Basement Waterproofing
Basement is the underground level part of a building structure. Foundation of the structure begins from the raft of basement. It should be a known fact that what surrounds the basement retaining wall is usually soil which remains water saturated. This exposes the basement walls to constant contact with water and dampness. If basement walls and starter joints are not properly waterproofed, the water will find its way through the retaining wall inside basement.
It affects all activities for what basement is made, increase consumption of electrical energy by means of bailing out water from sump as well as creates unhygienic atmosphere. Gradually your building’s structural integrity is affected.
NANOFIX RECOMMENDS FOLLOWING PRODUCTS FOR YOUR OLD BASEMENTS
Nanofix Flexeet :
Nanofix Flexeet is two components ready to use resin based Nano composite heavy duty waterproof coating.
Nanofix Crack Bond :
This is a two components ready to use epoxy based sealing compound.
Nanofix Hiset :
This is a high strength developing quick setting cement additive.
Nanofix grout :
This is an impermeable grouting additive to be added with cement milk.
Nanofix Bond :
This is a polymer bonding agent to bond between old and new concrete and plaster. As well as this imparts good strength, adhesion and impermeability.
Nanofix Torch Membrane :
This membrane product complies with IS – 16532:2017. Thickness: 3mm or above.
NANOFIX Methodology for Underground & Overhead Water Tanks Waterproofing
At Nanofix, we consider all those adverse conditions and accordingly propose a full proof technical specification to get rid of the water leaking problem of basement in dry and wet season.
Step-1:- The following zones are considered critically while suggesting this methodology or specification
(A) Sealing of tie rod points
(B) Construction joints
(C) Cracks in retaining wall
(D) Basement trench for drainage and sump waterproofing
(E) Basement floor
(F) Retaining wall out / inside
(G) Sealing annular gaps of cable pipes and retaining wall causing water infiltration
(H) Basement lift pit waterproofing
(I) Ramp and adjacent retaining wall waterproofing.
Sealing of tie rod points on retaining wall :
The annular gap between tie rod and concrete is cleaned, sealed with a homogeneous mortar prepared by Nanofix Crack Bond and fine quartz.
Repairing & Sealing of Cracks on retaining wall :
- The cracks should be chipped in V groove pattern up to a depth of approx.6mm.
- After proper cleaning, Nanofix Crack Bond is applied inside the groove.
- After 20-30 minutes crack should be sealed with a homogeneous mortar prepared by Nanofix Crack Bond and fine quartz. (For better strengthening of joints, quartz is effective with crack bond in basement structure to withstand high water pressure. On demand this is to be supplied with product.)
Application Process of Nanofix Crack Bond :
- 1 Kg of part A should be mixed with 500 Gms. of part B by weight & mix properly.
- Mixing should be done manually at slow speed to make homogeneous putty.
- Minimum quantity should be mixed at a time which should be within the pot life. (Pot life @ 25 deg C 30 minutes.)
- Over coating / further work can be carried out after 7 – 8 hrs.
For waterproofing in Basement trench for drainage and sump, on Basement floor, Retaining wall out / inside, in Basement lift pit and in Ramp and adjacent retaining wall Pressure grouting needs to be done.
For pressure grouting Holes should be made up to a depth of approx. 25 mm.
G.I. nozzles should be fixed @ 1to 1.5mt.c/c. along joint line using cement and Nanofix Hiset.
Pressure grouting with Nanofix grout and cement, till oozing out of the cement milk from the nozzle end. Before application of coating, surface should be prepared as it is free from loose particles. Nozzles should not be disturbed in case grouting against high pressure water jet. If any nozzle is cut along the wall surface or removed should be properly sealed with Nanofix Hiset and cement.
Step-2:- Application of Nanofix Flexeet / Nanofix Bituflex over the exposed concrete prior to earth filling.
Annular gap should be cleaned properly before filling with Nanofix Hiset, cement and finishing with Crack bond.
Application Process of Nanofix Flexeet :
- Mix part A with Part B homogeneously and then adds water slowly to make brush applicable coating.
- Apply first coat by brush.
- After drying of first coat for 6 to 8 hrs (depending upon weather condition) apply second coat by brush uniformly.
- Sprinkle sand only in case of application on brick & concrete surface.
Application Process of Nanofix Bituflex :
- Stir the Product well before Use
- Apply First Coat (Primer Coat) of Bituflex by brush
- After drying of Primer Coat within 4 to 5hrs (Depending upon the Weather Condition) apply Second Coat (Top Coat) by brush uniformly.
- Sprinkle Sand on Top Coat (When Tacky) before laying Plaster or Screed.
Lying of Plaster Screed :
- The plaster screed should be laid after drying of minimum 8 hrs. It is advisable to lay plaster screed after 24 hours.
NANOFIX RECOMMENDS FOLLOWING PRODUCTS FOR YOUR NEW BASEMENTS
Tanking Method
- It is recommended to use either Nanofix waterproof coatings or Nanofix Torch Membrane (APP) to wrap the entire basement bellow the raft.
- After completion of retaining wall construction, preferably the membrane is raised up to the full height of retaining wall. It is to be taken care that Nanofix Torch Membrane should have at least six inches ( 150 m.m. ) lap joint between two membrane sheet.
- Nanofix Torch Membrane should be laid on dry surface and must be cleaned to free from any loose material, dry cement slurry and lumps before lying of membrane.
If surface is totally wet and impossible to make dry, Nanofix coating system should be selected for tanking method.
Application of Nanofix Flexeet on P.C.C & Retaining wall :
- Removing of dust and dirt from P.C.C. to maximum possible extent using air blower and broom.
- The perforated or honey comb surface should be filled up by cement sand mortar and Nanofix Bond.
- Apply two coats of Nanofix Flexeet on the cleaned prepared surface.
- After the retaining wall being constructed, the construction joint between raft & the retaining wall needs to be filleted with cement sand mortar & Nanofix bond before taking application of Nanofix Flexeet to the full height of retaining wall.
- Sprinkle sand on applied coating portion above the ground level, if plaster screed needs to be carried out on the portion above the ground level.
Note :
- Pressure grouting and sealing is mandatory along starter joint of retaining wall, floor and honey comb zones.
- During construction of PCC, Raft & the retaining wall use Nanofix SYLO 200 (conforming to IS 2645-2003 & IS 9103-2000) at recommended dosage of 200 ml / bag of cement.
For detail specification & assistance as per your need, please contact our technical division.
Material Handling & Safety Information :
- Nanofix product should be stored in closed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Maintain safety during execution of the waterproofing jobs and due care to be taken while handling Nanofix & other construction materials.
- Nanofix materials are nontoxic. Hands and tools should be washed with normal water.
- NANOFIX recommends the enforcement of stringent health and safety measures at all job sites.