Waterproofing

Below-grade waterproofing may be evaluated through construction photographs, drawings, specifications, factory or product information, inspection records, excavation and repair documentation, drainage information, and selective exposure where appropriate. Relevant conditions can include membrane continuity, foundation-wall or slab preparation, penetrations, joints, terminations, protection layers, drainage components, and transitions between horizontal and vertical waterproofing. The evidence and investigative methods vary among pre-applied, post-applied, sheet, fluid-applied, bentonite, and other systems. Because much of the completed waterproofing becomes concealed, contemporaneous installation and inspection records can be particularly useful.

An appropriately selected water test can show whether an assembly permits leakage under defined test conditions and may help narrow the area requiring further investigation. The appropriate method depends on the waterproofing system, configuration, slope, structural capacity, exposure, and accessibility; flood testing, spray testing, and other methods do not have identical applications or limitations. Test duration, water depth or application method, drainage, surrounding construction, and observations made during the test should therefore be documented. A test result demonstrates how the evaluated assembly responded under those conditions and should be interpreted together with physical inspection rather than treated as proof of every possible service condition or breach location.