Despite some of the driest months in recent years, record rainfalls are still occurring in many parts of the U.S., highlighting the importance of a properly operating waterproofing system.
If you are planning a restoration project that involves upgrading or replacing an existing waterproofing system, there are many things to consider to ensure your project is done safely, correctly, and on time.
1. Conduct a Comprehensive Assessment of the Building
Gaining a full understanding of existing site conditions will help you determine if you need a repair or replacement for your below-grade waterproofing system. Before beginning any project, it’s always a good idea to speak with an experienced advisor who can help you evaluate project needs with specific building materials in mind.
An inspection from a licensed professional will help you determine how the waterproofing system failed, where the water intrusion occurred, and which repair solution will best solve the problem.
2. Understand the Building’s Construction
The correct waterproofing system should have the same life as the building itself. As thisnot always the case, you need to always look how the whole building is constructed. The waterproofing system could have deteriorated over time or been compromised by factors unrelated to the waterproofing itself.
3. Know Your Site Conditions
Site conditions weigh heavily when choosing the right waterproofing system. There are some important questions you need to ask when determining how to waterproof the foundation.
Do you know the water table? Always check to see if a geotechnical report has been conducted before choosing a waterproofing membrane. This will give you insight into why the original product may have been chosen and what you need to consider for a replacement.
Is there a history of contaminant soil vapor or gas? Are there ground gases present at the job site? This can include radon, methane and/or carbon dioxide. It’s also important to realize that there may also be contaminant vapor that can permeate your waterproofing membrane.
A Phase 1 or Phase 2 environmental report will identify chemicals present in the soil or groundwater and will help to determine if your waterproofing needs a level of chemical or vapor intrusion protection.
Click here for more in-depth information about what to look for at your building site.
4. Waterproof the Entire Building Envelope
A properly installed below-grade waterproofing system can perform as designed and be free of any leaks, yet is is possible that water is still found in the building's basement. Water flows downhill and follows the path of least resistance. If the above-grade areas, like decks, are not properly sealed, water can circumvent the entire below-grade waterproofing system.
It is key, then, to understand the current above- and below-ground waterproofing products and the requirements of each to ensure they work properly.
Above-grade waterproofing products must be watertight, adaptable to a range of temperatures, resistant to UV light and, in some cases, aesthetically pleasing. Balconies, parking decks, rooftop terraces and plazas need waterproofing to protect the building envelope from moisture ingress.
Below-grade waterproofing brings a unique set of challenges. Concrete foundations may be exposed to perched water or nuisance water pressure, even when groundwater table isn’t present. This causes water to collect in the looser soil, keeping it close to the foundation where it can potentially damage the foundation.
5. Do You Need a Repair or Replacement?
Occasionally, waterproofing restoration is not enough, and a complete replacement is required. If you are considering “patching” from inside the structure, know that in most cases, patching will not work. While cementitious coatings and crystalline topical treatments may solve minor issues, it is typically only a temporary cosmetic solution that can redirect or trap moisture and potentially create a worse problem.
Again, this is when consulting a professional becomes an important part of the process. These individuals can determine whether the issue can be quickly resolved, or if the structure will require complete restoration. Here are a few things that need to be considered when determining the severity of water damage:
Building history: Find out how the building has responded to various weather events and temperature fluctuations over time. These factors can impact a building’s integrity and its ability to prevent leaks.
Know the existing waterproofing: Compatibility between the old and new waterproofing systems is imperative. Some legacy systems can present some significant challenges due to their chemical composition. Products like HydroGel, however, can be applied over the most aggressive systems, like Coal Tar Pitch.
Contact an EPRO Representative Today
Thanks to our 30-year track record with project success, we’re proud to be the company of choice for building envelope consultants and building owners.
Our experts are ready to help with choosing the best waterproofing and contaminant systems for restoration and rehab projects. We can also help ensure their integrity through proper testing.
Have questions or want to learn more? Reach out to us about collaborating on a project.