MYTH/FALLACY
This is a most known and accepted waterproofing practice since...
FACT/TRUTH
Waterproofing is not an established order. Ambiguous practices from the past permeate contemporary thinking and acting with no plausible explanation and without proper filtering.
Pay the necessary tribute to the workmanship and practices of seasoned, skilled workmen but do challenge them on a continuous basis.
These men are notorious for not adapting themselves to the new conditions and developments, developments unparalleled in history of waterproofing.
Modern waterproofing needs:
* an excellent command of the relevant theory: moisture sources, moisture movement mechanisms/forces etc.
* a profound knowledge of the contemporary waterproofing products and techniques.
* explicit instructions for the individual projects.
* a decent workmanship.
In other works waterproofing needs an holistic approach.
MYTH/FALLACY
Product X has a proven track record. Thus you can perfectly rely on it!
FACT/TRUTH
Waterproofing is not statistics!! Every situation is from slightly to vastly different from former situations.
Track record is only one of the preconditions for a desirable outcome.
For other necessary preconditions please check above.
Waterproofing needs sound judgement!
MYTH/FALLACY
This is the best waterproofing product!
FACT/TRUTH
Best for what? You need to specify!
Every product has a certain range of applications. It's perfect for one job, but mediocre or even totally unacceptable for another.
Waterproofing needs deep knowledge!
MYTH/FALLACY
If I use the most expensive product, success is guaranteed.
FACT/TRUTH
Far from the truth! You can give idoneous solutions with low priced waterproofing products/systems.
Most expensive products will only justify their cost in special cases where the extra capabilities are really needed.
Waterproofing needs hard-earned experience
4 fundamental / archetypal questions:
Every single time you are called to give a solution to a waterproofing problem, you will have first to answer the following 4 fundamental / archetypal questions:
1. Origin or source of moisture. Where exactly moisture come from?
You must locate moisture source with fair accuracy.
Please check the relevant article on articlesbase.com
2. Which is the exact path/route moisture followed from the source until the manifestation of the problem (symptom)?
If you know the path/route you can achieve waterproofing e.g.:
* by intercepting water at a certain point
* by draining water - creating the proper drainage plane.
3. What is the form under which moisture is transported?
* Is it liquid (water) or gaseous (water vapor)?
* Can we speak about adsorption?
* Or maybe condensation?
* Any combination of the above?
4. What are the main mechanisms / forces responsible for moisture movement / transport?
Please check the relevant articles on articlesbase.com. You will find every detail on moisture movement mechanisms.
Knowledge of these mechanisms / driving forces is indispensable for the successful explanation and resolution of every waterproofing problem.
I remind that the main moisture transport mechanisms - listed hereunder in order of descending priority - are:
1. Massive water ingress from discontinuities of the building envelope.
2. Capillary suction (absorption)
3. Moist air leakage / moist air convection
4. Vapor diffusion
Answering the above questions is a necessary - though not sufficient - prerequisite for the successful specification, diagnosis and solution of every waterproofing problem.
Chris Strogilis
http://maconwaterproofing.blogspot.com
About the Author:
Civil engineer with postgraduate studies in MBA and Marketing
