TECHNICAL REFERENCE DIAGRAMS
Complete basement waterproofing system showing drainage, dampproofing, and backfill
Proper drainage tile installation with bedding and backfill specifications
Membrane waterproofing and step flashing installation details
A
Air Barrier
A material or system that prevents air leakage through the building envelope, essential for controlling moisture and maintaining energy efficiency.
Aggregate
Granular material such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone used in concrete mixtures and drainage systems around foundations.
B
Backfill
Material used to refill an excavated area around a foundation after waterproofing is complete. Should be free-draining material to prevent water accumulation.
Basement Envelope
The complete system of walls, floor, and interfaces that separate the basement interior from the ground and exterior environment.
Bituminous Coating
An asphalt-based waterproofing material applied to foundation walls to prevent moisture penetration.
C
Capillary Action
The movement of water through porous materials against gravity, a key concern in foundation waterproofing that must be addressed with proper barriers.
Cast-in-Place Concrete
Concrete poured into forms at the construction site, commonly used for foundation walls and requiring specific waterproofing treatments.
Cold Joint
A joint or discontinuity formed when concrete placement is delayed, creating a potential water infiltration point that requires special sealing.
Condensation
Water vapor that changes to liquid when warm air meets a cold surface, can cause moisture problems in basements if not properly managed.
D
Dampproofing
Treatment of a surface or structure to resist the passage of water in the absence of hydrostatic pressure. Less comprehensive than waterproofing.
Drainage Tile
Perforated pipe placed around foundation footings to collect and redirect groundwater away from the foundation.
Dew Point
The temperature at which water vapor in air condenses into liquid water, critical for understanding basement moisture problems.
E
Efflorescence
White, powdery deposits of water-soluble salts on concrete or masonry surfaces, indicating moisture movement through the material.
Excavation
The process of removing soil to expose foundation walls for exterior waterproofing application.
Exterior Insulation
Insulation placed on the outside of foundation walls, helping to prevent condensation and improve waterproofing effectiveness.
F
Filter Fabric
Geotextile material placed around drainage systems to prevent fine soil particles from clogging drainage tile while allowing water to pass through.
Foundation
The structural base of a building that transfers loads to the ground, requiring comprehensive waterproofing to prevent water damage.
French Drain
A trench filled with gravel or rock containing a perforated pipe that redirects surface water and groundwater away from an area.
Frost Line
The depth to which ground freezes in winter; foundations must extend below this line to prevent frost damage.
G
Grade
The ground level around a building; proper grading slopes away from foundation to prevent water accumulation.
Granular Backfill
Clean, free-draining material used to backfill around foundations to facilitate drainage and reduce hydrostatic pressure.
Groundwater
Water present beneath the ground surface in soil pore spaces and fractures of rock formations.
H
Hydrostatic Pressure
Force exerted by standing water against foundation walls and floors. Primary cause of basement water problems requiring professional waterproofing.
Humidity
Amount of water vapor in the air; excessive basement humidity indicates moisture problems requiring remediation.
Hydraulic Cement
Quick-setting cement that can set underwater, used for sealing active water leaks in foundations.
I
Interior Drainage System
Drainage installed inside the basement perimeter to collect water and direct it to a sump pump.
Insulation
Material used to reduce heat transfer; in basements, proper insulation helps prevent condensation and moisture problems.
Injection
Process of forcing waterproofing materials (epoxy or polyurethane) into foundation cracks under pressure to seal them.
M
Membrane
Continuous waterproof barrier applied to foundation walls, available in sheet or liquid-applied forms.
Moisture Barrier
Material that prevents moisture transmission through walls or floors, essential for basement waterproofing.
Mortar Joint
The filled gap between masonry units, a common point of water infiltration requiring proper sealing.
P
Parging
Thin coat of mortar applied to masonry walls to create a smooth surface for waterproofing application.
Perimeter Drain
Drainage system installed around foundation footings to collect and redirect groundwater.
Polyurethane
Flexible waterproofing material injected into cracks that expands to seal against water infiltration.
Positive Side Waterproofing
Waterproofing applied to the side of a surface facing the water source (exterior foundation waterproofing).
R
Radon
Radioactive gas that can enter basements through foundation cracks; waterproofing helps reduce radon infiltration.
Relative Humidity
The amount of moisture in air expressed as a percentage of maximum moisture air can hold at that temperature.
Retaining Wall
Wall designed to resist lateral soil pressure; requires specialized waterproofing due to constant earth contact.
S
Sealant
Flexible material used to seal joints and cracks against water infiltration.
Soil Gas Barrier
Continuous membrane installed to prevent soil gases including radon from entering the building.
Sump Pump
Pump installed in a sump pit to remove water collected by drainage systems from the basement.
Subsurface Water
Water below ground level that can create hydrostatic pressure against foundations.
V
Vapor Barrier
Material that resists diffusion of water vapor through walls, ceilings, and floors.
Vapor Diffusion
Movement of water vapor through materials from areas of high to low vapor pressure.
Ventilation
Controlled air exchange to remove excess moisture and maintain healthy indoor air quality.
W
Water Table
Upper boundary of groundwater; basements below the water table require specialized waterproofing systems.
Waterproofing
Treatment to prevent water penetration even under hydrostatic pressure, more comprehensive than dampproofing.
Weeping Tile
Traditional term for perforated drainage pipe installed around foundation footings.
Window Well
Excavated area around basement windows that requires proper drainage and waterproofing to prevent water entry.
ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL RESOURCES
DAMPPROOFING STANDARDS
Technical specifications for moisture barriers and foundation dampproofing per building codes
View Guide →
BASEMENT FUNDAMENTALS
Canadian Home Builders' Association standards for basement envelope systems
Learn More →
WINDOW WELL PROTECTION
Proper waterproofing techniques for basement windows and emergency egress
View Service →Technical Diagrams & Reference Images
Visual guides to help understand waterproofing concepts and techniques
Technical specifications for membrane systems
Proper drainage system design
Construction detail for waterproofing
25-year warranty installation standards
Need Professional Assessment?
Our experts can evaluate your specific situation
Schedule Free InspectionNEED PROFESSIONAL WATERPROOFING HELP?
Our certified experts can assess your waterproofing needs and provide solutions