In order to give the foundation of any structure strength and durability, it is necessary to take care in advance to decide how to treat the foundation from moisture.

Unfortunately, many modern technological structural materials have a porous structure, which is why they are characterized by the presence of a hypertrophied ability to absorb and retain excess moisture. This property, naturally, negatively affects both the strength of the foundation itself and the entire structure.

The most resistant construction materials, including concrete and building stone, begin to crack from the inside under the influence of moisture.

There are several basic technologies that protect the foundation. Each of them has a number of functional advantages and disadvantages, which will be discussed below.

Technologies: how to protect the structural foundation from getting wet

Protecting the foundation from moisture can be done by installing waterproofing. Its type is selected depending on the functional characteristics of the structure being built, the climatic characteristics of the territory and the underlying surface, which will become the basis for the house.

There are two types of waterproofing design:

• horizontal;
• vertical.

The latter is mounted on the front side of the base of the structure. It is applied starting from the sidewalk or basement structure. This is how you can protect the foundation from the destructive effects of soil water.

The first, horizontal option for installing waterproofing is done so that moisture does not penetrate into the basement area and destroy its walls. In addition, treating the foundation from moisture also protects it from the penetration of air currents, creating an unfavorable microclimate in the room.

The second design option, which will be discussed below, does not have this drawback.

Next we will talk about how to protect the foundation from moisture using hydrophobization. This is the process of treating the structure of the base of a building with special means - organic silicon compounds, which must be diluted with water. Water repellents are not only high-quality moisture-resistant materials, but also reliable protection of the foundation from dirt and dust.

Using this method of processing the base of structures has the following advantages:

1. walls that have been treated with high quality using water repellents are resistant to graffiti - you will not have to spend additional money on repairs;
2. significant frost resistance of structures;
3. moisture-repellent agents “keep away” mold and fungi from the walls; the original color of the building materials is preserved;
4. water repellents can be applied even to a damp base.

The protective mechanism is characterized by the fact that after the procedure of covering the foundation with water repellents, a special moisture-resistant coating is formed, a kind of thin polymer film, which is tightly packed into the pores, protecting them from the ingress of natural moisture. In addition, insulating the foundation from moisture is also very durable.

Processing technology: specifics of the procedure

This procedure can be carried out using ready-made solutions or their concentrate, which can be purchased at any hardware store.

In order to apply a special construction mixture to a working cart, you will need quite accessible tools:

1. wide brush;
2. standard roller;
3. spray.

Any of these devices will perfectly cope with the task of treating the base of the structure being built with a waterproofing agent.

If the protection of the foundation plinth from moisture is carried out using special concentrates, then first you should carefully study the detailed instructions included with the building mixture, which clearly states exactly how to dilute the product.

You can begin working with the solution immediately, however, do not forget about preliminary cleaning of the foundation from all contaminants, dust, and other harmful deposits.

If you find signs of rot or mold on the base of a building structure, you should definitely treat the surface using antiseptics and special chemical compounds. If the walls are covered with loose plaster, they must be cleaned using mechanical movements.

The water repellent substance must be carefully evenly applied to the foundation until a characteristic shine appears. If the base material is characterized by a high degree of porosity, then the mixture is applied in two layers.

It is better to apply the water repellent in warm, dry weather - this way you will maximize the protective effect of the mixture.

It is important that a moisture-repellent mixture is the most acceptable answer to the question of how to treat the foundation from moisture, if such grounds exist;

• construction concrete;
• wooden;
• metal.

Steel and iron elements, in addition to protection from moisture, will be “protected” from corrosion processes, and this, in turn, will have a positive effect on the strength of the foundation as a whole.

What are the hydraulic components of protective water-repellent mixtures?

In order to increase the durability and strength of the structure and protect it from unwanted moisture, special active additives are also used. They have a positive effect, among other things, on the frost resistance of the structure as a whole.

They have a good effect on the process of laying structures made of concrete, and also increase its non-delamination and viscosity.

With the use of such elements, it is possible to achieve that the degree of moisture absorption by the foundation is reduced by half. This is quite enough to avoid the use of any additional technical devices or chemicals.

For the solution, it is important to follow the dosage indicated on its packaging - this will help achieve the optimal waterproofing effect. The additive is placed directly into a concrete mixer or into a structure that acts as a container in which the building mixture is diluted.

