Basement Waterproofing

Throughout the year, many buildings' basements experience increased humidity, dampness, and mold on the walls.

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Company Gidropas specializes in waterproofing of buildings and structures, swimming pool construction and waterproofing, and foundation reinforcement. Over 27 years of operation ,we have completed more than 500 projects across Moscow, the Moscow region, and the Russian Far North. We provide every client with detailed consultations, recommend high-quality materials, and always deliver projects strictly on schedule. All services come with a warranty of up to 5 years.

Alexander Arestov Chief Engineer

Quality

We use innovative waterproofing methods and the best materials

Deadlines

We meet the deadlines specified in the contract
and deliver completed projects on the exact day

Pricing

Fixed price for waterproofing works

Alexander Arestov. Chief Engineer

Quality

We use innovative waterproofing methods and the best materials

Deadlines

We meet the deadlines specified in the contract
and deliver completed projects on the exact day

Pricing

Fixed price for waterproofing works

Why waterproofing is needed

In such cases, residents of apartment buildings — especially those living on the lower floors — start complaining to utility services and demanding that the issue be resolved. Homeowners of private houses have to dry out the space themselves and hope that flooding won't happen again.

High humidity, mold, standing water, and corrosion on the foundation reinforcement are clear signs that the basement wall waterproofing was either done poorly or skipped entirely. A mistake made during the construction phase leads to catastrophic consequences. Groundwater and rainwater will continuously exert pressure on loose joints and seams in the basement walls, penetrating into the space. Over time, this will lead to the destruction of the foundation and the entire building.

Comprehensive waterproofing of basement walls — both outside and inside — is highly desirable, but sometimes not feasible. For example, reinforcing the exterior foundation joints of an apartment building to protect them from groundwater is practically unrealistic. Mistakes during such work can result in building collapse. That's why specialists more often perform basement waterproofing from the inside.

Interior basement wall waterproofing is necessary if the basement floods regularly during the rainy season. Modern materials seal joints and repair existing cracks in the walls. If interior basement waterproofing against groundwater is done correctly, the building will withstand even frequent and prolonged rainfall.

Basement waterproofing is needed if:

mold and mildew appear on the walls
the foundation reinforcement is corroding
cracks begin to appear in the foundation walls
food in the cellar spoils quickly
humidity has increased in the house, and a musty smell has appeared

Types of Cellar Waterproofing

Interior basement waterproofing against groundwater comes in two types — horizontal and vertical. Horizontal waterproofing protects the foundation from premature deterioration caused by capillary moisture penetration. It is installed during the construction stage, regardless of the building's purpose, groundwater level, or regional climate.

Foundation basement waterproofing involves laying insulating materials or applying water-repellent compounds to the basement floor. The walls are also waterproofed to a height of at least 20–30 cm. This ensures the basement remains dry even if the groundwater level (GWL) rises sharply during rains.

Interior vertical basement waterproofing protects the basement walls from the destructive effects of moisture. It is applied when a building lacks a drainage system and the basement is located at groundwater level. Vertical wall waterproofing helps stop crack growth and prevents soil moisture from entering the basement through material joints.

In regions with frequent precipitation, where changes in groundwater level are difficult to predict, both technologies are used together — horizontal waterproofing of the basement ceiling and floor, and vertical waterproofing of the walls.

Methods and Materials for Basement Waterproofing

Basement waterproofing work begins with soil analysis, an inspection of the basement, identifying the location and type of leaks, and assessing any existing structural defects. Based on this data, specialists determine whether to waterproof the basement from the outside, or only from the inside, and which methods and materials are most appropriate. Let's take a closer look at each technology.

Penetrating (Impregnating) Basement Waterproofing

Type of waterproofing by purpose: interior waterproofing against non-pressurized surface water

Materials: a material made of Portland cement, very fine quartz sand, and special activating chemical additives

Interior penetrating basement waterproofing against groundwater is a method for protecting porous stone, concrete, and precast walls. During the work, specialists apply special compounds to the surface in several layers; these penetrate into cracks and joints, filling them and crystallizing. Materials treated with this mixture become frost-resistant, stronger, and more resistant to aggressive water.

The method of interior penetrating (impregnating) basement waterproofing is also used to treat piles, pipes, and precast elements of underground and hydraulic engineering structures.

An example of this technology is basement waterproofing with Penetron, Hydrotex, or Aquatron-6.

Plaster (Coating) Waterproofing

Type of waterproofing by purpose: exterior and interior pressure-resistant waterproofing

Materials: hot and cold plaster based on cement or asphalt with mineral fillers

Plaster waterproofing of parking garages and basements is a method for protecting basement spaces and underground structures from both pressurized and non-pressurized groundwater. The composition of the working mixture, coating thickness, and application method are determined based on the water pressure and the nature of the existing damage to the foundation and walls.

For example, during construction, cold cement plaster or hot asphalt plaster may be used for exterior basement waterproofing against groundwater. The choice depends on the aggressiveness of the groundwater in the area. The same materials used for exterior basement waterproofing can also be applied inside the space if the basement becomes damp and humid. The layer thickness will differ, as will the application method — either by shotcreting (spraying) or by hand.

Recently, plaster waterproofing for garage basements, residential buildings, and underground hydraulic structures has been used less often due to the labor-intensive nature of the work.

Injection Waterproofing

Type of waterproofing by purpose: interior and exterior waterproofing against penetrating moisture.

Materials: polyurethane, epoxy, and methyl methacrylate compounds.

