Thursday, March 6, 2008

Waterproofing Foundation - What are Your Choices

If you are going to build a new home you need to waterproof the foundation of it so you wont have a wet basement in just a few years.

There are different waterproofing products and systems on the market so it really can be confusing. Hence what are your options?

Here is the short overview of the most common foundation waterproofing systems to help you to decide:

1. Liquid rubber foundation waterproofing membranes

Are elastomeric polymerized coatings made from liquid rubber the same quality material your car tires are made from.

Advantages: They are easy to apply, quick to dry, cold applied. You can do it by yourself, by using sprayer, roller or trowel. The liquid cures into an elastic rubber coating, able to fill up current small holes and bridge possible future cracks in foundation wall as the building settles down. Rubber is flexible. They also usually come with a long warranty, and many are environmentally friendly with low solvent content, or solvent free. Very economical.

Disadvantages: Possibility of inconsistency in coverage, but the newest products will help you to determine the "right" thickness by the intensity of color, i.e. if you apply the product and you see any lighter patches, you just add more liquid. Additional surface preparation and curing may be required. If there are bigger cracks or holes in the structure you have to fill in with cement or other trowel-grade material before applying the overall coating. Also some of the liquid membranes require longer curing times for the concrete before they can be applied to insure proper bonding.

2. Hot applied Liquid Rubber Foundation waterproofing products:

It's a rubberized asphalt compound that forms a strong, flexible monolithic waterproofing membrane. Can be also applied on roofs.

Advantages: Adheres to virtually any structural surface. Ideal for rough uneven surfaces. Monolithic, free of seams, watertight, eliminates water migration and buildup of moisture. Offers strong protection because of the way it has to be applied.

Disadvantages: The surface has to be primed by primer first. The cost is higher because the product has to be applied in layers basically you apply first coat of hot liquid rubber, then you have to quickly firmly press on the fabric reinforced sheet into that hot layer, then apply a second coat of hot liquid rubber waterproofing. Also, depending on the local building code you may have to apply 2 or 3 of these sheet layers. Because of this, the elasticity is low. And because it is Hot you have to be very careful the best is to have it applied by a certified specialist.

3. Sheet membranes

The most common are self-adhering rubberized asphalt membranes composed of rubberized asphalt laminated to a waterproof polyethylene film.

Advantages: The biggest one is consistent thickness because they are "pre-made" to a required standard. Mechanically strong, resistant to hydrostatic pressure. Cover even the bigger holes or damaged areas.

They can be applied to concrete, metal, wood or masonry surfaces.

Disadvantages: Harder to apply because of their very high "stickiness", also the cost for in-place is higher. Application requires at least 2 people to put in on properly. Requires lots of additional work = additional cost. If there are irregularities on the surface you want to put a sheet on they have to be smoothed first with some coat to make the surface even. You also would need to learn of joint treatment, lap joints, corners, penetration, priming, patching etc. And once the piece is down you won't get it back up in reusable condition.

4. Cementitious Waterproofing

Is a cement based flexible waterproofing membrane. It can consist of portland cement, sand acrylic mixture, plasticizer and other active waterproofing chemicals to increase it's durability and effectiveness.

Advantages: Very easy to use, just mix the powder with water according to manufacturers recommendation and apply with brush or trowel. Very accessible - available from suppliers of masonry products, or specialized dealers. Paintable. Also comes in a variety of colors. In most cases one coat is sufficient, although some areas may be needing a use of the reinforcing mesh. Low cost. Corrosion and weather resistant. Can be applied as a positive or negative side waterproofing.

Disadvantages: No flexibility cement does not stretch, so as the structure settles down there are the possibilities of the future cracks. Before applying the surface has to be free from protrusions, gaping cracks, oils, paints, water repellents and any other foreign material that could act as a bond breaker. Holes must be filled with approved block filler.

5. Bentonite Waterproofing

is a bentonite clay below-grade foundation waterproofing product which consists of sodium bentonite clay sandwiched between 2 layers of woven and no-woven puncture resistant polypropylene fabric. Comes as a clay panels and sheets.

Advantages: Can absorb tremendous amount of water. And as it takes the water in the clay swells and pushes itself into cracks and voids where it stays permanently as a barrier against the water. It is flexible and resistant to most chemicals. Non-toxic, non-polluting. No fumes. Can be applied in cold weather.

Disadvantages: Because of the way the clay works the seal does not form until the foundation is backfilled and the water reaches the bentonite material, which means you cannot confirm the integrity of the seal.

Summary:

As you see a lot depends on your own situation, needs, requirements and what you feel comfortable with. The best way is to talk to the experts, check the manufacturers requirements especially for the concrete curing time, temperature limitations and additional labor requirements. Yes, waterproofing of the foundation can seem to be expensive at the first glance, but remember that it is a Long-term solution which when applied properly will save you lots of time, headache and money in the future, so please, don't skimp on it.