Moisture protection of the base of the structure being built is a prerequisite for the building to last for many years and be strong, reliable and stable.

Conclusion

When cold weather sets in, most builders seriously think about how to optimally protect the foundations of buildings from the process of exposure to a humid environment. This question is especially relevant if the base is made of mineral raw materials - brick, natural stone, and is also covered with a thick layer of special finishing plaster.

There are several main ways to solve this problem, the main one of which is considered to be the use of so-called water repellents - substances that have a powerful water-repellent effect. Such products are affordable and really effective. They are easy to apply and last for a long period of operation of any building.

Such compositions have an excellent ability to penetrate quite deeply - up to 20 mm - into structural building materials, and at the same time provide reliable protection from getting wet.

This technique is appropriate as an alternative to rather expensive complexes for facade insulation, and, at the same time, helps to permanently solve the problem associated with eternally damp walls in houses that are no longer new.

Moisture-proof impregnation is applied to the foundation in several layers using special tools such as a sprayer or a wide brush. The surface must stand for 24 hours, after which it acquires hydrophobic characteristics.

It is easy to treat the base of a structure with special means yourself - it does not require additional skills or complex technical devices from the builder. In addition to the fact that the water repellent protects the foundation from moisture, it also plays the role of an antiseptic, which protects the structural base of the structure from harmful biochemical agents.

Waterproofing is what will help the foundation last a long time and provide the house with strength, reliability and stability

Protecting the basement from moisture is a necessary and primary task when forming the basement of a house. The base is the connecting link between the above-ground structures of a structure and its fundamental underground foundation. The strength of the base largely determines the stability of the entire structure. During the construction process, it provides the necessary surface for the construction of facade walls. In the future, its main function will be protection from penetrating atmospheric and ground moisture.

Meanwhile, the very foot of the house suffers most from dampness and becomes the most vulnerable point in the structure. It takes on the consequences of heavy rains and melting snow, leading to destruction. Therefore, waterproofing the base is necessary; in addition, it requires careful attention to the choice of protective equipment that can adequately withstand the aggressive action of water.

Means and methods for protecting the basement of a house from moisture

Basement waterproofing.

When choosing materials for waterproofing the base, it is necessary to take into account that work is carried out in two directions:

• vertical protection, which involves applying a coating to the wall surface;
• horizontal protection - laying waterproofing between the walls of the basement and the foundation.

Horizontal insulation of a house can prevent the penetration of capillary moisture into the above-ground structures of the building. It is implemented using roll materials. The most common among them are roofing felt and roofing felt. Roofing felt has a cardboard base, so when choosing it you should understand that you cannot count on a long service life.

Modern roofing felt coatings are more effective. They are made of elastomeric bitumen, and the role of the supporting layer is performed by polyester non-woven materials or durable glass fiber.

Vertical is very variable and can be performed using various methods of waterproofing treatment.

1. Spreading involves the use of bitumen and its analogues. The thick consistency of the material makes it possible to achieve a thick protective layer on the surface of the house. However, this material does not have high strength indicators. It is too unstable to mechanical damage. Innovative building materials, such as liquid glass, are much more durable and efficient.
2. Protective varnishes and paints are used for painting. The advantages include affordability and simplicity of the application process.
3. The impregnation process is based on the use of liquid polymers and synthetic resins.
4. Pasting allows the use of a wide range of rolled waterproofing materials.

When choosing a product that will help treat the plinth, it is necessary to take into account compatibility with the building material used to construct the plinth.

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Penetrating waterproofing

The advantage of penetrating waterproofing lies in the fact that it is able to penetrate 90 cm into the thickness of concrete. It moves along the same cracks and capillaries through which moisture could move. Having penetrated into the thickness of concrete, the material reacts with the components of concrete.

Penetrating waterproofing fills all the small cavities of the concrete structure of the house, due to which the material gains strength (the strength of concrete increases by 20%). The chemical composition makes it resistant to acids, alkalis and petroleum products, in addition, it is not subject to mechanical stress.

