Patent CA-2645129-A1 (CA)
Inventor: NELSON WILLIAM E
IPC: C09D5/34
Filed: 2008-11-27
Abstract: This invention comprises of a solution for preventing water infiltration through fractures in concrete foundation walls of building structures. The implementation of this technology will have a significant impact in protecting home occupants against severe respiratory health hazards associated with water entry.     Water infiltration is a serious health problem, and a major concern among environmentalist and health organizations throughout North America and many parts the world. Mold caused by water entry has an unpleasant odor and can easily be detected by sight and smell. The water will permeate through a poor or below grade mixture of concrete used for foundation walls including floor slabs.  Hydrostatic pressure and gravity will force water through a hairline crack or fractured foundation wall.     Mold in a basement will accumulate within a closed structure and distribute evenly throughout the entire building into the lungs of the homes occupants. Mold levels will be significantly higher in a poorly ventilated basement and where water has accumulated on the floor or in the walls. This invention and technology comprises of a permanent solution that will prevent and seal out existing water entry.     This invention and technology consists of food grade non biodegradable microcrystalline waxes and petrolatum which is absorbed into a polyethylene felt fabric thereby forming a wax tape sealant membrane. This tape is similar to wax tape presently used for wrapping underground piping systems for rust prevention. These existing underground tape materials contain low grade un-distilled hazardous petroleum byproducts that have an unpleasant odor and are therefore not environmentally friendly.     Similar low grade wax tapes were used by the Germans during World War I and II to protect underground telephone communications and electrical cables from corrosion and damage. In today's world it is vital to use environmentally friendly sealing materials when applied in and around homes.     Water and moisture in a basement becomes stagnant in only a few days which allow for perfect breeding conditions for supporting insects and larva. These conditions will cause irreplaceable personal property damage to the home owner. Appliances will rust, wood will twist and rot, and clothing will mildew. Moisture collects in the insulation between the studs of a finished wall causing damage.     There are many sealant products on the market today. Sealants such as bituminous products for example are commonly used and applied hot to the face of a foundation wall during construction to protect the concrete foundation wall from the elements and are short lived.  Where drastic climate changes occur such as freeze/thaw, many bituminous synthetic products become brittle and have little or no elasticity. After a few years they can lose their ability to adhere to a foundation wall. Present permanent sealants have shown to be totally useless for long term solutions.     The use of existing products and solutions are only an attempt to permanently seal out water and serve no use as a long term sealant.  Most existing products have been proven to become unreliable because of their inherent vulnerability when exposed the Earth's elements in the long term. Ground and earth shifting caused by the freeze/thaw cycle will worsen each season in an existing fracture on a foundation wall. This sealant tape is elastic and is not affected by changing weather conditions or ground movement.     This wax tape sealant membrane will adhere to all porous and non--porous surfaces and will maintain its elastic composition and adhesive integrity as a permanent seal.