WATERPROOFING BASICS
Various components contribute to a waterproofing system, such as drainage composites that direct water away from the structure, tie-ins between facade and foundation membranes, and watertight plumbing in food service areas.
Impervious membranes are one critical component of waterproofing, both for below-grade applications (e.g. foundation walls, basements, tunnels, and vaults) and areas subject to high moisture levels (e.g. fountains, lobbies, kitchens, and mechanical rooms). Waterproofing membranes may be applied on the ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ side. Positive-side waterproofing
By creating a waterproof barrier on the side of applied hydrostatic pressure, positive-side waterproofing prevents water from entering the wall. For a foundation, this would be the outside surface, closest to the soil; for a fountain, it would be the inside (i.e. where the water is).
Hybrid systems - combining a fluid-applied membrane with embedded fabric reinforcing to create