Clean the surface from dust and construction debris. Dilute the dry powder in water, following the instructions on the package, stir the mixture thoroughly until homogeneous. The mixture must be applied to the moistened surface of the concrete structure. Apply the first layer of penetrating waterproofing to the base, and after it has dried, apply the second. Experts recommend waterproofing with penetrating materials using synthetic brushes or a special mortar pump. The basement of a house can only be treated with this type of material at temperatures above zero.

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Rolled adhesive waterproofing

Roll materials mean bitumen, polymer and synthetic waterproofing. The material is glued to all base structures of the house. Typically, external walls are covered with several layers of waterproofing. If the house is located in an area with a lot of groundwater, then the number of layers can be increased to five.

Layers of insulation are glued to the outer walls of the basement, overlapping them. This type of insulation is not resistant to damage, therefore, at a distance of 1 cm from the surface of the waterproofing layer, a half-brick brick wall is erected or a reinforced concrete block is installed. The space between the protective wall and the waterproofing is filled with bitumen mastic. Installation work can be carried out at an ambient temperature not lower than 10°C.

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Coating waterproofing

When protecting the surface of the base from moisture, it is worth paying attention to the coating materials that are applied to the internal and external surfaces. If the mastic is applied from the outside of the wall, moisture is prevented from penetrating into the room. There are several types of coating materials: bitumen mastics, cement-polymer waterproofing, polymer-bitumen mastics.

Bitumen-based mastics are the most accessible, but have a short service life. After operation for 5 years, under the influence of low temperatures, the bitumen material is destroyed, and external moisture will penetrate into the room.

Cement-polymer and polymer-bitumen waterproofing is more resistant to frosty conditions. When installing them, it is necessary to ensure protection from mechanical damage. Clean the surface, apply mastic in several layers depending on humidity and dry the structure.

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How to protect a brick plinth from moisture

Performed in several ways:

• lay brickwork pre-treated with waterproof impregnation in the factory;
• use bitumen lubricant applied to the surface in several layers;
• cover with roofing felt;
• apply a building mixture of a special penetrating composition.

The latter method is based on the action of the active components of the mixture, which, once they get into wet microcracks or pores, clog them with their own crystallization.

Comments:

Making a strip foundation for a fence is considered one of the best options in the construction of fences. will provide the structure with strength and strength. Such a base can be made if it is planned to install a fence with brick pillars and forged metal elements. Fences that are installed on a concrete strip will last much longer and be more reliable.

Basically, a strip foundation made of corrugated sheets is made with metal piles so that the structure does not sag and is stable for a long time.

Strip foundation for a fence made of corrugated sheets: tools and materials

You will need:

• roulette;
• level;
• rope or twine;
• cement;
• sand;
• crushed stone;
• water;
• buckets;
• shovels;
• reinforced rods;
• acetone;
• ammonia;
• roofing felt or any waterproofing material;
• metal grid;
• container for mixing concrete mortar;
• wooden boards, pegs;
• metal piles.

The standard proportion of the components of a concrete solution to make a foundation for a fence made of corrugated sheets is 1 part cement, 3 sand, 5 crushed stone. Water must be added until the solution reaches the desired consistency. It should be noted that the strength of the strip foundation for the fence will depend on the brand of cement. To ensure that the concrete strip is durable and strong, it is better to use cement of a grade not lower than M200.

It cannot be said that the technology for constructing a base for a fence is very complex: even a person who does not have construction skills and knowledge can apply it.

The strip base is a reinforced concrete strip that runs along the entire length of the fence; the main task is to maintain the same cross-sectional shape along the entire length.

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First stage: marking and trench

First of all, to make a strip foundation for a fence with your own hands, you need to level and clear the area on which the foundation for the fence will be built from debris and vegetation. It is advisable to mark using pegs, tape measure and twine to understand what dimensions the future fence will have. To do this, you need to drive wooden pegs in the corners around the perimeter and stretch the rope between them. Marking is carried out according to the site plan. Then you need to dig a trench. For strip foundations, it is recommended to make a ditch 25 cm deeper than the soil freezing line, but not deeper than 60-80 cm from ground level. The width of the trench depends on how massive the fence will be, what the pressure force of the structure will be, but in any case, the width should be 10-15 cm larger than the future fence. If the fence is not very heavy and the soil has a slightly heaving structure, then it can be done.

