WATER PROOFING STUFF
Waterproofing is the treatment of a structure's surface to prevent the passage of water under hydrostatic head or standing water conditions. It is used for foundation walls and below-grade structures, slabs-on-grade, plaza decks, planters and green roofs, sumps and elevator pits, and between slabs or split slabs.
There are various options when designing waterproofing systems and specifying their components. However, selecting the correct products is dependent upon criteria and applications often beyond the design professional's control. Therefore, a full understanding of the properties and limitations of these materials is critical when. designing waterproofing systems.
Types of waterproofing applications
The first step in selecting the most appropriate waterproofing system involves determining when and where it is to be applied on the building. In standard construction projects, positive-side waterproofing is generally applied directly to the face of the structure exposed to the water (or hydrostatic head of water). Negative-side waterproofing, on the other hand, is applied to the exposed structure, either in the wall or on the inside face of the wall (it has no direct exposure to ground water).
Below-Grade Waterproofing
Below-grade waterproofing protects buildings, buried structures, and their contents from moisture, hydrostatic ponding, and soil-born chemicals. Providing this protection requires close coordination with construction of heavy structural elements and management of subsurface groundwater.
A Damp, Leaky Below Grade Wall May Cause:
Loss of Property Value
Loss of Valuable Living, Work or Storage Space
Damage to Stored Possessions & Valuables
Peeling of Paint & Wall Coverings
Damaged Drywall and Mold Growth
Lifting of Floor Tiles, Warping of Paneling and Dry Rot
Carpet Damage (mold, deterioration of padding and carpet)
Termite & Insect Infestation, Rust & Corrosion of Metal Appliances
Serious Health Problems Including Allergy & Respiratory Ailments due to Fungus, Molds and Mildew
Serious Structural Damage
Enlargement of Existing Cracks
Bowing/Buckling of Walls
Collapsed Walls
Failure of Pier Support Areas
Problem Signs
Mold and/or Mildew
Fungus that grows in damp, dark areas, causes discoloration, musty smells and odors.
Musty Odors
This is the result of the decay process from mold, mildew, and dry rot.
Damp Spots on Walls
Sign that water has absorbed through wall Block will have dark gray splotches in various places.
White Chalky Substance on Walls
Known as efflorescence, this is a chemical breakdown of the bonding agent that holds your walls together. Sign of water infiltration and possible structural deterioration.
Cracked Walls
Sign that foundation has moved/shifted. Should be inspected to determine the exact cause.
Peeling Paint
Sign that the wall has taken moisture inside, as paint will not stick to a wet surface.
Rust on Appliances or Metal Furniture
Look for rust on bottoms of furniture, water heaters, air conditioning equipment and other metal appliances. Sign of dampness and water evaporation.
Dry Rot
Dark brown/black fungus. Grows on walls and other surfaces.
Grows mostly on wooden surfaces, causing wood to decay.
Warped Paneling
Moisture will cause paneling to bow and discolor, commonly at the bottom portion of the paneling.
Waterproofing and Protection
Waterproofing and protection techniques are used to control deterioration of structures. These techniques alter service or exposure condition, enhance physical properties, install barriers, alter electrochemical behavior, or halt water infiltration.
Waterproofing and coating techniques prevent water from entering or exiting a structure through cracks, joints, or failed water-stops, while protection techniques extend the time duration between maintenance and repair cycles.
Choosing appropriate techniques requires an evaluation of factors such as cause/effect relationships, useful life, constructability, environmental aesthetics, and cost- benefits.
WATERPROOFING & PROTECTION SYSTEMS:
- Membranes
- Protective Sealers & Coatings
- Crack Sealing & Repair
- Drainage Systems
- Expansion Joints
- Cathodic Protection
- Chloride Removal
