What is the difference between waterproofing and dampproofing

Concrete physically is a porous material and will absorb water much like a sponge when placed on a wet surface or placed into water, allowing moisture to wick from outside to inside in a process known as capillary action.

Differences in the internal void space of concrete of different compositions varies. The composition of concrete has a dramatic effect on its strength properties and also profoundly affects its ability to resist deterioration caused by exposure to various physical and chemical conditions.

Therefore, by being able to reduce the porosity of concrete, the detrimental effects of water can be minimized or eliminated. Damp proofing is a process that involves using a mixture traditionally tar or unmodified asphalt as a coating on the exterior side of a structure and has one main purpose: stopping the transference or wicking of ground moisture through concrete.

Typically the damp proofing coating cured thickness is less than 10 mils thick. It is a basic, acceptable form of treatment in many situations. Damp proofing is not intended to keep all water and moisture out, but rather its goal is to retard moisture infiltration by blocking the capillaries of concrete, which slows water penetration.

Drawbacks of damp proofing include an inability to seal larger cracks, large bug holes, holes left by form ties, surface protrusions and potential damage caused by coarse or careless backfilling due to the limited thickness applied and the brittle nature of the product. With proper surface drainage, correctly installed foundation drains at the footing, and the absence of hydrostatic pressure that would drive water infiltration, damp proofing can supply adequate, long-lasting protection.

Waterproofing concrete, on the other hand, is designed to stop water infiltration through a concrete structure. Waterproofing materials have the ability to bridge cracks that develop over time due to their elastic, flexible nature and the thickness of the applied coating.

Waterproofing materials also are designed to withstand hydrostatic pressure and are often in excess of 40 mils. According to ICC-ES, a nonprofit company that does technical evaluations of building products, components, methods and materials, waterproofing must be able to do three things.

First, it must stop water vapor, the gaseous form of water that can be released by the surrounding soil and can move through concrete.

Second, waterproofing membranes must be able to stop water under hydrostatic pressure. Third and most important is that waterproofing must be able to span a crack in the treated concrete.

Waterproofing is essential in areas where there is significant rain and high water tables. The biggest disadvantage of these products is a short lifespan. Regardless of the application or installation, these products generally fail after a few years, two years in most cases. Another disadvantage of these products is they are extremely difficult to install on existing foundations. Since damp proofing products do not create a watertight seal, they are not recommended for as highly as waterproofing products.

This is especially true for building foundations, such as basements and crawlspaces. They are also not recommended for people who desire a clean-looking, dry surface. Damp proofing products set and cure quickly. The outcome is generally a brittle, rigid surface. When utilized on a new concrete application, the product will crack as the concrete expands with alternating moisture and temperature levels.

Professional damp proofing is most often more expensive than professional waterproofing. This is due to the difficulty of installation, as it requires heavy equipment to complete the process. It can take several days to fully complete a professional damp proofing job. On the other hand, professional waterproofing can be completed in a single day because it can be done from the interior of the structure.

When it is all said and done, you can clearly see that waterproofing and damp proofing are more than different practices. Yes, they are similar, and it is also easy to understand why many people confuse the two. All that aside, it would be hard for any home or building to withstand the test of time without undergoing either practice.

Not only is each practice essential to ensuring the well-being of your real estate property, but it might be required by building code. In fact, there is more than a 90 percent chance that you live in an area where the law requires your home or building to be damp proofed and waterproofed during the building process.

Anyone that is building a home or living in a building with damp or water problems is probably wondering this very question. If you have read this far into the article, then you already know that there are building regulations involved with both the waterproofing and damp proofing processes.

According to the International Residential Code IRC Section , any concrete wall that retains earth and encloses interior spaces and floors below grade must be damp proofed. Not only must it be damp proofed, but it must be done so from the top of the footing all the way down to the finished grade.

Along with this, the IRC provides a list of accepted materials that can legally be utilized for the process. Amongst some of these materials, you will find bituminous coating and acrylic-modified cement. As far as waterproofing goes, it is only required by the IRC in areas where a high water table or other severe soil-water conditions are known to exist. Not only is it necessary for ensuring the well-being of your home or building, but it is essential to ensuring the well-being of your family.

You would be surprised at the plethora of health problems that come along with stagnated water. This is not to mention all the potential mold problems. Dampness and water are viable living conditions that mold spores will thrive in. With that being said, there are certain situations where waterproofing will work better than damp proofing.

A general rule of thumb is if the dampness is in the basement or earth retaining walls then a full waterproofing system will be your best option. There are many types of waterproofing materials. As you should know, waterproofing is going to make a big difference in your life. Without the right type of waterproofing, your house is going to run Is skin waterproof or water resistant?

Well, you are not the only one wondering this. Many people are interested in the skin because it is the body's biggest defense against infections. Skip to content. Key Difference Between Damp Proofing And Waterproofing To the uninformed individual, damp proofing and waterproofing might seem like the same thing. We provide services that include waterproofing outside, waterproofing inside, waterproofing cracks, and basement lowering.

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