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Flooded Underground Garage – What to Do?
Why Does Water Enter Underground Parking Garages?
Flooded garages are a common issue that can arise not only during heavy rains but also in the spring thaw period when groundwater levels gradually rise.
The main culprit for underground garage flooding is rainwater, as it tends to accumulate around these structures. However, there are several potential causes of flooding, one of which is improperly executed waterproofing.
If the waterproofing is inadequate or damaged, water can easily penetrate the garage, leading to flooding and causing significant property damage, such as vehicle corrosion or structural damage to the building. Proper waterproofing is therefore a critical component in protecting underground garages from the adverse effects of water.
Water in Underground Garage – Where Does It Come From?
There are many reasons why water or moisture can appear in a garage. Primarily, three potential sources of moisture should be considered: rainwater, rising groundwater levels, and often overlooked, runoff water from vehicles.
Common Causes of Water and Moisture in Underground Parking Garages:
- Leaking Construction Joints in the Garage Roof
Structural expansion joints in the ceiling of the garage hall, often located beneath parking lots or green roofs, can lead to rainwater infiltration if they are not properly sealed. - Cracks in Walls and Ceilings
- Groundwater can seep through cracks in walls, while rainwater can infiltrate both walls and ceilings.
- Such cracks often result from construction work or execution errors, including a lack of proper sealing in connections between foundation walls and the bottom slab. Unfortunately, improper or omitted sealing by contractors can allow water to penetrate the building.
- Runoff Water from Vehicles
- This issue arises from the lack of durable seals between linear drainage channels and the floor. Over time, this can lead to the gradual degradation of walls and floors.
- Water from rain or snow carried on vehicles slowly seeps through gaps between the drainage channels and the floor, creating hidden streams. Over time, this accumulation of water has little chance to fully evaporate, leading to damp walls, damaged finishes, and water pooling beneath the floor.
- Leaking Joints in Inter-Floor Slabs and Along Drainage Channels
- Water runoff can penetrate various levels of the garage through leaks in expansion joints and drainage channel seals.
- As water moves through the structural layers of the slab, it may carry harmful chemicals that deposit on vehicles, damaging their paintwork.
- Furthermore, water infiltration through slabs can cause rebar corrosion, compromising structural integrity.
- Similar problems occur around pipe penetrations in slabs, where insufficient sealing can lead to significant leaks.
Flooded Underground Garage – What to Do?
To resolve the issues mentioned above, the following methods are commonly used:
- Sealing Expansion Joints in Ceilings – Work should always be performed from the exterior. However, in certain cases where external construction prevents this operation, an injection technique is applied. This involves injecting resin into the joint gap to seal it effectively.
In such situations, the best solution is to consult an expert who can recommend the most suitable approach for the specific case.
We provide advice on waterproofing foundations, basements, and injection techniques. Before taking any action, we perform a detailed assessment of the situation based on photos and descriptions of the problem provided by the client, or ideally, during an on-site visit. We encourage you to fill out our contact form or reach out to us by phone so we can promptly address your needs.
Schedule a consultation with a waterproofing and renovation expert:
Selection of Insulation Technologies and Materials
Selection of Technology and Materials – Online or On-Site Consultation at SANIER (Recommended)
During this consultation, you will learn more about:
- Vertical, horizontal, external, internal, and moisture-proof insulation, as well as restoration of insulation
- Building renovations
- Sealing cracks and fissures in ceilings, along with slope re-profiling
- Repairs of structures, basements, balconies, loggias, terraces, and floors
- Finishing terraces and balconies
- Building extensions and reconstructions
What to Apply to Damp Walls from the Inside?
In emergency situations where swift action is required to stop excessive water leakage on a site, it is best to use specialized systems.
Negative-Side Waterproofing Systems
Negative-side waterproofing systems are techniques and products designed to prevent water leaks, particularly when water exerts pressure on the structure from the opposite side of where the insulation is applied. In construction, the negative side typically refers to the interior side of walls, foundations, or other structural elements exposed to water penetration from the outside.
The purpose of negative-side waterproofing systems is to stop water from penetrating the structure of a building or foundation by creating a barrier that prevents moisture infiltration. These systems can include various types of mortars, membranes, or other insulating materials applied to the interior surfaces of buildings or foundations to provide durable and effective moisture protection.