Along the entire length of the trench, at a distance of 2 m, you need to dig separate holes for metal piles. The depth of the pits is 20-30 cm lower than the depth limit of the trench itself. A fence with metal supports is much stronger, so strip foundations are made with piles.

In the future, it is necessary to level the walls of the trench and pits so that they do not crumble, it is advisable to compact them. A sand cushion should be laid out from gravel (crushed stone) and sand in equal proportions along the entire length of the ditch at the bottom, not forgetting about the holes for the piles. The height of the pillow is 10-15 cm. A prerequisite for the strip foundation under the columns to be strong is that the pillow must be moistened and compacted.

Waterproofing material is laid on top of the sand cushion. In the pits under the piles, roofing material (dense polyethylene) is installed rolled into a pipe.

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Formwork and reinforcement

The foundation for a fence made of corrugated sheets as formwork has a wooden box without a bottom. Moreover, the formwork scheme is quite simple, but the appearance of the foundation for the fence will depend on how seriously the builder approaches the issue of its assembly. If the boards are not connected accurately, there are cracks and defects, this can lead to leakage of the cement mortar. After hardening, unsightly flaws will remain on the outer sides of the foundation. The dimensions of the wooden box must be identical to the dimensions of the trench. There is no need to make separate formwork for pits for metal piles. Iron mesh will be installed in them in the future. The finished formwork is installed along the entire length of the fence.

Experts recommend covering its walls with polyethylene before pouring the formwork with concrete mortar. In this way, leakage of the solution can be prevented. When installing the formwork, it is necessary to maintain parallelism and check how level it is installed using a level. It should be taken into account that wooden boards will withstand a large load when pouring concrete, so they need to be fastened together as firmly as possible.

In order for the strip foundations for fences to be strong and strong, it is necessary to make a reinforcement frame. It can be called the skeleton of the structure. Reinforcing bars connected to each other will help withstand load and deformation. To build the frame, you will need ribbed (diameter 10-16 mm) or smooth (6-8 mm) steel rods. The reinforcement frame will subsequently be located in concrete, so wooden supports should never be used. The wood that remains in the cement body will play the role of a spacer wedge, that is, it will absorb water, which will lead to deformation of the concrete structure.

For a strip foundation, reinforcement is mainly used from two belts, which must be connected by transverse rods. Stages of construction of a single rigid frame:

• transverse rods that have the same length must be laid, taking into account the same design step;
• the lower chord of the frame is formed from two rods of longitudinal reinforcement;
• vertical reinforcement is tied to the upper rods;
• For fastening, you can use ordinary wire or plastic binding clamps.

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Pouring concrete mortar

When making the foundation for a fence with your own hands, you need to treat this stage as responsibly as possible. Experts recommend first filling the holes under the metal piles, in which roofing felt and metal mesh (frame for the holes) are already installed, with cement mortar, and only after the mortar has dried (after 2-3 days) filling the strip foundation with concrete mortar. Metal columns must be fixed and checked with a level after pouring.

You can make cement mortar, as well as pour it, yourself or using special equipment - a concrete mixer and a concrete pump.

In the case when the depth of the foundation does not exceed 60 cm, the wooden box rests on trenches. But when the cement being poured rises above the ground level, the pressure of the concrete solution on the walls of the formwork increases, which leads to the panels tipping over. To avoid such difficulties, experts recommend strengthening with spacers that part of the formwork that rises above the ground, and pouring earth and sand around it, first compacting it.

In some cases, after the concrete solution has hardened, you can notice that the reinforcing bars move in the cement block, which very often leads to the destruction of the structure. This happens due to the fact that oily and varnish stains remain on the steel rods, which interfere with the strong adhesion of the metal surface to the cement mortar. To avoid this, it is necessary to treat the rods with ammonia and acetone before pouring the foundation with cement.

In modern building materials, which are based on cement, surface and deep cracks quickly form. Fractures occur in reinforced concrete structures. Among other things, the durability of concrete is affected by the quality of waterproofing that was performed before construction. Protection of concrete from substances that can destroy it is carried out using waterproofing systems. As a result, the structures will last much longer, which will significantly reduce the cost of future restoration work. This will provide the concrete with reliable protection from the influence of external factors.

