Waterproofing
For foundations and basements - generally there are two preferred technologies covering different systems and properties:
- Self-adhesive bitumen membranes (SAM)
- Polymer-modified bituminous thick coatings (PMB)
- Cementitious slurries rigid
- Cementitious slurries flexible
Structural waterproofing is the generic term for techniques that allow buildings to be constructed below ground level and that prevent the ingress of ground moisture through walls and floors. It can be broken down into several application fields, depending on the loads the building is exposed to and the needs that must be met.
Rainfall seeps into the soil and the groundwater level rises. To protect a building against damage by moisture, various measures are necessary depending on the load conditions: waterproofing against ground moisture, seepage water or pressing water. All parts of the building that are in contact with soil and water need to be protected. In particular, this includes the base slab, walls, floors, foundation and planned ground level as well as structural details like penetration and movement joints.
In rare cases, for instance due to the moisture contained in walls or water splashes inside the basement, the wall/foundation interface first needs to be waterproofed to prevent the rear penetration of moisture, before applying bituminous products. The exposed section of the foundation and the wall itself (up to a height of approx. 50 cm) must be waterproofed with a layer of a rigid slurry such CR 65.
As protection against water splashes in the transition zone between ground level and the basement area of the wall, a waterproofing coat of CR 65 Rigid Slurry / CR 166 Flexible Slurry should be applied. The coat should cover approx. 50 cm above the planned ground level and approx. 30 cm below. Afterwards, the foundation area can be finished with plaster or brick tiles.
Polymer-modified bituminous thick coatings (PMB) and selfadhesive membranes (SAM) for cold application adhere to the substrate surface solely due to their specific adhesive power. It is necessary to pretreat the surface with a primer.
Mineral-based products such as waterproofing slurries adhere to the building material through cement crystals. Waterproofing slurries have to be used on moist or even pre-wet building materials. Use of a primer in addition to prewetting with water is not necessary.
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