Dany Daylight is the site Administrator of Waterproofing-foundation.com Get more info about Foundation waterproofing, basement waterproofing and construction. Tips, advice, articles, and waterproofing resources.

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Soccer Player Tips for Better Performance

soccer player's tips for a better performace. Tips and techniques to consider for the game of soccer.

Here are some ideas to consider when you are playing the game of soccer.

1. Keep the ball moving with one or two touches.This is also known as interpassing within a team setting.

2. play the ball with pace; make a crisp solid pass, whether it is a 3-meter or 20 meter pass.

Yes and to your team mate.

3. play the ball and move.

playing and moving covers the basic idea behind making runs, but the important thing to remember is to make these runs dangerous and make runs that lead to goal scoring opportunities or open up space for a team-mate.

Get the ball and lay it off and then make that run behind the defender again, so your team mate can chip the ball to you over the opposing players.

4. Give it and get it back.

Give and go or wall pass.

The basics for all of soccer is the ability to pass accurately to force opportunities. The key is setting up your defender.

You almost need to draw in the defender towards you, as though he or she is going to be able to intercept the ball, then give it and go - accelerating into the open space to receive the return pass.

5. When dribbling change your pace after making a move to beat an opponent player .

Attack quickly when there's an advantage or an opportunity.

Try to keep the ball moving as quickly as possible. If there's a chance to break, then counter-attack with a few precise passes.

6. Keep the ball close to your feet when controlling the ball. Keep your head up and watch the field as everybody is moving.

7. When dribbling, try and touch the ball with every step you take. To ensure close control of the ball and then enhance your ability to cut the ball away from defenders.

8. Get the cross in. Try and aim for the area between the 6 and 18 yard boxes. This will make the goalkeeper come out and try and collect the ball.

This makes the goal open and vunerable. A cross directly infront of the goalkeeper is easy for the keeper to handle.

9. Take shots on goal and test the goalkeeper as often as possible in the first part of the game.

10. Always want the ball, and ask for it.

If you know that you are making great runs into space let your team know this.

This type of communication is vital for the development of great plays.

11. Always watch the ball, don't get caught because you were watching your opponents feet.

12. Always watch the movement of ALL players on the field.

13. Stick to your teams strategy and tactics for the day.

14. show respect for yourself by respecting the officials, the coaches, the opposing team and your own team.

Yoga Cl San Jose California

7 Reasons Why Copper Ionization is Preferred by Pool Owners Over Salt Water Pools

1. Swimmers prefer the feel and taste of water treated by copper Ionization over salt water pools by an overwhelming margin.

2. copper Ionization systems work within a calcium hardness range of 200-2,000ppm. Because it converts calcium to bicarbonate, the copper Ionization will eliminate and prevent calcium scaling on pool walls and rock features. salt water pools do not control calcium scaling and will only work within a calcium range of 200-400 ppm.

3. Since salt water pool systems produce chlorine, the sanitizing effectiveness of the system is impacted by changes in temperature, bather load, sunlight and rainfall. Changes in any of these factors may require additional shocking of the water to prevent an algae outbreak. The effectiveness of copper Ionization is not significantly affected by these factors. A copper Ionization System owner does not have to be concerned about doing anything different to treat their pool if they have 20 kids in the pool all day. The pool water will still provide bacterial and algae protection for a full week or more.

4. Vinyl liners, automated pool covers and solar covers may become damaged from the use of chlorine or salt water pool systems. Since copper Ionization systems do not require the use of harmful oxidizing chemicals, these expensive pool components can be expected to last their normal life expectancy.

5. salt water pool systems will use an average of 500 watts of AC power for a 20,000 gallon pool. copper Ionization systems will use an average of only 40 watts of DC power to treat the same amount of water.

6. salt water pool systems and copper ionization systems both use a chamber in their process. The difference is that a salt water pool system's cell may need to be replaced in 3-5 years at a cost of over $400. The copper bars in the copper Ionization chamber cost less than $100 to replace and they should last 4-7 years. The Ionization chamber is warranted for 5 years and should last indefinitely.

7. The backwash discharge from an copper Ionization treated pool is safe for use on lawns and in gardens since it does not contain any salt or sodium. Backwash from pools treated with salt water systems can kill plant life, sterilize soil preventing plant growth and is prohibited in many municipalities in the United States and Australia (where salt water systems were invented).

Alex Lum offers friendly advice on better, safer, and eco friendly water treatment. copper Ionization products use no chemicals, are healthy for you, and protect the environment. Resources on Ecosmarte copper ionization products.

http://Ecosmarte.net
http://EcosmartePool.com
http://EcosmarteHomeWater.com

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