Proper foundation blind area means long life of the house. Five common mistakes when constructing a blind area: what professionals do not recommend doing Reinforced film for blind areas

The final stage of construction is the arrangement of a concrete blind area around the house with waterproofing. If waterproofing is not done, the water flowing from the roof stagnates, which causes flooding of the basement, or the owner can expect more serious consequences in the form of subsidence of the foundation and a decrease in its load-bearing capacity.

To protect the house and blind area from moisture and prevent its accumulation in the base area, materials with moisture-proof characteristics are used. A popular category is the roll type of waterproofing material.

Stages

Call to the office - consultation, initial price indication on the first call, if you have the initial data

Arranging a concrete blind area around the house with a waterproofing function helps to achieve the following properties of the object:

1. Protects load-bearing structure houses and the blind area itself, as well as the basement from groundwater and sedimentary waters.
2. Reduces high soil moisture levels near the base of the house, i.e. waterproofing of the foot is ensured. At the same time, it improves thermal insulation characteristics, especially in the case of arrangement with rolled materials.
3. Eliminates the effect of frost heaving of the soil.
4. Protection of concrete foundations from the influence of the root system of trees.
5. A decorative role is also assigned to the installation of a blind area around the house, so all work, including waterproofing the blind area, must be carried out not only efficiently, but also carefully.

The choice of type of blind area device and its waterproofing is determined by the amount of precipitation falling on the base of the house. For example, if there is no organized roof drainage system, in this case, concrete structure will be constantly affected by water flowing from the building. Taking these factors into account, the base must be thicker and have appropriate strength characteristics.

Based on the parameters of the blind area in the house, the top layer of soil is excavated, up to 250 mm deep, 1 m wide (possibly more or less, depending on the customer’s preferences). Despite the materials used to seal the blind area, the structure is waterproofed along the entire perimeter around the house. In the case where the overhang of the roof eaves has a large protrusion, the concrete blind area will also be made wider for high-quality water drainage.

All about the blind area: waterproofing the blind area, material

To apply waterproofing properties, use various types building materials that differ in application technology, price category and characteristics. These include the following classifications:

1. The so-called hydroisols are blind areas made of rolled materials: dust-coated rubemast, roofing felt, hydrostekloizol and other polymers. For their installation, gluing or fusing methods are used.
2. Liquid waterproofing device for the blind area in the house: bitumen mastic of hot or cold use, tar, Xypex and compositions with similar properties. Such materials waterproof not only the surface of the blind area around the house, but also the roof. They are well absorbed into the concrete base.
3. Solid: concrete asphalt, hydraulic cement, paving slabs, artificial or natural stone. By laying them under blind areas, the highest degree of waterproofing is ensured, and the service life is also increased.

What material is used for bulk waterproofing of the blind area?

The standard solution for providing waterproofing to the blind area is made using clay mortar. It is laid around the house with a slight slope from the walls, compacted, and then covered with crushed stone or gravel. Thus, the sealing of the blind area will not succumb to erosion, and the house will be provided with the maximum level of protection.

Based on their intended purpose, the following groups of blind areas with waterproofing are used:

• bulk, consisting of two layers. The bottom layer is clay (200 mm). Crushed stone is placed above it - 100 mm. This type is used under climatic conditions of the region with little precipitation and in the presence of an equipped roof drainage system. This waterproofing is considered to be the simplest.
• Bulk, with auxiliary materials and high-quality waterproofing of the belt around the house - a type of blind area with more complex technology compared to the previous sample. Ideal for homes with a basement or basement. Here, roll waterproofing is used under the blind area, which is laid on compacted clay and applied to the base. Afterwards the blind area is covered with crushed stone or gravel. To eliminate the looseness of the layers, the roll structure is made layer by layer: clay, sealing material, coarse sand (50 mm), geosynthetics, gravel (100 mm), again a layer of rolled geotextile and a 100 mm mound of crushed stone. More complex blind areas are reproduced using rolled waterproofing with improved performance characteristics. Produced roll insulation based on polypropylene, PVC films, etc. Rolled material such as roofing felt can only be used ideally flat surfaces, with differences of no more than 2 mm.
• The bulk blind area of ​​the soft type is the most popular. Such a house will be given protection with high level efficiency. This is due to the release of an innovative type of material for cladding the blind area around the house: paving slabs, artificial stone etc. They have improved quality characteristics and are easily laid on a sand bed.

Waterproofing the blind area around the house: concrete, asphalt, tile material

A solid type of waterproofing under concrete or asphalt composition is a reliable system for protecting a house from floods. Initially, a trench is dug around the house 250 mm deep into the soil. The bottom is carefully compacted, and then a wooden formwork is installed, which serves as a form for pouring concrete.

A 100 mm layer of sand moistened with water is placed here. This layer is covered with crushed stone at a level of 50 mm, and then reinforced with mesh fabric.

Only a professional approach is required here, because... pouring the concrete composition is performed in one step. In this way, maximum structural strength is achieved.

