Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
By H.J. von Fraunhoffer
Abstract
We are all aware of the possible damage, inconvenience and cost which can result from a leaky
roof. Leaking roofs, or walls, are a worry that no home owner wants. A worry‐free waterproof
system is a must for earth sheltered homes. The cost of leaking roofs or walls is more than the
inconvenience they cause. It involves the time and expense of new ceilings, all new finishes or
new carpeting.
Because of the earth cover, moisture lingers longer on roofs and against bermed wall surfaces.
This must be controlled by good drainage and the installation of satisfactory protective coverings
or the exterior of these surfaces. Conventional coverings or coatings used for dampproofing arte
not sufficient for this purpose. If leaks occur they can be difficult to trace and repair. We need, in
this instance, a type of waterproofing material which is tough enough to withstand ponded water,
roof or wall movement (normal expansion and contraction, unstable insulation, changes in
temperature, the pressure of earth or gravel backfill, and in some cases, the formation of ice).
We need the same kind of protection used in commercial construction for roof gardens, roof
ponds, and for high water tables.
Where is waterproofing required?
This will depend to some extent upon location. Those in areas of high rain fall and freezing
conditions in the winter months will need more than locations in the desert areas of the state. In
general, waterproofing will be required on all earth covered areas which may be subjected to
water drainage, water seepage, or water pressure. This will include all roof areas and wall areas
having earth cover. Floors may not require waterproofing if the water table is low and the soil
porous. Where there is concern about moisture seepage from below, a well‐sealed vapor barrier
should be sufficient protection, especially for above‐grave construction. When construction is
below grade (subterranean), great protection may be necessary.
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The areas treated should always be on the outside of the building. Interior treatment is inferior
and damaging. It is more a maintenance type of treatment and is not nearly as satisfactory r
successful as exterior application. The object is to keep the water out of the wall or roof.
If water should get to the roof or wall, it should be prevented from penetrating or migrating by
the installation of barriers to such movement. Migration of water on the outside can make a leak
very difficult to trace on the inside. For this reason, also providing water stops will make any leak
much easier to locate and repair on the exterior side.
There is a myth that most leaks occur at the junction of the walls with the footing. The truth is
that leaks are more likely at the roof or near the top of the wall because that is where the most
water occurs. Most leaks are the result of rain water rather than high water tables. Since
junctures are the places of greatest susceptibility to cracks or fissures due to expansion,
contraction on earth pressure, these places in a structure require special attention as well as to
penetrations through the roof vents, flues, skylights, etc.
Earth sheltered houses must be completely and correctly waterproofed. Damp‐proofing is not
acceptable as an alternate.
Types of Waterproofing
• Bentonite
• Plasticized Polyvinylchloride by Barra Corporation
• Xypex
• Carlisle Sure‐Seal Butyl Sheets
The first one I wish to discuss briefly is called the “Bentonize” waterproofing system,
manufactured by Effective Building Products in St. Paul, Minnesota. Some people consider it the
“Cadillac” of the industry, but this is subject to interpretation. It is an inorganic mineral clay
formulated for waterproofing the external side of underground surfaces. It is not degradable. It
will not breakdown or decompose. It can be spray or trowel applied so as to form an elastic‐type
membrane over rough or smooth surfaces, including stone, concrete block masonry, precast or
poured concrete. It is thickened up slightly at junctures. They recommend the installation of a
companion production called “Waterstop‐Plus” at all cold joints to prevent migration.
The second product is something different. It is a prefabricated waterproofing membrane
material manufactured by Barra Corporation of American In Fairfield, New Jersey, called
“Rhenofol CV 48” or Rhenofol C‐34.” It is a reinforced, plasticized polyvinylchloride (PVC) roofing
membrane. It is used to waterproof flat roofs by solvent welding, or heat welding, lapped sheets
to form a monolithic covering. The membrane can be loose or spot bonded to the structure by
use of Rhenofol discs nailed to the deck prior to installation. It is designed more roof than for
walls, except for low parapet walls above the roof area. Special pieces are used at all joints and
penetrations to provide a very tough, slightly elastic waterproof covering over almost kind of roof
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surface. When properly installed, it can be guaranteed for water‐tightness for a period five (5)
years. It is unaffected by ice, ponded water, deck movement or temperature.
The next one is called “Xypex”, concrete waterproofing by crystallization. It is manufactured by
Xypex Chemicals Ltd., of British Columbia. This is a powder which is mixed with water and applied
as a slurry coat to form a thin membrane coating. It can be a one or two coat application. As a
slurry or paste it can be applied by brush, by brooming or by spray. Special care is taken at all
junctures and expansion joints. It is formulated for concrete surfaces but can also be successfully
applied to concrete block masonry. It contains some Portland cement and so must be cured. It
creates nonsoluble crystals which plug up the voids and capillary tracts in the concrete.
