Foundation waterproofing is a crucial element in ensuring the stability and longevity of any building.
Effective waterproofing prevents water from penetrating the building’s structures, protecting them from rot, deformation, corrosion, and other forms of structural damage.
Depending on the type of water pressure, waterproofing systems are categorized into different groups.
Although the specific classifications may vary between countries, most systems fall into at least three main categories:
Soil moisture and non-pressurized seepage water
Water flows past the structure without exerting pressure.
Moderate exposure to pressurized water
Water exerts short-term pressure on the structure (e.g., puddles on horizontal surfaces).
Constant pressurized water
The structure is continuously exposed to water under pressure.
For non-pressurized seepage water, common thin waterproofing materials can be used.
These materials protect against the infiltration of soil moisture but do not guarantee complete water resistance.
When short-term pressurized water is present, stronger materials with higher water resistance are necessary.
Examples include liquid-applied bitumen membranes or bitumen sheet membranes, which are typically installed using specialized pumps and skilled labor to ensure a high-quality, durable result.
In areas exposed to constant pressurized water, it is recommended to use elastic mineral-based, elastic bitumen-based, or elastic polyurethane resin-based waterproofing materials.
These products are specially designed to bond firmly to the substrate and withstand long-term exposure to pressurized water. Installation also generally requires specialized equipment and experienced installers.
Choosing the correct waterproofing material depends critically on the type of water pressure affecting the foundation.
Selecting the appropriate system is essential for maintaining the building’s stability and long-term durability.
Our trusted partner Primostar OÜ supplies us with most of the necessary waterproofing materials.
For foundation waterproofing, we primarily use products from leading German manufacturers Schomburg GmbH and Köster Bauchemie AG, as well as from the construction chemical group SIKA AG.