Horizontal Waterproofing

As the name suggests, horizontal waterproofing is mainly used for horizontal slabs such as those in the following structures:

• Below-grade structures such as basements or mud slabs
• Above-grade structures that can serve as a roof over a certain space (e.g. over underground parking garages, over interior spaces.) – such as garden roofs, green roofs, parking decks, plaza decks, terrace decks, and so on  

Depending on the application, a horizontal waterproofing membrane can be installed prior to or after the installation of the concrete slab. Horizontal waterproofing is typically installed on just one side of the slab, either on top of or below the slab. 

Installing horizontal waterproofing below the slab is far more common and is typically the best choice. Installing waterproofing on top of the slab is usually only acceptably done if the water table is at least 12 inches below the concrete slab and if footing drains are installed.  

Like other waterproofing methods, a horizontal waterproofing membrane allows the property owner to avoid damage due to moisture infiltration. 

If you’re not sure if horizontal waterproofing is compatible with your property, we can help. Our experts here at PRO Waterproofers can assess your home or building and give actionable recommendations regarding the most suitable waterproofing solution (or set of solutions) for you – whether it is horizontal waterproofing or a fitting alternative or other issues related to this.

Expert Horizontal Waterproofing Services

There is no singular way of installing horizontal waterproofing. This is because there are numerous applications for it – including basements, plaza decks, terrace decks, parking decks, garden roofs, green roofs, and so on.   

Furthermore, each property has its own set of needs. Therefore, depending on your unique case, horizontal waterproofing can be a standalone solution or can be installed along with vertical waterproofing as part of full tanking.

This type of waterproofing can also be installed before or after the installation of the concrete slab; the waterproofing materials can thus be either on the top or bottom of the slab – but either way, it is typically only installed on one side of the slab.

Our horizontal waterproofing experts will be able to assess your needs so that your property gets the optimal configuration and design of horizontal waterproofing.

Does Your Property Need Horizontal Waterproofing?

Both below-grade and above-grade concrete slabs such as basements, plaza decks, terrace decks, parking decks, garden roofs, green roofs, and the like, can benefit from horizontal waterproofing. 

However, along with the type of structure that you have, the other main consideration when deciding on whether to get horizontal waterproofing or not is the matter of moisture infiltration. How much moisture is the concrete slab exposed to or will be exposed to? 

Below-grade concrete structures are susceptible to infiltration from the moisture in the soil while above-grade concrete slabs need to be protected mainly from precipitation. Moisture can enter the concrete slab through small openings, joints, and cracks that form after the concrete has settled. 

The next question to ask is “can you afford to keep exposing such a structure to moisture infiltration?”  

Building or home damage caused by moisture infiltration takes on many forms. It can be:

• Mould and fungi growth (which can pose a liability for the building owner)
• Aggravated cracks due to hydrostatic pressure 
• Corrosion of metallic components
• Water damage to the interior space directly beneath or above the concrete slab

In order for you to avoid the above damages for above-grade and below-grade horizontal slabs, you would need horizontal waterproofing. This waterproofing system makes use of a durable waterproofing membrane and a draining system to protect the horizontal concrete slab from all forms of moisture infiltration. 

How PRO Waterproofers Can Help

We, at PRO Waterproofers, are committed to providing top-notch workmanship when it comes to horizontal waterproofing for plaza decks, terrace decks, mud slabs, and so on. Here’s what sets up apart from the rest:

All-Around Waterproofing Experts

Along with superior workmanship, you also need expert advice that will help match your needs with a fitting waterproofing solution or set of tangent solutions that work together seamlessly. So these two are what we bring to the table. 

Thanks to our years of experience in the industry and our all-around expertise in waterproofing, you can be sure to have a fitting waterproofing system made with waterproofing materials that are compatible with the unique needs of your property’s structures.

Environmentally-Friendly Materials

We strive to give waterproofing solutions that are completely worry-free; this means that you also don’t have to worry about soil pollution or the leaching of toxic substances into your home. All the waterproofing materials we use are safe and environmentally friendly.

Professional Service That You Can Count On

Once you’ve engaged our professional services, we will make it a point to respect your property and your time. Our experts will arrive right on schedule. And once the project is done, you can be sure that we will clean up all the debris and trash produced in the process. The only trace we leave behind is that of a job well done and the peace of mind to match. 

Fair Billing Policy

You will only be charged once the horizontal waterproofing project is successfully done. Furthermore, we like to keep our billing upfront and transparent – no need to worry about hidden fees and hidden charges. 

