Attention to the connections from the vertical building facade to below grade waterproofing is critical to prevent air and moisture intrusion. Moisture often accumulates at or near the grade line of the building at façade terminations. Continuity must be maintained throughout the building envelope so detailing and integration of the air barrier and the below grade system is of paramount importance to prevent water entry and migration.
Once water is allowed to enter, it will travel either under pressure or by capillary action until it finds a path into the building. Point of entry may be a long way from where a leak finally appears, making leak detection and repair extremely difficult and costly. As movement occurs over time, this makes the situation even more difficult since areas in the waterproofing system may be left unsupported against groundwater pressure.
In order to prevent leakage issues in the transitional spaces between systems of the building as well as premature deterioration of building components, connectivity and compatibility of the transition interface must be a fundamental design element and specified in Division 7 as part of the Below Grade Waterproofing System. Water leakage at transitions in the building envelope continue to be the largest cause of construction litigation. In addition, air and moisture infiltration take a tremendous toll on operating efficiency of the building, long-term durability, indoor air quality and more.
Tremco's Below Grade to Wall connection solution passes water and air leakage testing!