{"id":58161,"date":"2018-04-03T10:54:42","date_gmt":"2018-04-03T14:54:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/?p=58161"},"modified":"2018-04-03T10:54:42","modified_gmt":"2018-04-03T14:54:42","slug":"quality-assurance-of-waterproofing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/quality-assurance-of-waterproofing\/","title":{"rendered":"Quality assurance of waterproofing"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Photo \u00a9 BigStockPhoto.com<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

by Stacy Byrd, CDT
\n<\/strong>For roofs, concrete assemblies,\u00a0 and mechanical systems, there is an established tradition of testing and inspection to verify both the material installation and construction meet the specified design criteria. Owners usually accept this without hesitation, and are ready to pay for the expenses. Unfortunately, this tradition of inspection and verification is not followed in below-grade waterproofing where the tendency has been to place the responsibility on the contractor\u2019s shoulders. This may be the reason why almost everyone in the construction industry has a horror story regarding leaks and damages in their below-grade projects.<\/p>\n

Like roofing, waterproofing below-grade elements is critical to keeping the built environment healthy for occupants. There are many waterproofing systems in the marketplace, and the key to success is understanding their limitations. When considering the high cost of excavating and replacing a failed system, it is imperative all waterproofing systems are properly designed and inspected, no matter the warranty or guarantee being provided. The warranties for any particular system are based on materials selected and details used. As they typically range from five to 20 years, the specifier should contact the manufacturer for actual requirements and specific guarantees.<\/p>\n

Proper waterproofing selection and comprehensive documentation are the first steps toward waterproofing success. It is equally important to specify the Quality Control Inspection Program (QCIP) for reviewing and monitoring the work for conformity during the construction phase itself to ensure the document\u2019s objectives are met. (Consult \u201cQuality Control Inspection Program Counterstone of a High-Performance Project Organization\u201d written by Jose Reyes and published in the April 2012 edition of Organization, Technology,<\/em> and Management in Construction<\/em>.) Additionally, the inspection protocols should be precise and easily understood to avoid misinterpretation. The tasks defined in a QCIP must aim to be preventive rather than corrective.<\/p>\n

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Excavated shoring retention wall should be inspected to make sure the substrate is in accordance with the waterproofing manufacturer\u2019s installation guidelines. <\/span>
Photos courtesy CETCO <\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Comprehensive documents
\n<\/strong>Specifications for waterproofing fall under Division 07, Thermal and Moisture Protection, of MasterFormat<\/em> 2016. (For more information, read \u201cWaterproofing With Comprehensive Documents,\u201d written by Stacy Byrd for the October 2005 issue of The Construction Specifier<\/em>.) However, it is important to coordinate Division 07 work with other divisions, especially Divisions 03 (Concrete) and 31 (Earthwork), both of which can have a major impact on waterproofing. Divisions 22 (Plumbing) and 26 (Electrical) should also be considered, as pipes or conduit may penetrate the waterproofing. Within Division 03, the waterstop may need to be coordinated with the specified waterproofing membrane because many manufacturer warranties require the use of their own waterstop.<\/p>\n

Comprehensive documents necessitate a pre-installation meeting, prior to site excavation. If the construction involves blindside waterproofing, it is important a support of excavation (SOE) is built so the waterproofing system can be installed
\nin conformance with the specification and manufacturer guidelines. The specification should also provide for a quality assurance program built upon independent inspection allowing verified conformance of the work eligible for warranty. Specific details illustrating the installation of the waterproofing system at all known conditions must be provided before the bid, with these initial details supplemented with additional job-specific details to address all unique conditions not covered in the original document.<\/p>\n

The specification should also require the subcontractor be an approved applicator of the waterproofing system manufacturer to comply with warranty guidelines. Contractors should be required to submit applicator certification at time of bid. Professional training must be extended to the installer\u2019s crew members\u2014so that field personnel have the requisite knowledge. Identification cards can also be issued to those who successfully pass the program.<\/p>\n

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Electronic leak detection inspections can identify damage or breaches in the waterproofing prior to topping slab placement. <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Warranties
\n<\/strong>A warranty is simply a written guarantee, issued to the owner, promising to repair or replace the waterproofing proven to be defective within a specified period of time. Unfortunately, warranties are misunderstood in many cases, or worse, sometimes misrepresented. Warranty should not be confused with an actual proactive quality assurance program monitoring the waterproofing work throughout the construction phase.<\/p>\n

Some owners, architects, and contractors choose a waterproofing system primarily for its warranty duration. Historically, most manufacturers warrant their product from one to five years. Occasionally, a longer period warranty will be provided for a very large project or one of exceptional importance.<\/p>\n

Some companies offer \u201clifetime\u201d warranties. These should be interpreted carefully. Most states have placed legal restrictions on what the lifetime warranty of a construction product can be\u2014seven to 15 years is common. Additionally, insurance companies typically limit the time period for which subcontractors can purchase liability insurance for materials installed. Waterproofing contractors can typically bond their work for no more than five years. One must be wary of accepting a long-term warranty from vendors who have been in the business for only a few years because a warranty is only as valuable as the financial soundness of the issuer.<\/p>\n

Most owners are surprised to learn the coverage limitations of warranties\u2014many are prorated and others are limited to the original material cost. The language used to draft warranties can be confusing. The perception of what the warranty covers, and what it actually covers, can be quite different. For example, both product A and B have a 10-year warranty, but there is a slight difference in the language\u2014\u201clabor and material\u201d for A vs. \u201cmaterial\u201d for B. These simple words change the entire scope of the issuer\u2019s liability and responsibility.<\/p>\n

Pre-construction meeting
\n<\/strong>Why does every major league baseball game have a pre-game meeting at home plate with team managers and umpires? Each baseball stadium, like each construction project, is slightly different and the teams need to cover unique points to establish ground rules for the game in a specific stadium. Similar to the home plate meeting, the project construction documents necessitate a mandatory
\npre-construction (pre-con) meeting to review the waterproofing materials and design as well as construction technique and sequencing. It is also important to cover the requirements of the quality assurance plan so the project continues to maintain its warranty eligibility.<\/p>\n

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Irregular lagging shoring wall requires corrective work prior to waterproofing membrane installation for a structurally sound system.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The pre-con meeting may not be limited to the project members and can include:<\/p>\n