Waterproofing checklist
Important considerations for specifiers and contractors
he specifier and the contractor should under-
T stand one another’s concepts, capabilities and
expectations before the work starts. It is likely
that each can contribute information that is of
use to the other in reaching a common understand-
ing of what is to be done. Both may find the following
checklist, or parts of it, useful in seeing that the job is
accomplished successfully.
CONCRETE WORK
❏ 1. No materials used in or on the concrete or forms that
can interfere with adhesion of the barrier material to the
concrete—such as curing compounds, form release
agents, or admixtures. (Polyethylene sheet lining for
forms may be a useful alternative to release agents.)
❏ 2. Design with absolute minimum number of penetra-
tions through the barrier since penetrations greatly in-
crease the probability of leakage
❏ 3. Sufficient joints provided to accommodate movement
of the concrete without cracking
❏ 4. Clear specification of the surface quality and finish of
concrete expected to serve as a suitable substrate for the
barrier material
DESIGN AND SELECTION OF SYSTEM
❏ 1. Provision in the design for subsurface and surface
drainage systems to reduce water pressure where this is
useful
❏ 2. Except where there are other overriding circumstances,
preference given to barrier materials that are completely
bonded to the concrete substrate (rather than unbonded
barrier materials), thereby precluding possibility that wa-
ter will migrate at the interface and make leakage difficult
to trace if the membrane should rupture.
❏ 3. Barrier system not chosen for application over concrete
deck that already has barrier on the underside, which
could cause blistering or delamination from encapsulat-
ed moisture, unless the barrier can be vented
❏ 4. Liquid-applied materials not used over unreinforced
lightweight aggregate concrete fills or thin veneers that
contain polyvinyl acetate or other latex admixtures or
bonding agents
❏ 5. Confirmation by the manufacturer that the barrier sys-
tem selected is suitable for the use intended and guaran-
tee received from the manufacturer, with whatever limita-
tions are necessary regarding its performance
Acknowledgment
This article is based on information taken from ACI
515.1R-79, “A Guide to the Use of Waterproofing, Damp-
proofing, Protective and Decorative Barrier Systems for
Concrete,” Concrete International, November 1979, page
41, available from American Concrete Institute, Box
19150, Detroit, Michigan 48219.
❏ 6. Inclusion in the specifications of the type of flashing
and reinforcing material to be used at all openings and
projections where the barrier will terminate
❏ 7. Questions or disputed matters regarding the manufac-
turer’s guide specification resolved before contract docu-
ments or final specifications are issued for bids
APPLICATION
❏ 1. Approval and certification of the applicator by the
manufacturer of the barrier system
❏ 2. All technical data from the manufacturer and the appli-
cator submitted to the specifying agency after contract
has been awarded
❏ 3. Agreement between designer and contractor on limita-
tions and requirements for application, as imposed by
weather conditions such as high or low temperature, rain
or wind
❏ 4. Liquid-applied barriers not used to cover, hide or level
surface irregularities
❏ 5. Continuous support provided for sheet barriers during
handling so that punctures do not occur
❏ 6. Protection provided for the barrier when work is per-
formed over it or near it
❏ 7. Weather-resistant flashing and other necessary protec-
tive materials provided for any barrier materials which
are not resistant to ultraviolet light or ozone if these mate-
rials would otherwise be exposed to weather. (For exam-
ple, clear polyethylene films should not be left exposed.)
❏ 8. Protection provided for the membrane system before
backfilling
❏ 9. On horizontal installations, flood tests performed after
work is completed
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Copyright © 1981, The Aberdeen Group
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