Design Mistakes

Hydrostop expert Marek Mularczyk discusses common design mistakes.

Are you considering waterproofing but unsure which materials to choose?

Together with Hydrostop expert Marek Mularczyk, we have prepared a short series dedicated to waterproofing. Here, you’ll find answers to key questions:

• What is waterproofing?
• How is waterproofing applied?
• Is foundation waterproofing necessary?

Common Design Mistakes

Unfortunately, there are many potential mistakes that can be made during the design phase. One of the first challenges arises when determining the number of construction joints and expansion joints.

• The designer often prefers more construction joints to ensure proper concrete curing.
• The contractor, on the other hand, aims for fewer joints to pour as large an area of concrete as possible in a single go.

Another commonly overlooked aspect is the design of entry ramps—whether they should be placed on a shared slab or separated by an expansion joint. These decisions should ideally be addressed during the design phase to prevent issues later. On-site, it may turn out that expansion dowels are needed to prevent joint displacement on a slope leading to an underground garage.

Consult Experts Early

To avoid such issues, it's best to consult experienced professionals early in the process.

Important Tip!
When searching for specialists, rely on local building supply stores rather than large online portals or magazines, where many articles are sponsored and overly positive. Local distributors often have first-hand knowledge of skilled professionals and can provide valuable recommendations.

HYDROSTOP Technology