Next, the surface is leveled and a slope is made using the rule. After two hours, the waterproofing and blind area initially hardens. It is covered with film material and not disturbed for two days. This method allows you to eliminate moisture evaporation and allow the mixture to gain maximum solidity. Concrete asphalt can also be used for coating.

It is possible to lay out a blind area around the house from ready-made monolithic slabs, having identical properties as liquid ones. Waterproofing is often done with paving stones or paving slabs. In this case, crushed stone is poured onto a layer of waterproof clay, followed by sand, on which the hard waterproofing is applied.

Waterproofing the blind area and drainage system around the house

For waste water outside The blind area of ​​the house is equipped with a drainage system. It is possible to install a stone gutter, which is also covered from below with waterproofing, which is a roll type. You can also use ready-made trays equipped with gratings or a plastic pipe sawn lengthwise. Laying is carried out with a slope towards a special well.

As a budget solution, in houses with a small area, it is used closed type drainage To do this, a geotextile fabric filled with crushed stone is laid down, and then wrapped on top with the same fiber and covered with sand. Drainage drainage and waterproofing of the blind area around the house are done as a single unit to direct excess water into the soil.

Waterproofing the blind area of ​​a house: main aspects

1. Waterproofing of the blind area is selected with mandatory consideration climate class region where the house is located. The composition and quality of the soil, the quantitative indicator of groundwater and the location of the house are also taken into account.
2. A high degree of protection in houses is achieved by covering the blind area with bitumen, then applying a layer of waterproofing. Priority rolled types. If there are several layers, they are all glued with mastic.
3. Often the blind area is additionally protected by rolled insulating material. Initially, the surface is treated with mastic with bitumen, and then roll insulation is laid. Waterproofing of a blind area made from rolled materials can be reproduced at various stages, since such materials are not dangerous high humidity and they are optimal for fully protecting the foundation around the house.

Penetrating waterproofing of foundation and blind area

If the blind area and the base were built at the same time, their waterproofing will be comprehensive. Most modern way, providing proper waterproofing - coating the concrete surface with special chemical compounds, where Portland cement is taken as the basis. If the process was performed separately, it will be necessary to open the concrete pores and remove unstable segments. The moistened surface is evenly impregnated with the prepared composition. What is important here is the correct preparation of the mixture and its application - the layer should be of the same thickness. If the coating is too thin, the waterproofing will not effectively perform its functions; if it is thick, the areas will become covered with cracks.

Waterproofing the blind area around the house from the First Dacha Company

Our company specializes in all processes associated with arranging a blind area around the perimeter of a house. The process associated with waterproofing the blind area is also included in the list of our services. All these tasks are interconnected, and the quality of their implementation depends only on the professionalism of the workers. Our employees have many years of experience, so you will be confident in the effectiveness of each stage of action, and your home will never be disturbed by such unpleasant neighbors like fungus and mold.

When visiting the site, our specialists will prepare several options that are suitable specifically for your case. Will be compiled detailed plan actions and recommendations on the selection of materials are presented, as well as an approximate estimate.

We place maximum demands on the materials used, because only trusted manufacturers can ensure proper waterproofing of blind areas, so our clients are always confident in the quality of the finished structure.

At the heart of any structure is the foundation. The key to its strength is protection from melted and groundwater. The most weak point the base is the area of ​​contact between the vertical walls of the foundation and the ground. Lack of protection in this area leads to water entering the foundation of the house and, as a result, it getting wet. As a result, the load-bearing capacity of the foundation is reduced, and in more serious cases, water floods the basement. Prevent negative impact water helps with additional waterproofing.

Protective function of the blind area

Being peculiar decorative element structure, the blind area simultaneously performs many other functions:

Functions of the blind area

• Protects the foundation from negative influence water. This is especially important for foundations with.
• Prevents soil heaving, which has a destructive effect on the foundation of the house and the entire structure.
• Prevents the root system of trees, shrubs and perennial plants from penetrating the foundation structure.

Materials for waterproofing blind areas around the house

Despite the fact that the blind area acts as a protector, it itself requires protection from moisture. To do this, carry out waterproofing work on this structural element. To provide durable and reliable protection, the following materials are used:

• Roll insulation. The basic rule for laying material is the absence of height differences. It is also necessary to wrap the material on the wall to a height of 0.2 meters or more. Each layer of rolled material for waterproofing must be coated with mastic to increase the effectiveness of waterproofing.
• Mastic. To carry out the waterproofing process, you can use bitumen mastic.
• Penetrating insulation. This material applies to modern type protection from moisture. It contains substances that penetrate into the concrete and form microparticles. Thanks to this, the pores of the concrete are filled and an obstacle is created for the penetration of moisture. Such waterproofing is not afraid of sudden changes in temperature and ultraviolet rays. It is able to withstand various mechanical loads. The high vapor permeability of the material protects the surface from the formation of mold and mildew.

Do-it-yourself waterproofing of the blind area

You can carry out work on waterproofing the blind area yourself; you do not need to have special knowledge and skills for this. Protection against moisture penetration is carried out in accordance with the selected option.

