DELTA®-MS is a dimpled membrane, impermeable to water and water vapor. The vacuum formed exclusive dimple pattern creates an air-gap between the membrane and the foundation wall. This unique design allows any incidental water getting past the dimpled membrane to flow freely to the perimeter footing drain. The air-gap guarantees a safe separation and full capillary break between the foundation wall and any ground moisture.
Unlike any spray-applied coating, DELTA®-MS bridges large cracks and imperfections in foundation walls. This product can also be utilized as an effective protection layer over spray or sheet applied waterproofing systems.
DELTA®-MS is available in many sizes to cover any foundation with a minimum of overlaps and seams. The high compressive strength of the membrane is achieved due to a special dimple design and pattern, and ensures sustainable protection of foundation walls up to 12 ft below grade.
Iron ochre results from a chemical reaction or a biological process, and both of these causes may occur either individually or simultaneously:
Chemical reaction: When the soil contains iron, it migrates along with the water towards the drainage system. When it comes in contact with the atmosphere, it forms a sludge of iron hydroxide.
Biological process: When iron bacterium is present within the water table, this bacterium, following oxidation of the iron upon coming into contact with the atmosphere, produces a gel-like mass.
When the biological process adds up to the chemical reaction, the oxidation effect is considerably increased.
Both cases result in the formation of a viscous deposit on the corrugated wall of drain pipes. This deposit is what we call iron ochre.
What conditions give rise to iron ochre?
This substance is more likely to develop in a more aerated soil, such as the sandy soils containing silt, and will less likely develop in clay soils. The chemical or biological reaction is also quicker:
where soil tends to be neutral (pH of approximately 7);
when the wall of the drain is corrugated; • when the openings of the drain are punched instead of cut out, which creates
attachment zones for the deposits;
when the drain is wrapped in a filtering membrane.
Under the action of iron ochre, even crushed gravel loses its filtering properties. The soils rich in iron and in iron bacteria will produce ferrous deposits indefinitely.
What consequences has the presence of iron ochre?
Iron ochre causes several issues with buildings: •
It causes ocher-colored slimy sludge deposits to accumulate in the rain water catch basin and in ditches.
It creates reddish deposits on the concrete slab of basements. These deposits give a sulfur-like odour.
It obstructs agricultural tile drains: since runoff water is no longer channelled at a distance from the foundations, it infiltrates the basement, at the junction between foundation walls and slab.
It obstructs the backflow valves.
Can one eliminate iron ochre or prevent this bacterial growth?
Iron is naturally present in the soil. Thus, it is very difficult to eliminate altogether. Even if one would replace the soil surrounding a building, iron originating from the neighbouring soils would still migrate towards the drain of the property through natural water runoff. To prevent bacterial growth, one would need to eliminate from the soil two natural elements – water and air – which is impossible. It is therefore not feasible to prevent the chemical reaction giving rise to iron ochre.
How can we prevent iron ochre deposits, and how can we remedy it when present?
It is possible to prevent iron ochre deposits, either before or after the construction.
Before the construction, one must keep vigilant when tell-tale signs appear such as the presence of reddish waters, after a rainfall, in ditches or on the ground surface.
During the construction of a property, it is recommended to enquire, with the neighbours and the municipality, about any history of iron ochre formations in the area. A professional evaluation of the current conditions should also be made before proceeding with the construction.
There are several types of underpinning methods to choose from, each will be best for some situations only. The traditional mass concrete underpinning method is a good example. This process is best suited for shallow underpinning and involves excavating the weak soil underneath the foundation and replacing it with mass concrete, which provides more strength. Since the concrete base is now stronger than the soil that used to hold the foundation, the weight of the structure is carried in a much more efficient manner.
Another method involves the use of a beam and base. This method not only makes use of traditional mass concrete bases, but also incorporates beams to support the existing foundation. Its load is transferred to a concrete beam that is constructed underneath it. The beam then transfers the load to a mass concrete base which spreads evenly for support. The construction of the beams depends on the architecture of the structure built on the foundation.
Mini-piled underpinning involves transferring the load of the structure and the foundation to stable soils found deep underground. The depth of the soil exceeds 5-meters. The constructed piles are cased in steel and have a diameter ranging from 15-cm to 30-cm. The piles are driven into drilled holes, making them rest on a stable soil below ground level. Some piles may be constructed as to reach 15-meters below ground.
Setting Up Temporary Support
Prior to underpinning, the technicians have to set up temporary supports that will hold the foundation while the underpinning process is underway. These support systems use materials such as wooden boards or steel beams depending on the weight of the load. The supports are removed after the project has been completed.
TUFF-N-DRI® Basement Waterproofing System and WATCHDOG WATERPROOFING® products feature a polymer-enhanced asphalt membrane. This flexible membrane is spray-applied to provide a minimum 40 mils of protection when cured. (Which is at least four times thicker than typical dampproofing.)
Because of its spray application and elasticity, the waterproofing membrane seamlessly spans foundation settling cracks – now, and in the years ahead. The membrane also remains elastic at low temperatures for reliable performance, season after season. No wonder our waterproofing products seal out water penetration, even from water under hydrostatic pressure. That’s why we offer such strong transferable performance warranties that dampproofing simply can’t provide.
With its quality foundation board, TUFF-N-DRI adds further advantages that dampproofing can’t match. The foundation board protects the waterproofing membrane, assists drainage, insulates basement walls against energy loss and reduces interior condensation.
It is with great pleasure that we invite you to visit our brand new website!
Over the last few months, our team has been working diligently to create a new digital presence; offering our visitors an experience that reflects the high standards of our services.
The site provides a collection of the full range of our services, specifically; foundation waterproofing, installation and repair of French drains, iron ochre solutions, crack repairs, foundation reinforcement and many other provisions related to foundation services.
At Fondations d’Aujourd’hui, quality and professionalism are imperative; key to our success and yours. While visiting our new website we sincerely hope that this will be apparent.
