Basement Moisture Conditions, Their Cause and
Associated Damages are Creating Unfavorable Conditions
for Living Spaces. Improvement in Building Envelope
Requirements has Demanded Better Systems of Protection
for Below Grade Construction.
We will take a look at these Conditions, and some
Advanced Materials that have Improved The Building
Envelope Construction over Traditional Materials and
Methods.
DEW TECHNOLOGY CENTRE- 2010
Moisture Problems – Major Causes of Below Grade Moisture Entry
Concrete cracks - Cracks in a foundation walls of concrete or masonry compromises the
structures ability to provide a barrier to water/moisture entry. Causes of cracks are
settlement, expansive soils, frost, shrinkage due to natural process of concrete curing.
Hydrostatic Pressure – Ground water pressure build up that exerts lateral and vertical
pressures on the foundation structure
Capillary Action – The movement of liquid moisture through a structure or substrate
(concrete) using voids and fissures in the material acting as a path for water travel
Vapor Transmission – The movement of air borne moisture through a structure or substrate
due to vapor pressure equalization (high concentration to low concentration)
Condensation – The formation of liquid moisture on or within a structure or substrate due to
the airborne moisture concentration and temperature conditions being ideal for water to form
DEW TECHNOLOGY CENTRE- 2010
Let’s take a look at these Five Major Causes of Moisture Entry into Basements
Capillary Action
Concrete Capillaries
Capillary Development
Minimal Wall Protection
Water
Pocket
Water Intrusion
Capillaries
Foundation Wall
DEW TECHNOLOGY CENTRE- 2010
Let’s take a look at how these Five Major Causes Affect Your Basements
Capillary Action
Insulation/Vapor Barrier
Minimal Wall Protection
Saturated Wall Assembly
Water
Pocket
Mold & Mildew
Dampness on Floor
Moisture infiltration results in – Unhealthy Air + Dampness + Wall Assembly Damage
DEW TECHNOLOGY CENTRE- 2010
Let’s take a look at these Five Major Causes of Moisture Entry into Basements
Vapor Transmission
Minimal Wall Protection
45% RH
Water
65% RH
Vapor
RH = Relative Humidity
55% RH
Water Vapor
DEW TECHNOLOGY CENTRE- 2010
Let’s Review some Major Reasons for Defects in Foundation Walls
Foundation/Soil Settlement
Concrete Shrinkage
Improper Grading
Construction Joints
Below Grade Services
DEW TECHNOLOGY CENTRE- 2010
Traditional Materials and Application Methods to
Waterproof Foundations as a Stand Alone Protection
System are being Replaced or Complemented by Newer
more Reliable Materials and Systems.
Building Codes are taking notice of their Success and
Endorses Their Use with Recognition of Third Party
Product Testing, Assessments and Approvals. This
Presentation will look at Two of the More Popular Systems
being used in Construction Today.
DEW TECHNOLOGY CENTRE- 2010
Advantages of Using Plastic Dimple Sheet & Geocomposite
Drainage Products to Control Ground Moisture Migration, and
Water Damage with the Potential to Reduce or Eliminate the
formation of Mould and Mildew in Basements.
DEW TECHNOLOGY CENTRE- 2010
How can Dimple Sheet Waterproofing Protect you from Water Damage
Dimple Sheet
Concrete Foundation Wall Cracks
Structural Crack
Water
Basement
Pocket
Interior
Water
Pocket
Crack
Dimple Sheet bridges cracks in foundation walls to continue
protecting your home and family even after a crack
develops.
DEW TECHNOLOGY CENTRE- 2010
How can Dimple Sheet Waterproofing Protect you from Water Damage
Capillary Break (Stop)
Dimple Sheet
Dimple Sheet
Capillary Break
Water
Pocket
Basement
Water
Interior
Pocket
Foundation
DEW TECHNOLOGY CENTRE- 2010
How can Dimple Sheet Waterproofing Protect you from Water Damage
Vapor Transmission
RH = Relative Humidity
Dimple Sheet
Dimple Sheet Vapor Retarder
Interior
45% RH
Water
Dimple Sheet for
65% RH
Under Slab
Vapor
Water
Vapor
Water Vapor
Foundation
DEW TECHNOLOGY CENTRE- 2010
How can Dimple Sheet Waterproofing Protect you from Water Damage
Condensation
DEW Point
DEW Point
Dimple Sheet
Air Gap
Dimple Sheet
Interior
Temperature
68° F
Soil
Temperature
37° F
Soil
Temp.
37° F
Air Gap assists to reduce interior
condensation on foundation walls by
creating moderated air flow between
Dimple Sheet and foundation wall
Foundation
Moderated Air
Technologically Advanced Drainage Solutions over Traditional Drainage Systems
Don’t Let Ground Water and Hydrostatic Pressure Stop You From Enjoying Your Home
DEW TECHNOLOGY CENTRE- 2010
Conditions When You Should Consider Using Composite Drains
 Hill Side Construction
 High Ground Water Table (with mechanical pumping system)
 Perched Water Table
 Poor Draining Soils (Clay & Silt)
 Building in Flood Plain areas (with mechanical pumping system)
 Building near steep up sloped lands
DEW TECHNOLOGY CENTRE- 2010
Hydrostatic Pressure – What Affects it has on Your Foundation
Foundation
Wall
Hydrostatic
Hydrostatic
Wall
Pressure
Foundation
Pressure
Crack
Wall
Basement Floor
Hydrostatic
Wall Deflection
Pressure
Lateral Stresses
Stress Cracks and
Floor Slab Uplift
DEW TECHNOLOGY CENTRE- 2010
Let’s see why Hydrostatic Pressure is a Cause of Moisture Entry into Basements
Hydrostatic Pressure – Ground Water
Minimal Wall Protection
Interior
Pressure
Water
Pocket
Hydrostatic Pressure
Basement
Foundation Wall
Concrete Capillaries
DEW TECHNOLOGY CENTRE- 2010
The best way to deal with Hydrostatic Pressure is to “Redirect the Ground Water” to an outlet
Let’s take a look at how Hydrostatic Pressure Affects Your Basement
Hydrostatic Pressure – Ground Water
Insulation/Vapor Barrier
Minimal Wall Protection
Saturated Wall Assembly
Surface Finish Damaged
Water
Pressure
Pocket
Basement Flood
Hydrostatic Pressure can cause – Basement Flooding + Structural Damage + Property Damage
DEW TECHNOLOGY CENTRE- 2010
How can Technologically Advanced Drain Products Protect your foundation
from Water Damage
Hydrostatic Pressure – Ground Water
Geocomposite
Drain Board
Basement
Water
Interior
Pocket
Waterproofing
Drainage Core
Fabric
Water
Pocket
Foundation
DEW TECHNOLOGY CENTRE- 2010
Additional Uses for Geocomposite Drainage Products
DEW TECHNOLOGY CENTRE- 2010