Waterproofing with clay

This option for waterproofing the blind area is chosen when the construction budget is low, since the arrangement requires the availability of inexpensive bulk materials. The work process is carried out in the following order:

1. Around the house, a plant layer of soil up to 1.5 meters wide is removed.
2. The prepared area is covered with a layer of clay and thoroughly compacted, creating a 10% slope of the blind area from the house.
3. The contact areas between the base of the house and the blind area are coated with molten bitumen.
4. For reliability, a strip of rolled waterproofing material is glued to the vertical surface of the base.
5. Crushed stone is poured on top of the clay in a layer of up to 10 cm.

Roll waterproofing

This type of waterproofing protection is used in houses with a basement. The process looks like this:

• A layer of clay is poured onto the prepared surface and compacted.
• The rolled material is cut into pieces of the required length, taking into account the overlap.
• The compacted clay is covered with rolled material for waterproofing, overlapping the wall.
• For greater reliability, several layers are laid roll waterproofing, coating each layer with bitumen mastic.
• Each layer is ground in with a roller, which has a soft lining. The weight of the roller must be at least 70 kg.
• Fill with crushed stone or pebbles.

Painting waterproofing

Concrete blind area can be protected with bitumen mastic. In this case, work is carried out in the following order:

Waterproofing with mastic

• The surface is cleaned of debris, dirt and dust.
• Apply a layer of primer and leave until the surface is completely dry.
• Using a brush, cover the blind area and part of the foundation with one layer of bitumen mastic. Its thickness should not exceed 2 mm.
• The process of applying mastic is repeated 2-3 times.
• The last layer of waterproofing must be continuous. Avoid cracks or blisters that may form when processing an uncleaned or damp surface. If such a defect is detected, the area is cleaned, dried and a new layer of mastic is applied.

Other waterproofing options

In some cases, waterproofing the blind area with concrete is allowed. To do this you need to do the following:

• The formwork is installed in the groove prepared for arranging the blind area.
• The prepared area is poured with concrete mortar, while reinforcement is carried out for greater strength.
• When pouring concrete, it is important to form a slight slope.
• Decorative tiles are laid on top of the concrete layer.

Protection made according to the following scheme has good waterproofing properties:

• The trench intended for arranging the blind area is filled with sand and spilled with molten bitumen.
• A layer of crushed stone is laid on top and also covered with bitumen.
• The surface is covered with paving slabs or left unfinished.

Basic rules of waterproofing

When carrying out work to protect the structure from the harmful effects of moisture, you should pay attention to several important points:

• It is best to use solutions based on waterproofing cement.
• Along the perimeter of the blind area you need to make a groove to drain melt and waste water.
• When using waterproofing materials, preference should be given to those based on polypropylene. You can use PVC film; it has higher quality characteristics than roofing felt or polyethylene.
• When using materials with a porous structure for the final layer of the blind area, it is necessary to carry out treatment with water-repellent agents.
• An alternative option for a concrete blind area can be a profiled membrane. The use of this material simplifies the process of arranging the blind area and makes it possible to use any finishing coating.

Properly performed waterproofing of the blind area will protect the structure from moisture penetration, increase the operational life of the house, providing comfortable and cozy living.

The blind area around the house is a mandatory component during construction. It is included in the list of the most important measures that not only prevent the soil from getting wet at the base of the building, but also protect it from moisture and erosion. The blind area also serves as an element landscape design, is part appearance the whole house as a whole. The material for production can be different, but concrete, crushed stone or hard coverings are often used.

Moisture insulation is essential foundation protection

The role of waterproofing in the blind area

Waterproofing the blind area around the house is of no small importance not only during construction, but also during further living in the premises. So, the main functions include:

• prevents soil erosion;
• protects the base from the root system of plants that grow near the house;
• increases thermal insulation properties;
• prevents the penetration of water and wastewater into basements, ground floors and the foundation of the house;
• decorative function.

The dimensions of the blind area around the house are not determined by one's own desire. As a rule, its width should be 30-35 cm greater than the roof extension. The drain outlets should also be taken into account.

Materials for waterproofing blind areas

Waterproofing of the blind area can be made of the following materials:

• cement mortar, concrete;
• petroleum products – bitumen, roofing felt, tar, hydrostekloizol;
• polyvinyl chloride film;
• use of slabs - FEM, artificial stone, reinforced concrete;
• mound of crushed stone;
• PVP membrane and so on.

Basic materials

Geotextiles can also be used for the blind area of ​​a house, which is more often used for roofing.

Types of waterproofing

There are several types of blind area waterproofing depending on the material.

Clay

The most inexpensive and easiest to implement method if you decide to waterproof the blind area of ​​your house with your own hands. To do this, the top layer of soil is initially removed, and then the space is filled with clay. After backfilling, it is necessary to pour the clay generously with water and, after drying, compact it well. When performing this work, you need to make a slight tilt away from the building. Afterwards, the junctions with the house are sealed with bitumen, roofing felt or tar. Which material to choose depends on your own preferences. As a rule, all these materials have high technical characteristics and serve as reliable protection for the foundation.

