Basement as a white tub
Damp basements were, and still are, problems that property owners must grapple with. There are many structures that were built from waterproof concrete, which has proven itself in practice over many years. If watertight concrete cellars are built, this construction is also called "white tub". This building structure can take on a load-bearing and sealing function. An additional external seal is not required.
If you are planning a house with a basement today, you will want to use the additional space. As a simple storage room, this is far too expensive. While in the past a certain amount of moisture did not play a role in storage cellars, expanded cellars that are to be used for hobbies, workshops or offices must be dry.
Many builders complain about damp basements
Although the technology of the white tub can guarantee a dry cellar, unfortunately not a few builders have to deal with the ingress of water because of poorly built cellars.
- It is mostly pressing groundwater that penetrates a structure that is not adequately and permanently protected. The "white tub" is so called because the base plate and the outer walls are made from waterproof concrete as a closed tub. The concrete is not watertight, as any moisture (transported through the components) should evaporate inside the basement.
- Water can take many forms and act on structures from the outside. It acts as soil moisture via seepage water to pressing water. The choice of basement waterproofing therefore depends on the shape of the water, the subsoil, the stress and the desired use.
- There are two basic types of building waterproofing. That is the "black tub" and the "white tub".
Although a plot of land by a lake or a river certainly has its advantages, ...
Safe, long-term waterproofing of buildings thanks to the white tub
If you would like to build your house with a basement, insist on the installation of a white bathtub. In contrast to the "black tank", this one has a much longer lifespan. In addition, there are hardly any significant price differences between the two basic types of building waterproofing. Mainly turnkey providers are talking about a conventional basement, which will then put a strain on them for decades.
- White tubs last well over 50 years. This means that the shelf life is more than twice that of the black tub. Their construction consists of a floor slab plus brick cellar walls. The moisture should be stopped by a black bitumen coating or a special welding line. Since the groundwater level is rising in many regions of Germany, only completely closed structures can cope with the pressing water in the long term.
- When installing the white tub, make sure that its construction is based on a soil survey. Do not slouch when pouring the concrete. For example, cement-bound spacers or certain small parts made of plastic are necessary.
- Mistakes are also made in the composition of the concrete. It only becomes watertight if the appropriate additives are incorporated. Incorrect dosage will later lead to problems in your basement.
When building a basement, you shouldn't do without an independent expert. Unfortunately, without regular monitoring of your construction site, you cannot assume that you will get a really watertight basement.
