Page 342 - Construction Waterproofing Handbook

8.2 CHAPTER EIGHT

FIGURE 8.1 Deteriorated leaking concrete substrate. (Courtesy of Webac)

Once an inspection has been completed, causes determined, extent of damage reviewed,
and systems or materials chosen, a complete and thorough cleaning of the structure or sub-
strate is done. This cleaning may reveal additional problems inherent in a substrate.
Before waterproofing, application repairs to substrates must be completed, since water-
proofing materials should not be applied over unsound or damaged substrates. After this
preparatory work is complete, remedial systems should be applied by trained and experi-
enced personnel (Fig. 8.2).
To reiterate, the sequence of events in remedial or restoration applications (as they differ
from new applications), the following actions are necessary:

1. Inspection of damage and leakage
2. Determination of cause
3. Choice of systems for repair
4. Substrate cleaning and preparation
5. Restoration work
6. Waterproofing system application

INSPECTION

Once an inspection is determined necessary, through either routine maintenance or direct
leakage reports, a thorough analysis of a building’s envelope should be completed. This
analysis includes an inspection of all envelope components and their termination or con-
nections to other components. This inspection determines causes of water infiltration and
the extent of damage to building components (e.g., shelf angles).
Before the inspection, all available existing information should be assembled to assist
in analyzing current problems. This information includes as-built drawings, specifications,