To increase the effectiveness of the layer, a strip of rolled material is glued to a vertical plane, after which the whole thing is covered with crushed stone.

Roll

Roll waterproofing is often performed if there is a basement under the house. Initially, the clay is compacted as described above, then the roll sections are laid overlapping on the wall of the house. To increase the effect, you can lay two or three layers of the roll, each of which must be coated with mastic. At the final stage, the layers are rolled with a roller, the weight of which should not exceed 60 kg. The top is covered with soil or crushed stone.

Painting room

To perform this method of waterproofing a blind area, the wall is treated with a layer of deep-penetrating primer and left until the surface is completely dry. Next, a layer of bitumen is applied, the thickness of which should not exceed 2-3 mm. This process is carried out in several layers, but the final layer of waterproofing is made as smooth and continuous as possible to avoid swelling and cracks. If any defect is detected, the area is completely cleaned, dried, and a new layer of mastic is applied.

Concrete

For this method, you initially need to dig a small ditch into which the formwork is mounted. The space is filled with concrete. To increase the strength of the blind area device, reinforcement is performed. Here it is also necessary to form a slight slope. Decorative tiles, artificial stone or other facing materials are mounted on top.

The process of waterproofing the blind area

When carrying out waterproofing special meaning has geotextiles for the blind area. It is this that eliminates contact with moisture and removes precipitation from the foundation, as it is laid on top of the backfill.

Recently, needle-punched geotextiles have become popular for waterproofing blind areas. It has increased tensile strength and can filter water that contains clay and sand. Dornite and non-woven geotextiles from Technonikol are also very popular. The choice of material depends only on your capabilities and the composition of the soil around the house.

Regardless of what type of waterproofing you choose, when performing work you need to remember some rules:

1. Before starting work, the top layer of soil is removed along the perimeter of the entire house and a small ditch is installed;
2. All layers must be laid at an angle relative to the wall of the house. A 10% deviation is enough.

When using sand or crushed stone, the material should be compacted very tightly to avoid further subsidence. Otherwise, if available air cushions, the quality of the entire structure will decrease significantly.

A concrete blind area can be made stronger using metal reinforcement or mesh. In some cases, it is reinforced with crushed stone. Under no circumstances use a crowbar to fill the blind area, as it can change its size depending on temperature regime, which can lead to destruction and damage to all work performed.

1. The combination of liquid material and rolled material is used only if there is high humidity in the area or there is a risk of breakthrough of nearby sources.
2. To fill the channel, crushed stone of only the middle fraction is used.
3. When waterproofing the blind area, the foundation is simultaneously sealed.
4. If your building does not contain gutters, then it is better to pour concrete.
5. Mixing concrete with clay is not recommended. It is better to use only mixtures high quality, then the blind area will serve you for a long time.
6. When using joint sealing products, the surface is first cleaned of dirt and dust.
7. It should be remembered that the blind area runs along the entire perimeter of the building, so when choosing a material, remember that it must match the style of the building and all work must be done carefully.
8. Plants have no less destructive power than moisture, so if you find roots in the soil, they must be treated with herbicides to prevent their germination.
9. An expansion joint should be left at the junction of the blind area and the foundation. This is necessary in cases where materials change their size due to the ambient temperature.
10. Drying concrete too quickly can cause cracks to appear. To avoid this, the concrete layer is covered pvc film or a wet piece of fabric. On hot days, periodically water the blind area with water, this will give it even greater strength.

A blind area is a structure located around the perimeter of a building and serves to protect its foundation and drain rain and melt water. Consists of several layers and can be with a soft or hard coating. It can be equipped using several technologies using different materials. Regardless of the type of this structure, the main condition for its reliability is high-quality waterproofing.

Some features of blind area waterproofing

The blind area waterproofing device is important criterion in ensuring the protection of the foundation of the building and the adjacent area. Waterproofing features:

1. Waterproofing measures and the depth of the blind area are done taking into account climatic conditions, annual precipitation, groundwater levels, geological characteristics of the area in which the building is located, and the presence of water supply and sewerage networks.
2. Waterproofing of the blind area can be primary and secondary. In the first case concrete screed initially laid taking into account the water-repellent properties and waterproofing measures taken. In the second case, waterproofing measures are additional and waterproofing is used for this.
3. To obtain a high-quality blind area, each layer of it and the foundation of the building are treated with bitumen mastic.
4. Waterproofing is laid at the bottom of the trench under the blind area. Polypropylene or PVC film is best suited for this purpose. Polyethylene film and roofing felt are also a good option, although they are inferior in characteristics. The sheets of material are laid overlapping and secured to the foundation walls.
5. To effectively drain water, a gutter is made around the perimeter of the blind area.
6. Materials with high porosity are treated with a special composition that has water-repellent properties.
7. The drainage membrane is an alternative to a concrete blind area. It is laid on the ground and covered with a layer of crushed stone and sand. This allows you to make a covering for the blind area from any materials.

