Foundation waterproofing protection options

The foundation of any building is the foundation, the importance of which is difficult to overestimate. Its reliability, strength and durability depend on many operating conditions and factors, one of which is the influence of groundwater and surface waters. The foundation needs protection using waterproofing. However, few people know that the waterproofing layer also needs protection.

What is the purpose of waterproofing protection?

The answer to this question will become clear if we explain how waterproofing is carried out: a pit is dug, a foundation is laid, it is waterproofed using rolled bituminous materials, and backfilling is carried out. And it is this last stage, backfilling, that can be a source of problems. The soil may contain inclusions (stones, boulders, construction debris) that can damage the waterproofing layer.

Therefore, it is a clear recommendation from professionals to ensure the protection of the waterproofing material.

Two materials can be used for protection:

Profiled membranes

Extruded polystyrene foam

Profiled membrane for waterproofing protection

There are two types of membranes: protective and drainage.

Protective

The technology of waterproofing protection using a profiled membrane involves the use of a material based on high-density polyethylene. The profiled surface, consisting of numerous conical protrusions 8 mm high, reduces soil pressure on the waterproofing.

Important! A membrane made of polyethylene is characterized by high strength, which leads to a service life of 30 years or more.

Examples from our catalog: Protective membranes weighing 500 g/m²

Black membrane

ESKO TEKNIK profiled membrane drainage membrane

Profiled membranes also include products with drainage functionality. Bitumen-based waterproofing cannot withstand the strong hydrostatic pressure of surface and groundwater and can be damaged. To prevent membrane damage, use a profiled membrane and drainage pipes.

Water must flow freely from the foundation walls to the pipes. For this purpose, a profiled membrane with a geotextile layer is used. This allows water to penetrate the surface of the membrane, filter it from the soil, and pass into the drainage pipes.

Important! When selecting drainage membranes, pay attention to the method of attaching the geotextile to the polyethylene: due to better adhesion of both membranes, thermal rather than adhesive bonding is preferred.

Basic installation rules

Rolls 2.0-2.07 m wide can be placed on foundation walls both vertically and horizontally.

Protective membranes are installed with the protrusions adjacent to the wall, while drainage membranes are installed with the protrusions facing outward (the flat surface should be adjacent to the wall).

The top edge of the membrane is covered with a special film, not flush with the edge of the foundation, so that it can be attached to the building wall with wide-head dowels.

If the foundation depth is less than 2 meters, the membranes are attached to the wall with planks.

The membranes should completely cover the surface of the foundation walls, down to the footing at the bottom.

Membranes should not be attached to the entire height to avoid compromising the integrity of the waterproofing layer.

The joints can be overlapped by 15-20 cm and secured with self-adhesive buttons or tongue-and-groove joints.

The following advantages of the membrane can be distinguished:

Economical – cheaper than a concrete intermediate layer;

Reliable – protects the foundation from moisture;

Technologically advanced – prevents cement loss from concrete. Extruded polystyrene foam for foundation protection