Masonry Magazine February 2007 Page. 48
WATERPROOFING
The quantity of moisture doesn't matter if you're using an above-grade product improperly for below-grade protection.
Delta-MS bridges all size cracks, ignores damage points, and deflects water, as well as soil dampness. It also allows for the drainage of construction moisture to the footer drain.
"Delta-MS is a highly effective waterproofing protection system based on a uniquely formed air-gap membrane," he added. "The main component is the plastic (HDPE) membrane, formed in a dimple pattern to create an air gap at the foundation wall. This design allows any water getting past the dimpled plastic sheet to fall freely to the footer drain. This membrane is remarkably impermeable to water and water vapor, and impervious to acids and other agents. The HDPE is tough, resilient and durable with an expected service life of more than 50 years."
How Much Moisture Do We Need to Protect Against?
"DIFFERENT SOILS allow moisture to flow at different rates," Keene said. "Large particle soils, such as sandy soils, have 100 times the flow rate as a small particle soil like clay. I think it is important to note that the quantity of moisture that flows below grade is rather small compared to what we think it might be. Even in a 40-foot foundation, in the most open soil type, such as one that is mostly sand with a little clay, the quantity of water the channel is capable of delivering to the bottom of the foundation is less than a gallon a minute per foot of foundation length. If that same foundation were in a more typical soil like clay, the quantity of water is measured in ounces per minute, per foot of foundations - a trickle."
Of course, the quantity of moisture doesn't matter if you're using an above-grade product improperly for below-grade protection.
"There are some things that are used on block walls that won't work below grade," Keene said. "For example, penetrating sealers designed to make the surface of block impenetrable by water. Plastic sheeting that is sometimes used as a vapor barrier but won't stand up to the rigors of backfill and doesn't adhere to the foundation wall. Waterproofing products that are cement based and coat the outside of the cement block with a finer grade cementitious product. Hydraulic cement materials that plug the holes or cracks in the mortar joints - the water will just find another hole. And finally, interior coating of block as the only approach to waterproof the wall - there is no way of eliminating the hydrostatic head pressure from the inside of the building."
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