If you are having trouble with flooding on your property, you may be looking into waterproofing solutions. One possible option is bentonite, a hard clay that has many applications and works great as a waterproof surface. However, bentonite is fairly expensive and can be hard to install. Find out if it is worth it to use this material in your basement or other rooms.
What Is Bentonite?
As described above, bentonite is a natural material. It is actually a type of clay that is found in soil and is generally used for exterior applications as an effective waterproofing treatment. This is because as a clay, it is really effective at absorbing moisture. The small molecules that make up water easily bond to clay surfaces. Clay tends to expand when it gets wet. Therefore, when this material comes into contact with moisture, it expands and blocks cracks in the cement foundation. This is the basic way that bentonite waterproofing works in Carlisle, OH.
When to Apply Bentonite
There is a right time and wrong time to use bentonite waterproofing. It makes the most sense to use bentonite when the house is being constructed. This makes it easy for the construction crew to spray the surface with the material. If you are trying to apply bentonite on a home that is already standing, it can be more difficult. In this situation, the construction crew will have to remove parts of the foundation to make room for the bentonite level. This will take a lot more time and money than doing it from the outset. However, it is still possible to get the benefits of bentonite in a standing home.
Is Bentonite the Best in All Cases?
As with anything, there are positives and negatives with bentonite. First, bentonite needs to be applied thoroughly to provide the right coverage. It also may be necessary to excavate the foundation in order to do a proper application. Finally, it’s important to remember that this is a surface-level waterproofing treatment. Bentonite will not be effective against leaks that spring up under the surface, but in general, this material has great waterproofing capabilities in most situations.
Bentonite Might Be the Right Solution
In the end, you might decide to go with bentonite for your home in Carlisle, OH. If so, you can rest assured that you’ll have adequate protection against water damage. Just make sure you fully understand where and when this material can be used.
If you need help with waterproofing solutions in Carlisle, OH, contact Mar-flex Waterproofing & Building Products at mar-flex.com.