Page 347 - Construction Waterproofing Handbook

REMEDIAL WATERPROOFING 8.7

FIGURE 8.5 Removal of pollutants, before visual inspection, is necessary.
(Courtesy of American Building Restoration Products)

of damage. This analysis includes a review of all pertinent construction documents and
maintenance records. Proper repair methods and materials can then be chosen to complete
remedial or restoration treatments. For example, if silicone sealants have previously been
used in building joints, new sealants must be compatible with silicone, or complete
removal, including joint grinding is required.
In reviewing test and inspection results, selecting repair procedures also depends on exist-
ing substrate conditions. For instance, if testing has revealed that mortar joints are allowing
more water infiltration than existing dampproofing and flashing systems can adequately han-
dle, a sealer application to masonry and mortar to prevent excess water infiltration may be
required. However, if mortar joints are cracked or disbonded or have low strength, as deter-
mined by testing, a sealer application will not be successful. Additional repairs such as tuck-
pointing would be required before sealer application, to restore the envelope.
Determining water infiltration causes and choosing repair systems and materials should be
done by trained and experienced professionals. Prepared recommendations should
be supplied to contractors for bid preparation. This ensures that all bids are prepared on the
same basis of information, procedures, materials, and systems.
If recommended procedures are complicated or consist of several required methods to
complete restoration, preparation of project specifications may be required. Specifications
detail the types of products, materials, or systems to be used, and the manner and location
in which they are to be applied.
In addition to specifications, drawings may be required to show repair locations and
their relationship to adjacent building envelope components. This enables contractors to
prepare adequate bids for completion of remedial repairs and the restoration project. Any
additional information that is useful to bidding contractors, such as as-built drawings, orig-
inal job specifications, and access to site for reviewing existing job-site conditions, should
also be provided.