Moisture is the culprit behind almost all types of building damage. For this reason, the usability and lifespan of a building depend heavily on how well it is waterproofed. This applies to roofs, façades, plinth areas and basements. Over time, moisture in basement walls can lead to considerable damage. Not only does it destroy the building materials themselves, it also provides the ideal environment for harmful fungi or microorganisms to flourish.
Proper planning and execution
The effectiveness and durability of building waterproofing depends on how well it is planned and executed. The current version of DIN 18533, parts 1 to 3, governs the waterproofing of building elements with ground contact for new builds in Germany. Some of the procedures in this standard can also be applied to refurbishment and restoration. However, many building waterproofing procedures that are already widely used cannot be planned in line with this standard.
To close this gap and create a regulatory framework for tried-and-tested waterproofing methods, the Wissenschaftlich-Technische Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Bauwerkserhaltung und Denkmalpflege e. V. (German scientific and technical consortium for building and monument preservation, WTA) has created Leaflet 4-6, which contains specifications for the subsequent waterproofing of building elements with ground contact. This leaflet describes the refurbishment process, from assessing the existing building through to planning and execution of the waterproofing.
The guidelines from Deutsche Bauchemie for planning and executing waterproofing with polymer-modified thick bitumen coatings (PMBC guideline), polymer-modified thick coatings (FPD guideline) and mineral waterproofing slurries (MDS guideline) can also help with planning. As a supplement to DIN 18533, this guideline provides planners and workers with detailed information on handling PMBCs, FPDs and MDSs.
Additional WTA leaflets for basement renovation
2-9 Renovation render systems
4-5 Masonry diagnostics
4-6 Subsequent waterproofing of materials with ground contact
4-9 Waterproofing and repairing the plinth of buildings and building elements
4-10 Injection methods with certified injection materials for combating capillary moisture transport
4-11 Measuring the moisture level of mineral materials
Planning and selecting the type of waterproofing
Subsequent building waterproofing must be planned. As a fundamental rule, the relevant building regulations on the suitability of waterproofing materials must be observed. Planning work must be implemented and documented based on preliminary investigations in accordance with WTA Leaflet 4-6. Meanwhile, DIN 18533 is used as the basis for determining the water impact and the use or change in use of the space in accordance with the applicable energy-saving regulations, as well as the suitability of the waterproofing materials, the crack-bridging class and the type of construction. Changes to the load profile as a result of the construction measures themselves must also be considered.
The proper functioning and reliability of building waterproofing can only be guaranteed if the waterproofing system selected has adequate resistance against external influences. Part 1 of DIN 18533 classifies the key impacts on a waterproofing system with ground contact.
Impact on waterproofing with ground contact:
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Water impact classes
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Crack classes (Rx-E)
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Room usage classes (RNx-E)
Brochure – Waterproofing of old buildings
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