Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: leaky underground garage and tunnel

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Foundations and Basements
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 29 Apr 2001
Time: 01:25 PM

Comments

I never like the "shotgun" approach to solving waterproofing problems. It's critical to determine the source of the infiltration in order to engineer a solution. Water is an amazing force and will find its way inside through the path of least resistance.

However, there is a product which I mention in a recent post that is a waterproofing slurry. It can be applied to both the inside and outside of a concrete structure (the concrete must be unpainted for this to work). Known as crystalline, this substance creates a chemical bond deep inside the concrete while it fills leaky pores and hairline cracks. Several manufacturers make it, including a Canadian company called Xypex.

If your concrete is settling and the cracks are moving, this product will not work. However, if the walls and foundation of the underground garage are stable, this product might do the trick. If you've already backfilled against the garage and the exterior is no longer accessible, then you can try applying crystalline waterproofing to the interior side of the concrete.

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