Types of blind areas

The choice of blind area depends on the amount of precipitation. It can be produced in several ways:

• simple bulk made of clay and crushed stone;
• bulk with waterproofing underneath;
• concrete and unreinforced;
• prefabricated reinforced concrete slabs.

The bulk blind area is lined with two layers: compacted clay 20 cm thick and crushed stone 10 cm thick. In this case, the simplest waterproofing is used. Water is drained from the roof through gutters.

This option is suitable for areas with low average annual precipitation. Walking on this structure is not recommended. It is the most short-lived, since over time the clay layer can erode when wet.
Additional waterproofing for the bulk blind area will make it more reliable and suitable for houses with basements. The rolled material spreads over the compacted clay layer, covering the foundation. A mound of crushed stone or pebbles is made on top. To create a dense bulk waterproofed blind area, you can create the following pie:

• clay;
• waterproofing;
• coarse sand in a layer of 5 cm;
• geotextiles;
• gravel layer - 10 cm;
• geotextiles;
• crushed stone layer - 10 cm.

1. A trench with a depth of 30-40 cm is dug. To determine the width of the trench, the overhang of the roof is taken into account, but it must be at least 80 cm.
2. Treatment of the trench with special solutions that prevent the growth of weeds that can destroy the coating.
3. Laying and compacting a 10 cm thick sand layer.
4. Laying and compacting the crushed stone layer.
5. Formwork assembly.
6. Installation of fittings (if necessary).
7. Pouring concrete solution.

After pouring the concrete, you can sprinkle the structure with sifted cement and carefully smooth it with a trowel. This will make the top layer stronger.
You can buy ready-made concrete slabs for the blind area or make them yourself. To do this, formwork is made of the desired slab sizes and height of 3-5 cm. It is better to make several identical formworks at once to speed up the work process.

The slabs must be reinforced to give them strength with a small thickness of 3 cm. The reinforcement can be made from reinforced mesh with mesh sizes up to 80 mm. The smaller the cells, the stronger the slab.

Necessary materials for waterproofing the blind area

When choosing one or another method of waterproofing and materials for arranging the blind area, you need to take into account its design features. This can be done using several materials:

1. Bitumen-based mastics. Are the best option to ensure protection of the foundation surface from water. Used when constructing bulk blind areas.
2. Roll waterproofing. This includes polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride films and varieties of roofing felt. It is recommended to combine the laying of these materials with the application of bitumen mastic to the foundation to obtain an airtight coating.
3. Hydrocement or asphalt concrete. The resulting solid slabs reliably protect the foundation of the house from water.
4. Polymer-based penetrating compounds. Applied to surfaces with a porous structure. Penetrating deeply into the material and creating a water-repellent barrier, they reliably protect it. They are resistant to impact ultraviolet radiation and temperature changes. Prevents the formation of mold.

Types of blind area waterproofing

Waterproofing the blind area around the house can be done in several ways, which vary depending on the material used. Waterproofing can be:

• clay;
• roll;
• painting;
• concrete.

Clay

This option is the simplest and most cost-effective way to waterproof a blind area without the help of specialists. You can do the work yourself.
First, the top soil layer is removed, after which a layer of clay is filled in and compacted. It is important to provide a slope away from the building. The junction of the clay and the foundation is carefully coated with bitumen mastic. To improve waterproofing qualities, roll waterproofing can be glued to the foundation.
The last stage is filling and compacting crushed stone.

Roll

Rolled waterproofing is most often used for houses with basements and ground floors. The work begins with digging a trench and compacting the clay layer. After this, the sheets of waterproofing material are laid overlapping and lifted onto the wall. You can lay two or more layers, coating each with mastic. The finished waterproofing is rolled with a roller weighing at least 70 kg.
The final stage is backfilling with soil or crushed stone.

Painting room

Waterproofing by painting involves applying a special water-repellent primer. After it has completely dried, 3 layers of mastic are applied, each up to 2 mm thick. In this case, the next layer should be applied after the previous one has dried.

Concrete

Formwork is installed in the prepared trench, into which concrete is poured. To increase strength, the structure can be reinforced. Ready design You can leave it as is, or you can lay decorative tiles on it.

Insulation

No less important issue Insulation is more important than waterproofing when arranging a blind area. Thanks to insulation, the basement and basement can retain heat and also extend the service life of the structure.
Several materials allow you to insulate the blind area:

1. Expanded polystyrene. It is characterized by high strength and durability, and has hydrophobic properties. Easy to install due to its light weight. Laying can be done in just one layer of material 10 cm thick. Sealing of the joints of the material can be achieved by sealing them with a special film that has water-repellent properties.
2. Polyurethane foam. An environmentally friendly material that can withstand frosts down to -60°C without changing its thermal insulation characteristics.
3. Foam plastic. The foam structure of this lightweight material provides good heat and sound insulation properties. It has low hygroscopicity and good waterproofing properties. Resistant to temperature changes and fungi.

It makes no sense to insulate a pile and slab foundation without a basement.

