Waterproofing System

Waterproofing failures are more easily overlooked than roofing failures, so we tend to hear less about them. But compared with a re-roofing project, a below-grade or interior waterproofing rehabilitation can be far more disruptive—and expensive. While prevention is the obvious first choice for waterproofing success, there are many occasions for error: in design, during construction, and throughout operation.

Waterproofing, because it is so difficult to access, should have a design life as long as that of the building. With so many opportunities for damage, incorrect design, or poor execution, waterproofing systems can fail well before their time. When this happens, architectural investigation is needed to determine the location and cause of the leak, the extent of the damage, and the appropriate remedy.

Water infiltration doesn’t fix itself. While it can be a major undertaking to properly identify and correct faulty waterproofing, it is far worse to adopt a patch-it-and-hope-for-the-best attitude. All too often, even well-meaning attempts at treating the symptoms of waterproofing failure serve only to trap or redirect moisture, compounding the problem. Until the waterproofing deficiency is resolved, the problem will only get worse.