The Busy Dog Blog

Ineffective Exterior Methods of Basement Waterproofing – Sodium Bentonite

Tweet

  

 

This is an excerpt from James Pratt’s new book, Why a Basement Leaks and How To Fix It Permanently!

Sodium Bentonite is a substance that was manufactured primarily for the iron and steel industry. Sodium Bentonite was manufactured in sheets and put over the iron and steel to stop rainwater from rusting the material. When the rain hit the Sodium Bentonite sheets, the sheets would form themselves around the iron or steel and “wrap” it to prevent the rusting. The sheets would soak up the water, thus stopping the water penetration. In the 1970’s, knowing the sheets were used in this way, a basement waterproofing company sought to powderize the Sodium Bentonite and inject it around the perimeter of the exterior of the house. The thought process was that the powder would seal the foundation wall and footing joint. Several companies jumped on this band wagon and began using the Sodium Bentonite across the country.

This method rarely worked. Water would seep underneath the foundation footing to the floor wall joint by the tubes inserted in the lawn to install the Sodium Bentonite. The method for installation of the powdered Bentonite was to put tubes in the lawn and inject the powder to intersect with the footing.

A series of lawsuits ensued and most of the companies that used the injected Sodium Bentonite methods were put out of business due to the numerous complaints.

It was common for these companies to state (in fine print) on the proposals that they would return – at an additional cost – and install a drainage system to stop the flooding, if the Sodium Bentonite did not work. However, be aware that there are still companies today that claim Sodium Bentonite works. This approach sounds attractive to the homeowner because there is no disruption inside the home, but usually Sodium Bentonite is not a cure for a flooded basement. Most reliable basement waterproofing companies do not offer Sodium Bentonite as a solution. The Sodium Bentonite sheets – placed on the foundation over the footing – may be suitable as a damp proofing method. But remember – water can still infiltrate underneath the footing and the virgin soil – so the flooding problem may continue. Be aware that in post-construction basement waterproofing, digging out around the perimeter and installing sheets of Sodium Bentonite is an ineffective and inadequate waterproofing solution.

Want to read James Pratt’s Book? – Click Here.