Our Horizontal Waterproofing Procedure

1. Free Assessment

In our free assessment, we will be able to gauge how compatible your needs and your property are with having horizontal waterproofing. We can also work out the factors that will direct us to the specifics of how to install horizontal waterproofing.

Furthermore, we will look into additional factors that can be contributing to moisture infiltration of the pertinent structure/s in your property. This can include rainwater management, the topography of your land, and so on. 

2. Recommendations

Based on our waterproofing expert’s findings from the free assessment, we can push through with horizontal waterproofing and have it scheduled. If more compatible foundation waterproofing solutions can be used, we will also let you know. Additionally, we will let you know if your property requires additional tangent solutions to control water accumulation around your property’s foundation walls.

3. Horizontal Waterproofing Proper

After the assessment has been done for your property, we can get started with installing horizontal waterproofing. 

Though there are a number of ways to do horizontal waterproofing, all of them have the following similarities:

• They are intended for horizontal concrete slabs – whether below-grade or above-grade
• They make use of a waterproofing membrane
• For foundations and basements, they are typically used as part of full tanking – which is the application of a waterproof membrane or coating to make a basement watertight.
• The waterproofing membrane is applied to only one side of the slab to avoid trapping moisture within the slab itself. 

Here are the differences in the process for the following applications of horizontal waterproofing:

a. Horizontal Waterproofing for Plaza Decks or Terrace Decks

The exterior of paved plaza decks or vegetation of terrace decks function as load-bearing structures, as well as a waterproof roof. In many cases, these decks are above underground parking garages and can often be over the top of a roof of interior space, making waterproofing essential.

In recent times, cold-fluid-applied waterproofing membranes are gaining traction for these applications – and this is what we predominantly use. Cold fluid–applied waterproofing membranes have proven to be robust in a variety of application requirements and continue to be the future of commercial waterproofing.

b. Horizontal Waterproofing For Mud Slabs or Full Tanking

A mud slab is a layer of concrete that is typically 2-6 inches thick and is poured beneath the structural slab and is on top of a layer of wet or muddy soil. These are usually used over irregular and wet excavation sites during construction. One of their primary functions is to serve as a surface for the waterproofing membrane to adhere to.

When applying horizontal waterproofing to a mud slab, the construction process is very similar to blindside waterproofing, wherein the waterproofing membrane is installed prior to the installation of any structural rebar or concrete. 

This is an imperative step in “full tanking” applications where water infiltration is a concern in an upward direction. This style of waterproofing can be installed directly on soil or rock substrate where the building is to be erected to prevent water infiltration.

c. Horizontal Waterproofing (Sub Slab) as a Radon Shield and to Take the Place of Vapour Barriers for Basements

Custom homes are adopting commercial waterproofing techniques to utilize the overall robust nature of horizontal waterproofing with full tanking. 

The long-lasting sub slab waterproofing membrane that we use can be used in place of the 6mil poly vapour barrier to eliminate the chance of water infiltration through hydrostatic pressure because vapour barriers are not as thorough in keeping moisture out when compared to waterproofing membranes. 

Furthermore, the sub slab waterproofing membranes we use have a thickness that primarily falls between 120mils and 140mils (3-4mm). This level of thickness along with its elastomeric design demonstrates superiority over the use of 6 mil vapour barrier in terms of stretch and puncture resistance.

In addition to waterproofing, the below slab waterproofing membrane also serves as a radon shield, preventing the gas from permeating through cracks and cold joints in the floor and up against the foundation walls. Radon gas is produced from the breakdown of naturally occurring radioactive elements, a process known as radioactive decay. The presence of this gas in your basement can cause radon poisoning. Our horizontal waterproofing and full tanking will protect you from this health risk. 

4. Clean-Up

After successfully completing the horizontal waterproofing membrane for your home or property, the only thing we will leave behind is a waterproofing setup that you can count on. You can rest assured that we will clean up all trash and debris produced by the project. It’s our simple way of showing the utmost respect for your home.

Contact Us Today

Looking for long-lasting and reliable horizontal waterproofing. We’re here to help! We at PRO Waterproofers are committed to providing top-notch workmanship and state-of-the-art materials to give you the peace of mind you deserve for a long period. 

We service the areas of Hamilton, Burlington, and Oakville. If you have any questions for us about horizontal waterproofing or other waterproofing options, feel free to call today!