General construction: how buildings go together
Waterproofing and damp control basics
Water gets into buildings from above, from the ground, and as vapor. Each route needs its own defence. A guide to the layers, the common failures, and what to specify.
Water gets into buildings from above, from the ground, and as vapor. Each route needs its own defence. A guide to the layers, the common failures, and what to specify.
Three routes for water
- Bulk water from rain, roof runoff and the ground. Handled by roofing, flashing, cladding, drainage and below-grade waterproofing.
- Capillary moisture drawn up through porous materials. Handled by a damp-proof course and breaks at the base.
- Vapor moving through materials. Handled by vapor control layers, ventilation and correct assembly order.
Below grade
Basements and slabs need drainage that moves water away, a waterproofing or damp-proofing membrane suited to the water table, and protection of the membrane during backfill. See waterproofing systems.
Above grade
Walls shed water by a drainage plane behind cladding, with flashing at every opening and junction, working top-down like shingles. See water-resistive barriers.
Site grading
The cheapest waterproofing is slope: ground that falls away from the building, downpipes discharged clear of the wall, and no planting beds trapping water at the foundation.
Signs of trouble
Efflorescence (white salts), peeling paint, musty smells, stains and soft timber are signs of water. Find the source before repairing the surface.
Quick answers
- What is the difference between waterproofing and damp-proofing? Waterproofing resists water under pressure; damp-proofing resists moisture without pressure. Which one applies depends on groundwater.
- Can I fix damp from the inside only? Rarely. Interior coatings treat symptoms, so find and fix the source.
- Who should design below-grade waterproofing? The engineer or designer, with the product manufacturer's details.
Keep reading
- Waterproofing systems buying guide
- Water resistive barriers buying guide
- Moisture and condensation in walls
- Foundation types explained: slab, crawlspace, basement and piles
Always check the project drawings and specification, and confirm requirements with the engineer of record and the local authority.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between waterproofing and damp-proofing?
Waterproofing resists water under pressure; damp-proofing resists moisture without pressure. Which one applies depends on groundwater.
Can I fix damp from the inside only?
Rarely. Interior coatings treat symptoms, so find and fix the source.
Who should design below-grade waterproofing?
The engineer or designer, with the product manufacturer's details.
Sources and further reading
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