Water in the basement seeps through concrete

There is an old construction wisdom for construction experts. This rightly states that building is a constant battle against ingress of water. Water penetrates through the smallest cracks, and with sufficient pressure even through the thickest concrete.

Buildings in the basement are in a constant battle with water

• In a basement, water comes in several forms. There is, for example, the soil moisture, non-standing or standing seepage water as well as non-pressing or pressing water.
• When choosing a basement waterproofing, a number of aspects must be taken into account. The type of attack by the water, the subsoil, the wall system, the stress and the planned use play an important role.
• In general, it is possible to make basements from ready-mixed concrete and concrete parts impermeable to water without special sealing measures.
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• However, this requires compliance with some constructive rules. In addition, waterproof concrete must be used and the joint seals installed professionally so that the so-called white tub is tight.


Rising damp in the basement - what to do?

In many cellars there is humidity that is completely normal and harmless. …

Reasons - why moisture penetrates concrete

• If water penetrates through concrete in the basement, then the so-called white tub is not available or has not been professionally implemented.
• The outer sealing of the basement in the form of a thick bitumen coating or using plastic sheeting (referred to as black tub) is either not available or not properly attached.
• If you have to expect water ingress during the construction phase, the first thing you can do is to find a hobbyist's solution. Put a bucket in concrete foundationwhere you can put a pump in later.

Possible solutions for basement drying

There are some techniques that have proven effective in draining basements. With other methods, the success is only temporary.

• The placement of structures or tectonic movements naturally also play a role.
• One outside method involves digging a ditch around the house. Then you can subsequently apply a bitumen / black seal. This is a solution when there are no adjoining buildings preventing your construction work.
• Another method is called concreting joint sealing. Holes are drilled in cracks / joints at regular intervals. Then an injection agent is introduced under high pressure. This chemical expands in the joint and thus protects against pressing water.
• With the so-called curtain injection, a gel or resin is pressed into the basement walls with pressure down to the ground.

In many cellars, pumps are installed that pump out water after it has penetrated. In addition to a pump, a sump as well as certain measuring and control technology are required to automatically regulate the pumping.