to the underlying soil.
Also known as footers, foundation footings are concrete structures that sit beneath the soil surface, supporting the weight of a building. The primary aim is to distribute the structure’s load evenly to the soil, preventing uneven settling or shifting over time. Footings are wider than the foundation walls they support. They provide a stable base and prevent the building from sinking into the ground.
Footings are also designed to resist water infiltration. A footing helps to protect the foundation from damage caused by water accumulation. Perimeter drain systems are often integrated with footings to protect the building.
Below-grade foundation waterproofing is usually applied when the building is first constructed. However, older buildings may not have a water barrier to prevent moisture. Underground walls, footing, and structures bear a heavy burden, and significant water exposure could cause structural deterioration, including mold, mildew, wood rot, peeling paint, and rust. Besides creating an unpleasant odor, mold and mildew are detrimental to human health.
Property owners know the danger water poses to the building’s strength and structural integrity. Failure to fix water leaks will cause serious building damage with costly consequences. Below-grade waterproofing protects your building against water damage, keeping your basement free of water vapor and wet horizontal surfaces. Water can cause serious damage underground and above, so you must extend waterproofing to include all vulnerable areas.
Don’t wait until you have serious water damage. If you suspect a problem call the team at ATC. We’ll inspect the premises to find any leaks or other structural issues. It is generally cheaper to fix a leak earlier rather than after it has damaged the surrounding areas.
Our waterproofing services include:
With Airtight Construction, we can keep your building watertight at every level—above ground and below!
The liquid water you see in your underground spaces isn’t your biggest problem. It will dry. The water that isn’t seeping through the foundation wall may be building water pressure on the outside of the concrete walls. Water accumulating behind the foundation wall will eventually damage the concrete, causing cracks and other damage.
Here are some of the symptoms of below-grade water infiltration:
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait to call for assistance to find the problem and repair your foundations. Unaddressed water breaches in the building foundations can lead to damages with devastating financial consequences.
ATC contractors are damp specialists. They will quickly spot the damp signs, identify the cause, and inform you of your repair and preventative maintenance options.
While dealing with your underground waterproofing needs, we can help with any above-grade waterproofing issues.
Need Any Other Asphalt and Concrete Services?
Explore all of ATC’s asphalt and concrete services.
Call ATC for all your waterproofing needs. We cover the entire foundation and problems with intersecting walls. We’ll design and install a system using waterproofing products and materials to match your circumstances.
No commercial property is the same. Neither is the cost of foundation waterproofing. Installing waterproofing materials starts with understanding the circumstances and the surface imperfections that may have led to the problem. Then, we design protection for the foundation and other walls based on the insulation and surface requirements.
We will offer you a cost estimate for your waterproofing and foundation repairs after a site visit to understand the project scope. Waterproofing after construction is complex and may require construction and drain pipe reconfigurations. With ATC, you’re guaranteed a job well done.
Airtight Construction, your trusted concrete contractor, offers commercial-grade waterproofing in the Bay Area and surrounds. Our team is committed to customer service and quality waterproofing services. We guarantee our work, so you know when you waterproof your commercial building with an ATC waterproofing system, your building and its contents will stay dry.
