Foundation & Retaining Wall Waterproofing
For below-ground building elements, waterproofing alone is not sufficient — water must be directed away from the structure before it can bear against it. Even the best membrane will eventually fail under sustained hydrostatic pressure if drainage is not working.
The source of dampness, efflorescence and paint failure observed in basement spaces is investigated; whether the solution is waterproofing, drainage or both is established and documented in writing.
Scope
- Identifying the source of basement dampness and water entry
- Specifying the retaining wall and foundation waterproofing system
- Kicker joint (construction joint) detail solution
- Assessment of drainage channel, filter layer and outfall solution
- Drainage and protection board selection
- Supervision during excavation and backfill stages
Most common errors
Kicker joint left unresolvedThe construction joint between foundation and retaining wall is not sealed; water enters most frequently at this point.
Drainage not workingDrainage pipe is laid without falls or has no outfall; water accumulates in the ground and applies hydrostatic pressure to the waterproofing.
Excavation spoil used as backfillFilter layer is omitted and excavation spoil is used directly; drainage is blocked.
No protection boardWaterproofing is left without a protection board; it is punctured during backfill and becomes ineffective.
Membrane does not reach ground levelMembrane is not taken sufficiently above ground level; surface water enters at the unprotected zone.
Internal surface sealing assumed to be a solutionNegative-side treatments applied from the inside provide a temporary effect; the root cause is not eliminated.
How it works
Site inspection
The building is visited in person. Neither diagnosis nor solution is discussed before this step is complete.
Written report and technical specification
Findings, cause and required work are put in writing: which product, which thickness, in which sequence, with which detail.
Line-by-line quotation evaluation
What is to be applied to which surface, how many square metres, which materials and the cost of each item are made clearly visible.
Application supervision
Where required, the consultant is present on site; critical details are checked before they are covered and non-conformances are reported in writing.
Make a request
When the request form is completed with location and scope, the enquiry arrives with the context needed to give a direct response.