Principles of protection

Destruction of concrete is possible due to water saturation, exposure to cold, salts, acids, etc. Therefore, it is important to prevent the negative impact of the above factors on concrete during repairs and construction of structures on the street.

Reinforced concrete, in turn, must be protected from, especially if salts are used to reduce its production time. When protecting, a special primer is used, which provides adhesion between different surfaces. There are means that reliably protect concrete from radiation. To protect concrete surfaces, varnish is also used to prevent cracks and destruction.

Materials

The use of water-repellent substances will help increase the strength of the structure, save it from moisture, fungus and other negative influences. There are two ways - and creating a film that prevents the penetration of water. Impregnation with silicone enamel reduces wetting. The advantage of this method is that such a composition will ensure the surface is waterproof. Enamel is sold in specialized stores for builders. The disadvantage of this method is the fragility of the coating itself, which dissolves under the influence of alkalis.

Experts create a protective waterproof layer of resins. The disadvantage of this method is that the layer is not protected from the effects of steam: the coating gradually delaminates. To eliminate shortcomings, builders combine both methods. It is necessary that the film is resistant to alkalis, and the protective waterproof layer does not allow steam to pass through.

Requirements for protective materials

Materials used to prevent corrosion must be fire-resistant, have a technical certificate and comply with GOST. Such products should be used taking into account how concrete structures are affected by the environment. The material that will protect underground structures from corrosion is selected taking into account the type of product, its dimensions, and the technology used during construction. Concrete that comes into contact with groundwater must be protected depending on the possible level of its rise.

Internal protection

Internal (or primary) protection of concrete products from oil, petroleum products and other factors is carried out during the preparation of the mixture for concreting. An effective way of protection is the use of chemical modifiers. The durability of the base is determined by the plasticized properties of the substances. For example, additives made using lignosulfonate help prevent cracks in Portland cement due to the influence of sulfates. They also increase the corrosion resistance of the product.

Builders stop the destruction of the cement base by using active additives based on amorphous silica. Additives increase the strength of materials. Electrolytic additives accelerate the hardening of concrete and form a stable surface. Potash and carbonates are also used as additives.

In addition, there are additives that have a double effect: they protect reinforced concrete from corrosive processes and make the structure more durable. Additives have a plasticizing effect. Mylonaft helps to increase waterproofing qualities, resistance to low temperatures and salts. The use of sulfite-yeast mash is effective in combination with concrete, which is based on quickly hardening Portland cement. GKZh-94 increases frost resistance several times.

External (secondary) protection

External or secondary protection of concrete is used during the construction or repair of concrete structures. Basic methods:

• coating with paints or varnish;
• mastic coating;
• special films;
• cladding using polymers;
• biocidal protective compounds;
• hydrophobization;
• anchor sheet for protection;
• impregnation with solutions and .

Allows you to protect products from liquids and steam. The film will prevent bacteria, moisture and aggressive substances contained in the air from reaching the surface. Mastics will help prevent moisture from entering. More often, mastics are used, the creation of which uses resin. Such compositions are used to impregnate concrete surfaces in environments with high humidity. Impregnation fills the top layer of concrete and increases moisture resistance. Biocidal mixtures are needed to prevent the penetration of mold and fungi. Substances penetrate the material, filling it, and destroy microorganisms.

Special films used for gluing products are indispensable for the use of concrete in various liquids, soils with high humidity, and in areas exposed to electrolytes. In particular, specialists cover structures located in bodies of water with polyisobutylene plates or films. Polyethylene film and petroleum bitumen are widely used to achieve maximum waterproofing.

Despite the fact that fences often serve more of a decorative than protective function, fencing is also built on a foundation. It is clear that it must be protected from the effects of groundwater and rainwater, otherwise the concrete will slowly deteriorate.

The optimal solution is to make ebbs for the fence, which can perform not only a protective, but also a purely decorative function. You can make them yourself from scrap materials, or you can buy factory-made products made from metal or plastic. When installed correctly, ebb tides will reliably protect any foundation from any type of precipitation.

What types of fence tides exist?

Galvanized steel castings for fence foundations are durable, reliable and easy to install. Galvanized steel can take almost any shape, bends easily and joins without visible effort. Also, steel can be coated with almost any type of paint, giving them an original color and design.