Advice from the experts will help you make the blind area correctly:

1. Waterproofing the foundation must be done immediately after its construction.
2. The blind area around the entire perimeter of the house must be done with a slope of at least 3%. At the same time, you must try to make it the same everywhere. Construction level will become an assistant in this.
3. When preparing a concrete solution, you must prevent clay from getting into it.
4. For insulation, you need to choose durable materials that are resistant to deformation, so that under the weight of the blind area they do not change shape or crack.
5. The blind area is a structure that requires maintenance and periodic repairs. This can be done using different sealants and mastics. They treat the damaged surface to prevent further destruction of the structure. If there are deep cracks and chips, they are jointed, that is, expanded, and then filled with concrete. The repaired screed is covered with film and watered once a day to prevent it from drying out quickly.
6. The top layer of the blind area is both decorative and protective. You can make a concrete cover decorative tiles or simply cover it with a layer of colored crushed stone. After filling the top layer with soil, you can arrange a lawn around the house or plant flowers.
7. As a filler concrete base It is recommended to use natural crushed stone rather than scrap, since it tends to contract and expand with temperature changes.
8. It is better to choose solutions that are made on the basis of cements with waterproofing additives.
9. An important role in ensuring the drainage of water from the foundation of a house is played by the installation of drains from the roof. The blind area should extend beyond the roof eaves line by at least 20 cm.

Conclusion

The characteristics of the foundation are reduced in the absence of its reliable protection from moisture. Waterproofing and high-quality blind area play a major role in this, so it must be provided for at the design stage. The choice of one or another type of construction depends on many factors: climatic and geological conditions of the site, construction and design of the house, availability for sale necessary materials and the financial capabilities of the homeowner.

To prevent erosion of the soil around the house by rain and melt water, as well as to remove precipitation from the foundation, a blind area is made around the house. This work must be carried out before final finishing base More specifically, decide for yourself. But it is undesirable to delay: leaving a house or bathhouse over the winter without a blind area, you may end up with several cracks in the foundation in the spring.

The blind area around the house is a simple structure. However, it greatly extends the life of buildings. During autumn bad weather, water seeps into the foundation. In cold weather it freezes, increasing in volume, thereby creating overpressure. As a result of this load, cracks appear in the foundation, into which water also penetrates. Freezing makes them even wider. Without a blind area for some time, the foundation requires serious and expensive repairs. Sometimes the damage is so severe that it cannot be repaired.

But these are not all the functions that it can perform. protective coating around the house. In some cases it is used as a path. Sometimes, by laying insulation and a layer of waterproofing under the blind area, you can improve the operational characteristics of the building and correct some shortcomings made during construction in thermal and thermal conditions. In addition, from a decorative point of view, it serves as a logical conclusion to the design of the house.

What is the blind area made of?

Most cheap option- from concrete mortar. But it takes more time to create such a design. Especially on heaving soils: required special pillow and reinforcement. The entire time until the solution gains strength, you cannot walk on it, and this is at least four to five days.

Other types of protective belt covering around the house are paving slabs, paving stones, bricks, natural stone, porcelain tiles, etc. There are a lot of options today. The main thing is that they have the following properties:

• did not let water through;
• did not crack when freezing/thawing;
• had high abrasion resistance;
• had aesthetic appeal;
• had a long service life.

There is another material for blind areas, but it is rarely used in private housing construction - asphalt is laid around the house. As for attractiveness (as in the case of concrete), the issue is debatable, but the other characteristics are simply excellent.

But a protective coating is not everything. Other materials will be needed. Which ones specifically depend on the option you choose to implement. We can say for sure that sand and crushed stone will be required. You may need waterproofing and slab insulation.

Dimensions

Since the main task of the blind area is to drain melt and rainwater, its width should be at least 20 cm greater than the roof overhang. But experts do not recommend doing it less than 60 cm - moisture can seep into the foundation.

The width of the protective belt also depends on the type of soil. If these are normal soils that drain water well, then 60 cm is enough. If the house is on loam, other heaving or unstable soils, the width should be up to 1 meter.

But the blind area must also go deeper. Its depth depends on the type of soil, the functions it will perform and the thickness of the top finishing layer.

If the house stands on normal, non-heaving soils (not clay or clay-containing soils), and people will not walk on the surface, it is enough to make a backfill of sand 10 cm thick. You can lay tiles, stones, etc. on top. This means that the depth of the trench will be about 10-20 cm - it depends on the thickness finishing material. Only for a coating that is made up of fragments, a border is required. So you dig in edge stones around the perimeter, reinforce them, and only then pour sand into the bottom of the trench.

If the formwork is to be used as a walkway, a more substantial weight-distributing underlay is required. At the bottom of the ditch, crushed stone of a medium-sized fraction of about 15-20 cm is first laid, and then sand is placed on it, and only then the finishing coating.

What else is mandatory is compliance with the slopes: the decline comes from the house. So the moisture will flow into drainage system or the soil located around. The amount of slope depends on the type of protective coating used. For concrete and asphalt, the slope is 3-5% (height difference per 1 meter is 3-5 cm). When laying stone, tiles, porcelain stoneware, the slope is 5-10%.