Injection waterproofing is the most effective method for protecting basement spaces from penetrating moisture. This technology is used to seal cracks and joints in concrete structures and to fill voids in brickwork. The injection compound is delivered through packers arranged in a staggered pattern, in one or two rows, at an angle of 35–45 degrees.

The distance between packers and the injection pressure are determined based on the permeability of the surfaces being treated and the viscosity of the injection compound.

Approximate Cost of Work for Each Type of Waterproofing

The cost of work depends on the chosen technology for interior basement waterproofing against groundwater and the materials used. Here are approximate prices:

Type of Waterproofing Price per m²
Penetrating Waterproofing from ₽1,400
Injection Waterproofing from ₽4,500

Stages of Waterproofing Work

Modern materials make it possible to waterproof a basement yourself. However, this requires understanding their properties, calculating the required amount correctly, and strictly following the application procedure. Here's a brief overview of the basement waterproofing process:

Determine the groundwater level
Inspect the basement to identify leak locations and cracks
Select the waterproofing material and installation method
Prepare the space and surfaces — pump out water, remove dirt and dust, cut open cracks, and apply primer
Basement Waterproofing
Dry out the space and install a ventilation system

Looking at this list, basement waterproofing might seem simple, but it's not. During the process, beginners and specialists with limited experience often make mistakes that lead to additional time and financial costs.

Common Mistakes in Waterproofing — Not Just by Beginners

Here is a list of the most common mistakes people make
when waterproofing a basement on their own:

Inaccurate data obtained during soil analysis, groundwater level assessment, or evaluation of the basement condition
Incorrect selection of the basement waterproofing method
Poor preparation of the space and the surfaces to be waterproofed
Use of unsuitable materials and lack of skills to work with them
Incorrect assessment of wet areas and active leaks, resulting in incomplete (partial) waterproofing

Please Note

These mistakes are made by both beginners and experienced specialists alike.

The reason is a lack of knowledge and experience.

That's why it's best to turn to professionals right away — they will carry out basement waterproofing to a high standard, complete it quickly, and provide a warranty on the work.

This approach saves time, effort, and, most importantly, money.

How the Price Is Formed

The price of basement waterproofing is determined based on the cost and quantity of materials used, as well as the labor intensity and time required for the work.
Labor intensity and time requirements, in turn, depend on several factors, including:

  • Room area
  • Installation method
  • Condition of the surfaces to be waterproofed

Try to imagine how much time it would take to learn all the technical nuances and apply them in practice. Most likely, even after a rough calculation, the price per m² for basement waterproofing won't seem that high after all.

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Our Projects

Alexander Shilov Art Gallery

Completed Projects: waterproofing works for the storage areas of the artist's studio on two underground floors, 7 meters below ground level

Moscow, Znamenka 3

Swimming pool complex of the "Oktyabr" stadium

Completed Projects: turnkey construction of an outdoor pool from scratch on the site of former tennis courts

Moscow, Zhivopisnaya 21

Stylobate section of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior

Completed Projects: waterproofing of the underground part of the Cathedral according to the project design, using the XYPEX system

Moscow, Volkhonka 15

Metro Stations

Completed Projects: technical supervision and waterproofing of metro tunnels and stations

Govorovo, Solntsevo, Rasskazovka

PIK "Sheremetyevsky" Residential Complex

Completed Projects: waterproofing of expansion joints in the underground parking garage

Moscow, Skladochnaya 6

Russian Practical Shooting Federation

Completed Projects: waterproofing of the storage facility and installation of a polyurethane floor

Moscow, Lubyansky Proezd 27

Zurab Tsereteli Gallery of Arts

Completed Projects: waterproofing of the joint between the dome section and the drainage channel using XYPEX technology

Moscow, Prechistenka St. 19/11с2

Residential Building in Perovo

Completed Projects: waterproofing of the residential building's parking garage

Moscow, Plyushcheva St. 16

Moscow International House of Music (MIHM)

Completed Projects: waterproofing of the dome roof and elevator pit

Moscow, Kosmodamianskaya Embankment, 52с8

PIK "Yaroslavsky Kvartal" Residential Complex

Completed Projects: waterproofing of storage units in the underground parking garage

Mytishchi, Yaroslavskoye Shosse

    Our Workflow

    Request for Services

    Submit a request on the website or call +7 (925) 878-06-78 and we will give you a preliminary cost estimate for your project

    Engineer Site Visit

    After a preliminary cost estimate, if the price range works for you, our engineer visits the site and prepares a technical and commercial proposal

    Calculation of Works + Materials

    We will provide recommendations on material selection and reinforcement/waterproofing technology, and calculate the exact price for your project

    Signing of the Contract

    After the technical and commercial proposal (KP) is agreed upon, we sign the contract. We start work upon receipt of an advance payment. We accept both cash and non-cash payments, with or without VAT

    Execution of Works

    We mobilize equipment, materials, and manpower, and begin waterproofing or reinforcement works

    Acceptance and Payment

    You inspect the quality of the completed work and, after signing the acceptance certificate, pay the remaining balance under the contract

    Have Any Questions?

    Message us and we will answer all your questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What warranty do you provide for completed works?

    The warranty for any type of waterproofing is 2 years. For injection waterproofing and foundation reinforcement, the warranty is up to 5 years.

    Why is injection waterproofing needed?

    Injection waterproofing helps to interrupt capillary flow and reduce the permeability of foundations, walls, and floor slabs. Injections of polyurethane gel (works on concrete), polyurethane resin (works on concrete and precast structures), and silicon-siloxane compounds (work on brickwork and precast structures) prevent moisture from being absorbed into the structural materials and improve the waterproofing properties of buildings.

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