The key disadvantage of galvanized steel is its low resistance to corrosion, because the slightest damage to the coating immediately leads to the appearance of rust inside the steel. You also need to use high-quality waterproofing of the layer so that the foundation is not damaged from the inside.

Polymer-coated steel castings are better than galvanized steel; polymers are resistant to mechanical deformation, but such material is a little more expensive.

Copper and aluminum castings for fence foundations are not very popular now due to their high cost. But at the same time they are distinguished by aesthetics, various types of spraying can be used and they are practically resistant to corrosion.

Plastic castings, the key advantages of which are low weight, a large selection of available forms and a huge service life. But such material is fragile and immediately bursts at the slightest load.

Concrete slabs and natural stone decors are a more aesthetic option for protecting fence foundations, and they are quite massive and require arrangement.

How to install low tide with your own hands

As a rule, all foundations for fences are small in size and design, so ebb tides are often installed independently. Plastic is now especially popular and reliable, because it is inexpensive and can be transported in a car.

More often, plastic castings for the fence foundation are installed on the basement tier of a columnar or strip base structure, and the process takes several hours. What do I need to do:

1. If the foundation structure is columnar, then you must first clean the top layer of the base from adhering dirt and stones, and then carefully level it with concrete mortar.
2. Cover the surface with a small layer of roofing material or liquid rubber and let it dry.
3. For waterproofing, use a building level to mark the horizontal level of the low tide and secure the finished plastic structures. It is advisable to carry out all work using a screwdriver; drill holes for fasteners at intervals of 10−15 cm. Seal the joints between the plates with sealant.

If a strip foundation is used, then it is recommended to install fasteners at intervals of 30 cm and use long sheets. Here all work must be done with two hands, because it is quite difficult to install flexible and lightweight plastic yourself.

Make a metal casting and install it on the base of the fence

It is necessary to cut sheets of metal into strips of a given length and width. Carefully bend the side edges to create full gutters. It is recommended to use the shelf width taking into account plus 2 cm on the top bend and 5 cm on the bottom. You can give large reserves, but they are simply not needed for fences.

Mark the stripes and fold the side edges. The top fastening edge always bends upward to then create a tight connection to the foundation surface. The bottom edge is bent down, and the strip itself should be attached at a slight slope.

The preparatory stage of installation is that you need to thoroughly clean the surface from adhering dirt, eliminate all wall defects: cracks, irregularities, chips, etc. Then level the surface with concrete mortar.

The installation sites for the future ebb tide are being marked. First, horizontal markings are applied along the entire perimeter of the fence along the upper edge of the ebb. To do this, it is better to use a marking cord if the foundation of the fence is monolithic strip.

Fasten the strips. The ebb is fixed along the upper edge of the marking with dowels and screws at intervals of no more than 25-30 cm.

Features of installation of ebb and flow sills for fences made of natural stone or paving slabs

First of all, such ebb is not fixed on the surface of the foundation, because such technologies do not exist. Therefore, this is the principle of the blind area, which performs not only protective, but also decorative functions. To create such a low tide you need:

1. Excavate the base of the fence to a distance of 30 cm from the surface. The depth of the trench is up to 20 cm.
2. Level the bottom of the trench, add a layer of sand and compact it.
3. Then create an artificial slope away from the foundation; the angle can be several degrees.
4. Level the foundation surface and install a layer of roofing material.
5. Place a tile or stone on a sand cushion away from the foundation and constantly check the horizontal level with a building level.

Then, the seams between the tiles should be filled with liquid concrete, but gutters should be left in advance for natural water drainage. Provide a drainage or stormwater system away from the low tide so that water is removed from the concrete as quickly as possible.

It is better to carry out installation before finishing the basement, then financial losses will be smaller and less time will be spent on arranging the foundation.

If facade finishing stone is used for an assembly-type fence, then the length of the ebb is determined by the pitch of the sheathing.

Metal and polymer canopies must be mounted using a rubber mallet so as not to damage the coating.

Be sure to seal the space under the ebb and soil with foam and sealant.

If the casting for the fence is made correctly, then it will last for decades, and the fence itself will not squint or fail. But they need to be installed correctly, take into account building regulations and strictly adhere to technology. And they are almost the same, both for installing the ebb and flow and for the foundation of the building.