Work order

After the dimensions have been selected, the actual installation of the blind area begins. In general, this occurs in several successive stages.

Marking and removing soil

The selected width is laid around the perimeter of the building. Here it must be said that in those places where people will walk, it can be made wider.

They are usually marked by driving in pegs. By stretching a twine or cord between the pegs, they outline the front of the work. Over this entire area it will be necessary to remove the turf and some of the soil. At the same time, the roots of the plants are removed. Frequently processed chemicals, which prevent plant germination. If this is not done, as they germinate, they will destroy the coating.

Construction of expansion joint

It is very important to remember when doing this that the blind area and the foundation should not be connected. To do this, it is necessary to leave an expansion joint around the perimeter of the foundation, about 2 cm wide. In practice, this is either strips of foam plastic 2 cm thick, or two layers of folded roofing material attached to the foundation.

An expansion joint is necessary so that when the soil moves under the blind area, it does not put pressure on the foundation. If this is not done, instead of preventing destruction, it will create pressure, which will sooner or later lead to cracks in the walls.

Bedding and finishing coat

If you follow the “folk” technology, a layer of clay is poured onto the bottom of the trench. It will prevent moisture seepage. It is compacted, already at this stage creating a slope from the foundation. This backfill is suitable for any type of soil. It may take a long time to compact it, but it will not conduct water. If you use sand for the blind area of ​​a house standing on clay soils, most of the water will end up just under the foundation.

Things will go faster if you use a tamping machine. If there is no such thing, take a log of medium diameter and saw off 80-90 cm. The height should be such that you do not have to bend over - you should be able to reach the top edge with your hands. On one side they fill the crossbar - the handle. This deck is used to compact it, raising and lowering it.

Then add a layer of sand. It is spilled with water and also thoroughly compacted. In normal soils and if people will not walk on the blind area, you can lay paving slabs or paving stones. When using concrete as a protective covering, it will be necessary to pour and compact a layer of crushed stone, arrange formwork and expansion joints, lay out the reinforcing belt and only then pour the solution. So making a concrete path takes a lot of time.

Insulation of the blind area

If a blind area is made around a house with a basement or ground floor, it must be thermally and waterproofed at the same time. Insulation is necessary for any slab foundation - it will prevent the soil under the slab from freezing.

Some experts argue that in middle lane In Russia and in the north, insulation is necessary in any houses with seasonal residence. The fact is that in a heated house, the heating itself prevents the foundation from freezing. And if they insulate the blind area, it is only for the purpose of saving fuel. In a house with seasonal residence, it is necessary to take additional measures to extend the life of the building. And here's why. Any material can withstand a certain number of freezing and thawing cycles. After which it begins to collapse. In the absence of insulation, in one season the foundation will freeze and freeze as many times as the weather changes - in autumn and spring the weather often alternates between warm and cold. It is clear what this state of affairs will lead to: after some short time, destruction will begin.

For thermal insulation over the entire depth of the ditch (or better yet, the foundation), it is attached to the base. thermal insulation layer. It is also laid on the bedding under the protective coating. To insulate the blind area around the house, the following materials are used:

• expanded polystyrene;
• foamed polyurethane;
• polystyrene foam

Insulation with extruded polystyrene foam

This material is one of the best for insulating foundations. At the same time, it retains heat and does not allow moisture to pass through: its hygroscopicity is close to zero. Its downside is that it melts easily. But for insulating the foundation and formwork, this drawback is not significant.

It is advisable to spread plastic film on horizontally laid out slabs - it will protect the joints of the slabs from water leakage.

Formwork with polystyrene is done in this way:

1. Compacted coarse sand in a layer of 15 cm.
2. Ruberoid. In this case, it must be placed on the walls by 15 cm.
3. Polystyrene boards, joints are sealed with sealant. The thickness of the layer is 10 cm. It can be either one slab, or two 5 cm each. If there are two slabs, they need to be glued with overlapping seams - this will provide more reliable protection against moisture penetration.
4. Polyethylene film 200 microns.
5. Layer of sand. It is carefully compacted, trying not to push through the slabs.
6. Protective material.

Any film is used as a protective material. But under the concrete, an additional reinforcing mesh is placed (metal with a cell of 10*10 cm) and only then the solution is poured downhill.

Foamed polyurethane

It's sprayed out special devices. It does not rot, practically does not absorb water, the operating temperature range is from -60 o C to +150 o C. It is applied quickly - all work can take three to four hours, but the use of a special apparatus entails payment for services. They are not cheap - one of the components is toxic. So, for all its attractiveness, this method is used infrequently.

Foam insulation

This is the cheapest of the insulation materials. It has good heat-insulating properties, does not allow water to pass through, and also has good sound-proofing properties. Its only drawback is its low mechanical strength. When using it, an additional reinforcing belt is required. The sequence of actions is the same as when insulating with polystyrene, only two differences:

• pour sand on top of the insulation in a thicker layer, compact it only by patting it with a shovel, and you cannot walk on the foam;
• under tiles or paving stones, a reinforcing belt is also needed, which is covered with a second layer of sand on top.

