The terms Dampproofing and Foundation Waterproofing are not equal. Dampproofing refers to products that have been used for decades to treat foundation walls. Unfortunately, dampproofing is not waterproofing! Dampproofing can only stop water vapor, not water under hydrostatic pressure. Also, dampproofing has no crack bridging capabilities. When the foundation cracks, so does the dampproofing, allowing water to enter the basement living space.
Foundation waterproofing must do two things to keep a basement dry. It must span foundation cracks and stop water under hydrostatic pressure. This is the only way to guarantee that your belongings in your basement will remain dry. Many local building authorities now require homes that have “finished” basement areas to be waterproofed.
| On the left: Dampproofing is unable to bridge over cracks that develop in the foundation, letting water into the basement. |
On the right: Foundation waterproofing membranes have polymers that allow the waterproofing to span cracks in a foundation. Thus, preventing water from entering a basement. |
To learn more about foundation waterproofing, visit Applied Technologies at their web site.
