There are many different types of waterproofing solutions available to help keep water out of your basement. These entities vary from sump pumps, to drain tile, and much more.
A hugely beneficial, yet often underutilized basement waterproofing entity is bentonite grout. This substance can be injected into a home’s foundation, preventing water from making its way through.
Looking to learn a little more about bentonite grout injection in La Grange, Illinois? This blog post has you covered!
What is Bentonite Grout Injection?
To fully explain bentonite grout injection, we must first explain bentonite grout. Bentonite itself is a form of clay that can absorb several times its volume in water. Bentonite grout is a mixture of bentonite and naturally occurring minerals. When mixed together, the bentonite and minerals create a concoction that is simultaneously malleable and strong.
Bentonite grout injection is the process of pumping this unique substance into concrete structures, most commonly foundations. After it has been pumped in, it serves to block the entry of water for the duration of its existence.
This substance differs from other substances in that it can move with the shifting of a foundation. As a foundation shifts, the bentonite grout that has been injected into it can reform and reseal to accommodate these shifts. In essence, the bentonite grout never stops serving its purpose, regardless of any wear and tear that might occur over the years.
Though bentonite grout injection is not always necessary to protect a basement from water, it’s one of the best long-term solutions for doing so.
Interior Application
Bentonite grout can be injected into both the interiors and exteriors of walls. The processes of each are similar, yet still have their differences. First, we’re going to cover the specifics of interior application.
Interior application begins with the drilling of 1-inch holes into the wall. These holes are drilled all the way through to the other side of the concrete, and are scattered evenly around 2 or 3 feet apart.
Once the holes have been drilled, specialized valves are placed inside each of them. Then, an injection machine is hooked up to the valves, turned on, and used to force bentonite grout into the created holes. These holes are filled with bentonite grout until they are completely full.
After the holes have been filled to capacity, they are sealed with a waterproof mortar. After this mortar has dried, the bentonite grout will be ready to take on years and years of water entry and foundational shifting.
Exterior Application
Exterior application begins with the digging of holes in the ground next to the foundation. These holes are dug about 2 feet apart from one another, and are usually about half a foot away from the foundational wall.
Once holes have been dug, a specialized rod is placed into them one by one. This rod is connected to an injection machine, and is used to pump bentonite grout into each hole. During this process, great care is taken to ensure that each hole is being filled thoroughly. For this reason, it can be a time-consuming process.
After the holes have been filled entirely, cleanup is performed to ensure that the bentonite grout is not left on the surface of the yard. Once this cleanup has been completed, the application process will have been completed as well. Again, this application should provide decades of protection against water.
Utilize Bentonite Grout Injection Services in La Grange
Are you interested in utilizing bentonite grout injection services in La Grange, Illinois? If so, ULB-DRY Waterproofing is the company to call.
Our team of seasoned LaGrange basement waterproofers are well-versed in the bentonite grout injection process. We can have your basement protected from moisture for years to come.
Contact us now to get started!