Despite low price, polystyrene foam - not best choice: He is too afraid of stress. If people will walk on the path, it should not be used. To reduce the cost of insulation, you can use it for gluing to the foundation, and purchase polystyrene foam for the formwork itself. This will be the best option.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing is necessary for heaving soils and lack of insulation of the foundation and blind area. In this case, the less water there is under the building, the less likely it is that heaving forces will damage your building.

The sequence of layers for waterproofing is as follows:

• Waterproofing layer - regular dense polyethylene film 200-300 microns thick - clay is laid. There is no need to tighten it - there should be some freedom of movement so that it does not tear during seasonal movements of the soil. The height of the approach to the foundation is 15-20 cm. It is nailed to the foundation with a pressure strip (if it is wooden, then it must be treated with hot drying oil so that it does not rot). But this is done later, after laying a layer of sand and geotextile. So for now, fix the film on the wall, for example, with a few nails.
• 10-15 cm of sand is poured onto the film. It's being compacted. Geotextiles are laid on top. It is a godsend for blind areas - it allows moisture to pass through, redistributes the load, does not tear, does not allow different layers to mix, is not damaged by insects and rodents, and does not allow plants to germinate. And all this is some kind of woven or non-woven membrane (they come in different types). Lay the geotextile so that it overlaps the film laid below, and attach both layers with a strip to the foundation. On the other hand, it must cover the entire remaining height of the dug trench.
• Then there are two options:
  1. To save money, you can fill the remaining pie with crushed stone, and lay a reinforcing layer on it - metal mesh made of steel rod in increments of 10*10 cm. Concrete can be poured on top.
  2. If you use paving stones or tiles, the cake will be more difficult. It will be necessary to lay another layer of geotextile on the compacted crushed stone. Lay another layer of sand on it, and then lay protective and finishing tiles on top of the sand.

This design drains water perfectly.

Soft hidden blind area

Modern waterproofing materials allows you to avoid making a protective coating around the house. They effectively retain and drain water, while the cost of such a pie is much lower. In this case, they talk about a hidden blind area. And all because right from the foundation you can sow grass or arrange a flower garden, and all the layers that drain water are located in the thickness of the rock.

Profiled membranes are used to install a soft blind area. They have a nonlinear structure - small protrusions and depressions.

A soft blind area around the house is easy to implement with your own hands. The only thing that may cause some difficulties is the rather large volume of excavation work. The width of the ditch is desirable from 1.2 m to 1.5 m. But the depth can be small - about 25-30 cm.

The procedure for installing a hidden soft blind area is as follows:

• First, the soil is removed and a slope of 3-5% from the house is immediately formed.
• They are treated with chemicals from plants.
• Roll out the profiled membrane over the entire width of the blind area, place one edge slightly onto the wall and secure it, the other is simply left free.
• A layer of geotextile is rolled out on top. It is laid in the same way - one edge is fixed to the wall. Both layers of waterproofing materials can be secured together with one clamping strip.
• Pebbles or a large fraction of screenings are poured onto the geotextile and crushed.
• The next layer is medium and fine screening, and sand on top. Each layer is compacted separately.
• poured on top fertile soil and plants are planted.

Despite the apparent unreliability, this design removes water even better than those made using traditional technologies. But, as you can see, the work is not complicated or expensive. If necessary, you can lay tiles or paving stones on a layer of sand. Then the look will be more traditional.

There is one caveat: if the soil on the site is clay (namely clay) or your house is on a slope, it will be necessary to supplement the structure drainage pipe. It is laid at a distance of 1.2-1.5 m from the wall of the house, at the level where the geotextile bevel ends (you can lower it a little lower). But at the same time, the membrane and geotextile must cover it from below and from the outer side, so that the collected moisture flows through the perforation into the pipe, and then through it to the sewer or drainage system.

Features of concreting

When installing a concrete blind area around the house with your own hands, you need to take into account some of the subtleties of the technology.

Firstly, the composition of the solution must be frost-resistant. It’s clear why. You can buy ready-made mixtures, but it's not cheap. You can use additives that increase the frost resistance of concrete. In the simplest case, add more cement. Make a solution at the rate of: one part cement, three parts sand and crushed stone.

Secondly, to avoid cracks, expansion joints must be made. For this, boards with a thickness of 25 mm are usually used. They are treated against rotting with hot drying oil or. Then they place it on the edge, setting the required slope, approximately every 2-3 meters. Secure with metal pins or wooden pegs. When pouring the solution, they can be used as beacons. In the future, the planks will ensure the mobility of the formwork during seasonal soil movements.

And thirdly, to give the surface greater strength and a more aesthetic appearance, it is sprinkled with dry cement, which is rubbed down with a trowel. This is done after the filling is completed. This process is called ironing of concrete. The surface then becomes strong, smooth, with a slight shine.

Results

Setting up a blind area around the house with your own hands is not the easiest, but it’s also far from the most difficult task. There are many solutions that will improve the performance of a building and extend its service life.