The last is referred to as the Carlisle “Sure‐Seal” waterproofing system as made by Carlisle
Corporation of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. This company also produces prefabricated membranes as
follows: Sure‐Seal Butyl sheet, Sure‐Seal Neoprene sheet, and Sure‐Seal E.P.D.M.. A fourth
product is called Sure‐Seal Liquiseal Waterproofing Membrane. For earth sheltered homes the
Butyl‐rubber membrane and the Liquiseal membrane are the most appropriate for both walls and
roofs. Both form a continuous, seamless rubber membrane which acts as an efficient moisture
barrier. It can be loose or bonded to the structure and is flood tested. It is not affected by ultra‐
violet, ozone, fungi, soil acids, water or bacteria. When property installed the company will
warrant all materials for a useful life of fifteen (15) years. To prevent migration, bonding and
water stops are recommended, limiting any possible infiltration to a small area. Bonding is by
special adhesive. Careful attention is given to junctures and penetrations.
The above are the recommended products and methods. Care must be taken to insure proper
application. The best product can be improperly applied. . . so make certain you receive a
guarantee and/or warranty for a minimum of five (5) years.
Installation Methods
• Spray
• Trowel
• Bristle brush or broom
• Sheets with welded seams
As mentioned in the descriptions above, the methods of installation for liquefied membrane
materials are by spray, trowel, brush or broom. Sheet membrane materials are sealed to each
other by heat seal welding or by special adhesives. Sheets can be as large as 45’ wide by 100’
long. Special care is taken at all inside corners, outside corners, and at intersections by thickening
the membrane or lapping the material. Vents, flues, chimneys and skylights require extra
attention to assure that they will cause no means of water penetration.
Obviously, good workmanship is mandatory. Inspection during installation is important either by
the architect, the company representative or both. The waterproofing usually stops at the top of
the earth fill.
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Costs
Costs per square foot for the installation of different types of waterproofing are difficult to
assemble because of the various factors which affect an installed cost such as:
• Size of sheets used and where sheet good are applied
• Specification fabrication
• Vertical or horizontal application
• Size of areas to be protected
• Compartmentalization required to prevent migration
• Number of splices to be made or special applications needed for junctures and intersections
• The labor costs and freight rates to the area if the manufacturer ahs no local distributor
Estimates should be obtained from two favored manufacturers or contractors to install the
material. Labor will be the largest cost item.
Types of Water Tests
• Garden hose ½” (with sprinkler)
• Garden hose ¾” (with direct impact)
Make certain you let the structure dry out before you backfill. Do not backfill if snow and/or ice
have formed on waterproofing.
Before backfilling, we recommend a minimum of two water tests preferably a few days apart.
Backfilling
• Gravel
• Drains and drainage
• Sand
• Earth (clean)
• Mulch
After waterproofing application, the backfilling or replacement of earth can be done. The type
and method of replacement will depend somewhat upon the type of waterproofing system used.
If the system does not require curing, then backfilling can proceed immediately following water
testing.
In order to facilitate drainage of water, backfilling should start with a small layer of gravel or sand.
Such work is done by powered equipment and if there is a chance this would damage the
waterproofing then a protective board can be installed first and the topsoil is pushed against the
structure to the depth required or desired for good protection against heat transfer. On the roof
areas, a thin layer of compose or mulch is recommended to facilitate the growth of new ground
cover or grass.
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It is important that perforated pipe be installed at the base of all walls to drain off water that
seeps down the walls. Such drain pipe is covered with crushed rock, gravel or sand.
With good waterproofing, water on the outside of the structure should present no problem. But it
is sound policy to provide for good drainage as well.
For additional product information
Additional information on any of the products mentioned in this article can be obtained by
contacting the manufacturer directly.
Please note: reference to the below‐named products does not necessarily constitute an
endorsement by Earth Sheltered Living.
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Company Info Products:
Barra Corporation of America Plasticized Polyvinylchloride PVC‐ Systems
1275 Bloomfield Avenue Rhenofol C‐34
Fairfield, NJ 07006 Rhenofol CV 48
(201) 227‐7874
Carlisle Tire & Rubber Co. Sure‐Seal Waterproofing Systems
Construction Materials Dept. Butyl, Neoprene, Liquiseal, E.P.D.M.
P.O. Box 99
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249‐1000
Effective Building Products Inc. Bentonize R‐80‐T
1724 Concordia Avenue Bentonize R‐80‐S
St. Paul, MN 55104 Waterstop‐Plus
(612) 644‐7414
Pecora Corporation Duramem Seamless
165 Wambold Road Elastomeric Membrane, H500 and V500
Harleysville, PA 19438
(215) 723‐6051
Sprayfoam Southwest, Inc. Urethane Foam
644 West 24th Street Diathon elastomer coating
Tempe, AZ 85282
(602) 967‐8550
Xypex Chemicals (Canada) Ltd
12520 Vickers Way
Richmond, BC, Canada V6V 1H9
(604) 273‐5265
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