Waterproofing Injection - Is it a solution for you?

Posted by Luc Gerber on Thu, Jan 12, 2012 @ 08:00 PM

What is Waterproofing Injection?

Simply stated, waterproofing injection, in the context of basement leaks, refers to the accomplishment of basement waterproofing using injection techniques. There are two injection techniques used in waterproofing: epoxy crack injection and polyurethane injection. Both techniques use pressurized injection of resins into cracks and/or voids to waterproof poured concrete foundations and structures.

The following two images provide some insight into the nature, as well as the similarities and dissimilarities, of the two waterproofing injection techniques. The image on the left is an epoxy crack injection and the image on the right is a polyurethane, or urethane, crack injection.

Polyurethane Waterproofing Injection Epoxy Waterproofing Injection

Both of these waterproofing injection techniques are using resins to completely fill cracks; thereby eliminating them completely. After a waterproofing injection is completed, it is as if there never was a crack, because the void has been filled. As a result, the cracks will no longer leak and the foundation wall has been succesfully waterproofed by using pressurized injection.

It is important to note that waterproofing injection is only suitable for waterproofing poured concrete foundations and structures.

Applications of Waterproofing Injection

Waterproofing injection is commonly used in the following waterproofing applications which are specific to poured concrete foundations and/or concrete structures and/or solid structures:

Crack repair and waterproofing of any poured concrete structure such as foundations, parking garages, concrete swimming pools, etc;
Tie-rod hole and snap rod waterproofing;
Waterproofing of honeycombing in foundation walls;
Waterproofing pipe penetrations through poured concrete walls;
Waterproofing leaking I-beam pockets in basements;
Waterproofing seams;
Waterproofing voids between layered concrete structures;
Waterproofing subway tunnel leaks; and
Waterstopping in underground mining applications.

The Benefits of Waterproofing Injection

Waterproofing injection is not only effective, it also has other very interesting benefits:

It is done without the need for external excavation!
It is completed within a matter of hours!
It is, by far, the least expensive way to waterproof a basement or a parking garage; and
It is a highly reliable waterproofing method (when done properly).

Note: A successful waterproofing injection requires a technician to be skilled and experienced. If you shop for the cheapest price in town you will likely get the most unprofessional job in town. And, in addition to a technician's qualifications, successful waterproofing injections require job appropriate resins, equipment, and time proven procedures. Therefore, if you are looking for excellent results you must select a waterproofing contractor that specializes in waterproofing injection techniques.