Protect your assets with basement and below ground waterproofing
Keep your basement and underground carpark dry to protect valuable assets and maintain your building's integrity.
Why do basements leak?
Melbourne’s diverse ground conditions and high water tables often lead to underground water leaks in apartment and commercial building’s basements and carparks. Catching those warning signs early is key to avoiding expensive repairs.
Hydrostatic pressure from groundwater
Underground spaces face constant water pressure from surrounding soil moisture and groundwater. This hydrostatic pressure pushes water through concrete pores, construction joints, and any weak points in waterproofing systems.
Melbourne’s rising water table
Melbourne's clay soils trap water, causing the groundwater level to rise during wet seasons. This creates pressure against basement walls, forcing water through cracks and weak points in your foundation.
Concrete porosity and cracking
Concrete naturally absorbs water through tiny pores, which weakens the structure and causes steel reinforcement to rust. Water seeping through cracks or around pipes leaves behind calcium and lime deposits that indicate persistent water problems.
Failed waterproofing membranes
Deteriorated basement and retaining wall membranes allow water to penetrate concrete, requiring costly membrane replacement and structural repairs. Melbourne's humidity and weather conditions accelerate membrane breakdown over time.
Retaining wall waterproofing membranes typically last 10-20 years depending on installation quality and environmental conditions. Early leak detection is crucial to prevent minor issues from becoming expensive structural repairs requiring full excavation and replacement.
Why you should care
A leaking underground basement or car park is a significant concern for property managers, facility managers, and owners because it can lead to a cascade of problems, impacting safety, finances, property value, and health.
Steel reinforcement corrosion
Ongoing water ingress can corrode steel reinforcement (rebar) within concrete, leading to concrete spalling (concrete breaking away) and compromising the structural integrity of the building itself. This is a major long-term risk.
Damage to vehicles and assets
We see it often, water damage to vehicles parked in the car park and personal items stored in underground basements. This impacts property value, causes tenant stress, and leads to costly repairs.
Legal liability and financial implications
Body corporates and management can face legal action if an individual is injured due to slip hazards or from owners/tenants whose property is damaged. Repeated water damage claims lead to higher insurance premiums over time.
Health issues
Often basements are converted into bedrooms and offices, becoming health hazards when water leaks create mould and poor air quality. Damp conditions can trigger respiratory problems, allergies and major health issues.
Spot the warning signs
Early detection of waterproofing problems in basements and underground car parks can prevent significant building damage, costly repairs, special levies, and dissatisfied residents or tenants.
Visible water, puddles, or damp spots: Look for standing water on the floor, active drips from ceilings or walls, or consistently wet patches on concrete surfaces, even after dry weather. Water stains on columns, walls, or the ceiling are also clear signs of past or ongoing leakage.
Musty odour and visible mould growth: A persistent, damp, earthy, or stale smell is a strong indication of moisture issues, even if you can't see the water itself. This odour is often caused by the growth of mould and mildew. Visibly, look for black, green, white, or fuzzy patches on walls, ceilings, pipes, or stored items.
Efflorescence and material deterioration: Efflorescence appears as a white, powdery, crystalline substance on concrete or masonry surfaces, indicating water is migrating through the structure. You might also see concrete spalling, where pieces of concrete break away.
Persistent dampness and humidity: Residents or tenants reporting persistent dampness or high humidity in basement units or within the car park can signal ongoing water ingress. These symptoms suggest water is penetrating through compromised waterproofing systems.
Additional signs to watch for: Wet or damp carpet, fungal growth, visible cracks in concrete walls, musty odours, peeling paint, water stains on walls, pooling water, and increased humidity level.
The Schaefer solution
Schaefer Waterproofing specialises in resolving basement and underground car park water ingress using proven negative-side waterproofing solutions. Our approach allows us to stop water penetration from inside the structure without costly excavation.
1.
Assessment and solution design
We conduct a detailed site inspection to identify moisture ingress points, drainage issues, and structural concerns within your basement or underground car park. A positive-side waterproofing system will be recommended if the soil-facing side is accessible.
2.
Waterproofing system selection
Assuming the positive-side is inaccessible, recommendations will be made based on the wall type, condition, budget, and access. For negative-side waterproofing we recommend waterproofing systems such as polyurethane injection, waterplugs, and cementitious membranes.
3.
Surface preparation
Efflorescence and contaminants are removed from the walls and floor. The surface is grinded, cleaned, prepared, and primed to maximise adhesion of the new membrane.
4.
Penetration and detailing
The floor-to-wall junctions are grinded to provide mechanical grip for the water plug, and a water plug is installed. The surface will be primed if the waterproofing technical specifications says to do so.
5.
Waterproofing system installation
Certified technicians apply a negative-side waterproofing membrane to the walls required, as per the manufacturer's specifications. An epoxy barrier is applied to the floors in some cases. Photographic evidence of detailing and installation is provided for every step.
6.
Testing
We conduct visual checks to verify system effectiveness.
7.
Project hanover
We manage your project end-to-end and coordinate with other trades. All work is documented with photo evidence, and a certificate of installation may be provided. We return in 6-12 months after waterproofing system installation to ensure effectiveness.
Concerned about your basement or underground car park leaking? Book a call!
Don’t let water ingress cause expensive structural damage, health issues, or damage to vehicles and stored belongings. Keep your property safe, dry, and compliant with Schaefer Waterproofing. Reach out to our team today for a friendly and informative chat.
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