What are the Differences in Methods?

METHODS ARE DIFFERENT FROM COMPANY TO COMPANY…

 

This has to be one of the biggest items creating confusion when you have more than one quote on the “table”. There are various methods for many situations. At Abarent we choose methods and products that are proven and suitable for the situation. Our methods come from countless hours and many years of research and testing. This doesn’t mean they are always the “cheapest”. It is important that you feel totally comfortable with the method being proposed to solve your problem. You shouldn’t need to rely on a warranty if the job is done right with the proper materials the first time.

(A) WATERPROOFING AND WEEPING TILE DISCUSSION:
Any preventative repair or remediation of a leaking basement needs specific considerations. You should be aware of product limitations. In particular the coating suggested for use on the foundation wall.

  • Is the product being used biodegradable? Do products allow for expansion and contraction?
  • Do products allow for expansion and contraction?Is the coating being applied to the foundation a waterproofing or damp-proofing product?
  • Is the coating being applied to the foundation a waterproofing or damp-proofing product?What are the manufacturer’s application recommendations and is the company doing your
  • What are the manufacturer’s application recommendations and is the company doing your project following Manufacturer and Building Code requirements? ASK FOR THE PRODUCT NAME AND SPECIFICATIONS.
  • Have you read the specifications for the product?
  • Is the installer of the product experienced in its application?
  • Is the product intended for your specific application?

We’ll briefly go over some of the methods encountered in our industry for foundation waterproofing and repair. The following are brief summaries, bearing in mind typical application procedures of the companies that have a known history of using them. All are exterior methods.

Method Pro’s Con’s Recommend
Single Application of Tar & Geodrain Styrofoam Drainage Board
  • Quick
  • Cheap
  • Does not constitute Water-proofing by manufactures specifications nor does it meet Building Code requirements for Waterproofing. IT’S DAMP-PROOFING!
  • Tar is bio-degradable
  • Tar’s not flexible
  • Typically backfilled before Tar is dry
  • Cracks are not repaired
 NO
Tar / Poly
  • Quick
  • Cheap
  • Poly sags during backfill
  • Poly Rips
  • Does not constitute Water-proofing by manufactures specifications nor does it meet Building Code requirements for Waterproofing. IT’S DAMP-PROOFING!
  • Tar is bio-degradable
  • Tar’s not flexible
  • Typically backfilled before Tar is dry
  • Cracks are not repaired
 NO
Tar / Mesh / Tar
  • Cheap
  • Does not constitute Water-proofing by manufactures specifications nor does it meet Building Code requirements for Waterproofing. IT’S DAMP-PROOFING!
  • Tar is bio-degradable
  • Tar’s not flexible
 NO
Plastic Cement / Tar
  • Quick
  • Cheap
  • Does not constitute Water-proofing by manufactures specifications nor does it meet Building Code requirements for Waterproofing. IT’S DAMP-PROOFING!
  • Tar is bio-degradable
  • Tar’s not flexible
  • Typically backfilled before tar is dry
 NO
Dimple-Board / Drainage Mat
  • Quick
  • Cheap
  • Not considered Water-proofing
  • Does not repair cracks
 NO
Tar-Mesh-Tar-Mesh-Tar
  • Meets Building Code
  • 10 to 15 year life span
  • WATER-PROOFING
  • Bio-degradable
  • Not Flexible
 Sometimes
Bakor 770-06 Membrane & 1″ Styrofoam applied after initial set of membrane
  • Flexible, is ideal for foundations with moving cracks.
  • Not Biodegradable
  • Styrofoam (R5 value)
  • Styrofoam is approved protection board.
  • 25 year plus life span
  • WATER-PROOFING
  • More expensive than other methods
  • Takes more time than most methods
 YES

As you can see when choosing a company and their proposed method you need to decide if you want to water-proof your foundation or will you “settle” for damp-proofing. There is a very big difference. We provide manufacturer’s specifications for the products we use. Manufacturer’s Product Specifications are something that you should request from any contractor. After all, this is the barrier stopping water from coming into your basement.

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