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Hydrostop Expert Marek Mularczyk on Common Mistakes in Traditional Waterproofing
Are you considering waterproofing but unsure which materials to choose?
Together with Hydrostop expert Marek Mularczyk, we have prepared a short series on waterproofing. Here, you will find answers to essential questions:
What is waterproofing?
How to properly apply waterproofing?
Is foundation waterproofing necessary?
What Can Go Wrong with Traditional Waterproofing Methods?
Traditional coating-based waterproofing materials include roofing felt, sheet membranes, and liquid coatings.
For effective waterproofing, three key principles must be followed:
- The waterproofing layer must adhere tightly to the substrate.
- The transition between vertical and horizontal surfaces must be seamless.
- The system must form a completely sealed structure, with properly executed joints and overlaps on the bottom slab.
While these principles seem straightforward in theory, practical execution on-site is much more challenging, as the work is carried out by regular construction workers rather than specialists.
The Illustration Below Shows:
- Overlap on the left and right, ensuring proper adhesion.
- Correct heat-sealing of the material.
- Expansion joints, requiring the installation of an expansion joint cord.
- A chamfer at the base of the wall in the first layer of roofing felt, creating a smooth transition between vertical and horizontal waterproofing.
Waterproofing can be applied this way, but everything can go wrong in the process. Even one poorly executed area where water infiltrates will cause water migration between the waterproofing layers, spreading to various parts of the building.
How to Solve This Issue?
Sometimes, changing the foundation type can allow for a different waterproofing method. Instead of using traditional footings and foundation walls, the building can be founded on a reinforced concrete bottom slab. This approach enables the use of crystallizing materials to seal the concrete, creating a watertight reinforced concrete box in the basement.
I understand the concerns about borrowing formwork and coordinating with specialized companies that construct such reinforced concrete structures. However, this method is far more effective, reliable, and simpler to execute.
When calculating the total cost of traditional waterproofing, including sealing connections, overlaps, and expansion joint cords, it may turn out that the cost of renting formwork and hiring professionals to build a reinforced concrete box is fully covered within that budget.
Want to Learn More About Waterproofing?
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For additional questions about waterproofing, contact our specialist at (+48) 533 343 595.
