Understanding Moisture Barriers
Moisture barriers are precisely what they sound like – they impede or prevent moisture from moving from one area to another. Utilized extensively in construction, moisture barriers come in several forms:
- Moisture Barrier Film
- Moisture Barrier Plastic
- Concrete Moisture Barrier
The primary purpose of these barriers is to prevent groundwater from seeping under a building’s foundation, thereby ensuring the structural integrity of the construction.
Distinguishing Between Foundation Waterproofing Membranes as Moisture Barriers and Concrete Vapor Barriers
It’s essential to differentiate between foundation waterproofing membrane moisture barriers and concrete vapor barriers, as they serve different purposes.
The Role and Installation of Concrete Vapor Barriers
Moisture present in the foundation can damage concrete, sealers, and overlays. Concrete vapor barriers offer protection to concrete foundations by inhibiting the movement of water vapor through the concrete. This prevention results in avoiding issues related to damp, cold, and uncomfortable concrete floors. Contractors usually install these vapor barriers before pouring the slab.
The Function of Foundation Waterproofing Membranes as Moisture Barriers
Foundation waterproofing membrane moisture barriers are vertical plastic layers buried in the ground around a foundation’s perimeter. Typically, contractors install these barriers after the concrete slab foundation has been completed. Their primary function is to prevent water from seeping underneath a home. This barrier helps maintain consistent moisture levels around the foundation of a home, thus ensuring structural stability.
The Significance of Soil Moisture Balance
Maintaining the right balance of water in the soil is crucial for your foundation. Insufficient water causes the soil to shrink, resulting in your foundation settling, while excess water leads to soil expansion, pushing your foundation upwards. To control the water content entering the soil around your foundation, engineers often recommend a foundation waterproofing membrane moisture barrier.
Installing a Foundation Waterproofing Membrane
The process of installing a foundation waterproofing membrane, while straightforward, is labor-intensive. Attention to detail is crucial to prevent tears or gaps in the moisture barrier. Most commonly, these barriers are polyethylene membranes.
To install, follow these steps:
- Determine the depth of seasonal moisture.
- Dig a trench around the foundation.
- Install the membranes so they are below the depth of seasonal moisture (this could be as far down as 10-12 feet).
- Many barriers come with an adhesive system that attaches to the top of the foundation.
- Finally, backfill the trench.
How Can Arch Foundation Repair Help You?
Arch Foundation Repair offers home repairs from the foundation up, including foundation repair and installing foundation waterproofing membranes. Contact us to learn more about how moisture barriers can benefit your foundation.
How Can Arch Foundation Repair Help You?
Arch Foundation Repair offers home repairs from the foundation up, including foundation repair and installing foundation waterproofing membranes. Contact us to learn more about how moisture barriers can benefit your foundation.
