What is “No Dig” Bentonite Clay Injection Waterproofing?
Waterproofing is crucial to home maintenance, especially for those dealing with water intrusion in basements or crawl spaces.
One method that has gained attention recently is bentonite clay injection waterproofing.
In this article, we’ll explore what bentonite clay injection is, its benefits and drawbacks, and how the process works.
What Is “No Dig” Bentonite Clay Injection Waterproofing?
Bentonite clay injection is a method of waterproofing that involves injecting bentonite clay into the soil around the foundation of a building. This creates a barrier that expands when wet, filling cracks and gaps in the foundation in an attempt to block water from seeping into your home.
The Process of Bentonite Clay Injection
- Drilling Holes: Holes are drilled into the ground at specific intervals along the foundation.
- Injecting the Bentonite: Bentonite clay is injected into the soil. As the clay mixes with water, it expands to fill gaps and cracks, creating a seal.
- Sealing and Finishing: After the injection, the holes are sealed.
Best & Worst Areas for “No Dig” Bentonite Clay Injections
Bentonite clay injections are more effective in areas where the soil remains consistently moist. However, bentonite injections may not be as effective in regions where moisture levels fluctuate.
Here’s a breakdown of the best and worst areas for bentonite clay injections:
Best Areas:
Areas with Consistently Moist Soil:
- Bentonite performs best in regions with steady moisture levels. Coastal regions or areas with high water tables are ideal, as the clay will remain hydrated and maintain its expansive state.
Clay-Rich Soils:
- Areas where the native soil already contains a lot of clay are generally suitable for bentonite injections. The clay will interact well with the existing soil.
Worst Areas:
Regions with Expansive Soils and Drought Cycles:
- In areas with expansive soils, like Texas or the Southwest, moisture levels can fluctuate dramatically between wet and dry seasons. During dry spells, the bentonite clay can shrink, losing its effectiveness and potentially causing foundation movement as the soil shifts.
Arid or Desert Climates:
- In regions like Arizona or Nevada, where the soil is often dry, and there is little natural moisture, bentonite clay will dry out and shrink too frequently, leading to voids around the foundation.
Areas with Seasonal Freeze-Thaw Cycles:
- In places like the Midwest or Northern U.S. with significant freeze-thaw cycles, bentonite clay can be harmful due to the expansion and contraction of the soil. The shrinking of the clay during dry or freezing periods can create gaps and allow water to seep in.
Can “No Dig” Bentonite Clay Injections Cause Foundation Problems?
Yes, bentonite clay injections can cause foundation problems.
Bentonite clay works by expanding when wet, creating a barrier. However, when the clay dries out, it shrinks, which greatly reduces its effectiveness and causes the soil around the foundation to shift.
This can lead to foundation settlement. In some cases, the shrinking of the bentonite clay can create voids or gaps around the foundation, which could increase the risk of water intrusion or exacerbate existing foundation problems.
Even when bentonite clay is wet and fully expanded—which is when it performs at its best—in areas where water tends to accumulate, the swelling of the bentonite can exert significant lateral pressure on foundation walls. Over time, this pressure may lead to bowing basement walls.
This makes assessing the foundation’s structural integrity crucial before proceeding with bentonite injections.
Why Interior Waterproofing Is A Better Choice
Waterproofing your basement with an interior drainage system and a sump pump might seem like a more complex solution initially, but it’s a far more reliable and lasting option than “no-dig” bentonite clay injections. Here’s why:
- Protected from the Elements: Unlike bentonite injections, which are susceptible to changes in moisture and the surrounding environment, interior waterproofing works within the controlled environment of your basement, ensuring better long-term protection.
- Drain Sits on Top of the Footer: Interior drains are placed strategically on top of the footer, away from the “mud zone,” where clogging and inefficiency are common. This placement allows for consistent water flow away from the foundation.
- Not Dependent on Soil Conditions: Bentonite injections can shift and lose effectiveness as soil expands and contracts. Interior drainage systems, however, remain functional regardless of the soil outside your home.
- Strengthens Your Foundation: By actively pumping water out and away from the foundation, sump pumps prevent water from accumulating and weakening the foundation. This reduces hydrostatic pressure, which can contribute to foundation damage, and helps keep your foundation stronger over time.
Why Groundworks’ Proven Solutions Are the Best for Your Home
Homeowners can trust Groundworks for reliable solutions because we’ve been solving water problems of all sizes for decades. With offices in 36 states and 2 in Canada, our team has experience in every type of environment and soil condition.
Our interior waterproofing system has consistently proven to be a long-lasting, effective solution for keeping basements dry and homes protected. By choosing Groundworks, you’re partnering with experts who understand your home’s unique challenges and are committed to providing proven, dependable solutions to keep your foundation strong. Schedule a free inspection today.
Waterproofing FAQs
Regularly inspect your home for signs of water damage and ensure proper drainage systems are in place. Waterproofing your basement and foundation can significantly reduce the risk of damage.
Any amount of water in your basement, whether it’s a few inches, a puddle, or a damp wall, is a warning sign. Water intrusion can lead to mold growth, health issues, damaged belongings, and even foundation deterioration.
If your basement walls are wet, it can be a sign that there are deeper problems at play in your home. Cracks in your basement walls and foundation are the most likely source of wetness in your walls and floor, but these can be caused by a variety of issues. Hydrostatic pressure, faults in poured concrete walls, settlement, and abnormally heavy rainfall can all cause this kind of damage.
