The Consequences of Poorly Analyzed Soil Test Results

Hydrostop expert Marek Mularczyk will explain the consequences of poorly analyzed soil test results.

Are you considering performing waterproofing, but don't know which materials to choose?

Together with Hydrostop expert Marek Mularczyk, we have prepared a short series dedicated to waterproofing. Here you will find answers to questions such as: What is waterproofing? How to perform waterproofing? Is foundation waterproofing important?

What Happens If You Misinterpret the Results of a Soil Survey?

A lot can go wrong. Most importantly, if you develop an incorrect understanding of how soil layers are distributed and what risks you face from groundwater or an aggressive environment, you will make poor decisions regarding the building’s foundation and waterproofing methods.

The illustration shows a traditional foundation method: footing, foundation strip, and light damp-proof insulation. This is an appropriate approach provided that the soil around the building is permeable, the groundwater level is below the foundation, and there is no risk from aggressive environmental conditions.

However, if you misinterpret the soil survey results and groundwater periodically reaches the foundation level, you must use heavy waterproofing. In such cases, everything may seem fine—but in reality, it's not.

Remember, a poorly designed or incorrectly selected waterproofing system can only be repaired after installation—it cannot be fully undone. So how do you fix it?

Here, we see a traditional foundation method. We are using heavy, layered waterproofing. It is incredibly complex—just look at the number of overlaps and individual layers. In practice, this is nearly impossible to execute properly on a construction site, especially by crews building single-family homes.

Sometimes, instead of using this traditional foundation method, it is simpler to opt for a reinforced concrete slab foundation, as shown in the slide.

In this case, the waterproofing is much easier to apply, and you can be sure that your dream basement will always remain dry.

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