Below-grade Waterproofing
By Masonry
All foundations will eventually get cracks, typically within the first year. Some coatings stretch over the cracks but become weaker, while others can crack with the foundation leaving your wall prone to headwater pressure. Typical tar coatings may dissipate into the soil in as little as five years due to ground settlement and the alkalis in the soil.
While a coating may seal the foundation, keeping water out, it does not provide for soil drainage and may also trap moisture caused by high indoor humidity and dampness inside the home. This interior moisture can create the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth.
Superseal Dimpled Membrane is a tough 24-mil HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene Membrane). Superseal Dimpled membrane is unrolled against the concrete block foundation with the dimples facing the wall and fastened with Superseal DimpleGrip Molding along the entire top edge, hanging like a curtain. Vertical joins are overlapped and buttoned like a shirt with Superseal Plugs. This creates an air space that keeps the backfill from touching the concrete block foundation while allowing construction or interior moisture to condense on the membrane and fall freely to the drainage tile for removal. Superseal Dimpled Membrane is not a coating so it has no curing time and can be backfilled immediately to provide waterproofing and 6.6 gal/min/ft of drainage in one application. Typical wall cracks do not affect the membrane's performance and it is resistant to alkalis, acids and salts. It also contains 30% HDPE recycled content. The E.P.A. estimates HDPE will take about 300 years to degrade when buried.
Superseal Dimpled Membrane was awarded a CCMC approval, is pending an ICC approval, and meets all U.S. and Canadian standards, ASTM and CGSB requirements.
About the Author
Masonry, the official publication of the Mason Contractors Association of America, covers every aspect of the mason contractor profession - equipment and techniques, building codes and standards, business planning, promoting your business, legal issues and more. Read or subscribe to Masonry magazine at www.masonrymagazine.com.