Using an appropriate system is especially crucial for buildings located in areas with high groundwater levels, zones prone to flooding, or structures exposed to rainwater or underground water. By implementing negative-side waterproofing systems, buildings can be effectively protected from the adverse effects of moisture, such as mold growth, material corrosion, and structural weakening.
KD Kellerditch System Package – For Immediate Sealing of Leaks in Basements and Garages
The KOESTER KD Kellerditch system package is used for sealing leaks against water pressure from the negative side. It is characterized by its resistance to harmful salts and aggressive substances present in the substrate. Once cured, it is resistant to the effects of construction salts, ensuring durable and reliable waterproofing.
KOESTER KD Kellerditch System Package
The KOESTER KD Kellerditch system is a comprehensive set of products designed for sealing leaks against water pressure from the negative side. It stands out for its exceptional resistance to harmful salts and aggressive substances present in the substrate. Once applied, the KOESTER Kellerditch system is resistant to construction salts, ensuring durable and effective waterproofing.
Applications of the KOESTER Kellerditch System:
- Sealing basements, foundations, and tanks against ground moisture and pressurized water.
- Can be diluted with water for use as a primer on highly absorbent surfaces.
The KOESTER Kellerditch system is ideal for internal waterproofing of structures such as basements and window wells, protecting against non-pressurized and pressurized water from both negative and positive sides. The KOESTER Blitzpulver powder is particularly effective for sealing cracks before injecting resins.
Advantages of the KOESTER Kellerditch System:
- Negative-side sealing: Effectively seals leaks against pressurized water without excavating foundations.
- Rapid action: KOESTER KD 2 Blitzpulver powder seals leaks within seconds.
- Deep penetration: KOESTER KD 1 micro-sealing mortar penetrates the substrate and seals capillaries in construction materials.
- Resistance to harmful salts: Prevents detachment of the KOESTER Kellerditch bonded coating from the substrate.
- Ease of application: Can be applied from both negative and positive sides.
- Proven and tested: A reliable and effective system for waterproofing.
Components of the KOESTER Kellerditch Sealing System:
- KOESTER KD 1 Sealing Slurry: A fast-setting, mineral sealing slurry highly resistant to aggressive groundwater and pressurized water.
- KOESTER KD 2 Blitzpulver: A fast-reacting powder with a short setting time that seals leaks within seconds.
- KOESTER KD 3 Hardening Liquid: A water-dilutable, silicate-based liquid that deeply penetrates the substrate and reacts to form water-insoluble compounds, ensuring lasting sealing through progressive mineralization.
Bostik Aquastop System - Ideal Reactive Barrier Against Moisture from the Negative Side of Insulated Walls
Bostik Aquastop consists of three products that effectively stop leaks and moisture in walls or floors, enabling necessary repairs or further installation work. The products in the Aquastop system work in synergy to create an effective solution for damp substrates that cannot be adequately dried using injection or mechanical methods. Before applying the system to a wet wall, a fillet (rounding) must be created using BOSTIK BLOCK C583 TERRA LOCK (Sperrmortel) or BOSTIK BLOCK C781 TERRA LOCK XS (Sperrmortel Fein).
The products in the Bostik Aquastop system are applied in the following order:
- BLOCK C901 TERRA SPECIAL – Reactive Waterproofing Slurry
- BLOCK C902 TERRA XPRESS – Sealing Powder
- BLOCK C903 TERRA LIQUID – Silicate-Based Agent
- RENO C761 BASE – Base Coat Plaster
- RENO C762 FINISH – Renovation Plaster
Bostik Aquastopp Kit
Bostik Aquastopp Kit:
BLOCK C901 TERRA SPECIAL – Reactive Waterproofing Slurry
BLOCK C902 TERRA XPRESS – Sealing Powder
BLOCK C903 TERRA LIQUID – Silicate-Based Treatment
Want to Learn More About Waterproofing?
Read our guide, where we explain step by step how to waterproof the underground parts of a building:
Guide - WATERPROOFING UNDERGROUND PARTS OF A BUILDING Part 1
Guide - WATERPROOFING UNDERGROUND PARTS OF A BUILDING Part 2
