One of the most important considerations in building construction is choosing the right types of waterproofing materials for your building. New construction foundation waterproofing protects your building and its occupants from water intrusion — one of the most pervasive and difficult to control issues for any building owner or operator.
Knowing how to properly waterproof the foundation of a new building will result in a dry and safe below-grade environment that keeps interior building systems and occupants protected from the elements, including heat, cold, wind and water.
Here is a quick review of important things you need to know about waterproofing your foundation.
There are three main areas of your project you need to first evaluate in the design phase before you choose your waterproofing materials.
Determining how your site conditions will impact installation is a good first step in pre-planning for a successful waterproofing project. There are a few important questions to ask about the job site, so you understand how to narrow down your product options.
Efficiency is critical in any project, and waterproofing installation must be installed correctly and per the manufacturer's requirements to reduce the chance of water intrusion. It’s critical to coordinate all processes with your general contractor to guarantee proper installation.
Ensure your waterproofing can withstand exposure to the other construction processes between applications. Depending on the type of waterproofing you choose, the process may need to take place during multiple phases of the project which means there will be time between applications.
There are several types of foundation waterproofing options available, and it’s good to know exactly what you need before choosing the right membrane for your project. Waterproofing materials will often fall within a few distinct categories.
Above-grade products are used for areas like balconies, parking decks, rooftop terraces and plazas that need waterproofing to protect the building envelope from water and moisture. These products must be watertight, adaptable to a range of temperatures and, in some cases, resistant to UV light and aesthetically pleasing.
Below-grade materials are used for concrete foundations that have the potential to experience continual hydrostatic pressure. New construction sites are sometimes situated on brownfields or repurposed industrial properties. These sites often have groundwater contamination and will require a product that mitigates vapor intrusion by keeping out solvents and other organic chemicals along with the water.
Once you know which product you need, there are two types of membranes to choose from. Sheet-based membranes come in rolls and are laid onto firm surfaces, like a building’s foundation. They can be made from a wide variety of materials, like HDPE, butyl, PVC, bentonite or combined to form composite materials.
Fluid-applied membranes are either sprayed or rolled onto surfaces, creating a seamless, joint-free membrane. They can be preferred because they are seamless, but it is important to know the thickness required for your building conditions.
There are a few pitfalls that can often occur during the waterproofing process but are easily avoided if you know to watch for them. Understanding these common waterproofing issues can benefit the entire construction process and add years of life to your building.
It’s always a good idea to speak with an experienced advisor who can help you evaluate project needs and select the right waterproofing system for your project and budget. We at EPRO offer foundation waterproofing systems for various application needs and requirements, giving you a wide range of customization and flexibility.
Contact our EPRO experts to help match the right EPRO system to your project based on budget, site conditions, construction materials, timeline and desired level of protection.