Considering building a new home and want to prevent future water and termite problems? Planning to finish a basement, or have the option to finish later, and want to mitigate against mold? Concerned about radon, and want to protect your health? Discover the benefits of comprehensive basement moisture management!

Home Performance Group LLC is an established, local, veteran owned custom builder delivering high performance foundation sealing systems! We design and install integrated below slab and foundation wall water-proofing systems with enhanced features of radon and termite protection. Our experienced team has completed numerous basement water-proofing projects, far exceeding code level minimums both in terms of safety, and energy! Contact our solutions advisor today to learn more about basement and foundation waterproofing!

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Foundation Water Sealing – Did you Know:

According to the International Residential Code (IRC), foundation walls may be damp-proofed or water-proofed depending on soil conditions, and below grade water table levels. The Concrete Network differentiates both foundation sealing methods based on the form of water each are made to protect against. Damp-proofing is designed to protect foundation walls from soil moisture and vapor, whereas water-proofing is specifically engineered to protect basement walls from bulk liquid water and pressure. Damp-proofing leaves larger cracks and holes open, and in the presence of hydrostatic pressure may fail to stop liquid water from entering the wall. Additionally, because damp-proofing applications are thin, can easily be damaged from careless backfill. Water-proofing however, is a much more robust method, sealing individual cracks, and holes, and applying thicker membranes with detailed joints capable of resisting hydrostatic pressure and bulk water intrusion. The IRC Section 406.1 requires any foundation walls that retain earth on the outside and enclose living space to the interior, be at a minimum, damp-proofed against moisture held within the soil. Basements constructed in soils with poor drainage properties, or possess morphology characteristics of high-water tables require a more robust moisture management system. IRC Section 406.2 outlines foundation water-proofing requirements, including approved products and application thickness. Although, building codes allow damp-proofing as an option, industry best practice, and long-term risk mitigation is to waterproof any foundation wall when an interior living space is enclosed within the basement. 

Both foundation damp-proofing and water-proofing can be installed as a liquid -applied coating. The fluids may be rolled on or sprayed with a high viscosity machine. Coating and membrane thicknesses are measured in wet mils with a film gauge. Mils are short for millimeters and is equivalent to one one-thousandth of an inch. The challenges associated with liquid-applied foundation coatings are in achieving an even thickness across the entire wall, and ensuring the total thickness meets minimum requirements specified in the IRC or manufacturer installation instructions. An alternative water-proofing method is to install peel-and-stick sheet membranes to the foundation wall and footing. The advantage in self-adhered membranes are the guaranteed uniform thickness achieved across the entire foundation, as compared to field constructed fluid products. With careful installation, and detailing of joints, sheet membranes can provide a far superior water-proofed solution.  

Like any coating, without proper protection, damage is likely to occur. Damage may be caused during backfill of foundation, or later as the ground settles and moves. Rips, scraps, or punctures through the foundation sealing negates much of the water, vapor, radon or termite protection afforded by the water-proofing system. Therefore, best practice is to integrate a foundation drainage mat over the water-proofing membrane to serve two protective functions. One, the drainage board shields the water-proofing coating from gravel, or other large sharp soils being placed against the foundation wall. This maintains the integrity of the water-proofing ensuring long service life. Two, the dimple mat provides a drainage plane on the outside of the foundation. In the event of bulk liquid, either from surface ground water, or underground water tables, the filter fabric and air pockets provide a low resistance path for water to flow down and way from the foundation and footing. Combination of drainage mats in conjunction with robust subsoil drainage systems safely carry water away from the homes foundation and basement floor. 

International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES), report ESR-3632 approves the use of an integrated water, vapor, radon, and termite membrane product for basement and foundation walls. The evaluation finds the self-adhered combination membrane meets the International Residential Code (IRC) requirements, and provides guidance as to conditions of use. 

LEARN MORE, CLICK BELOW on our published articles on foundations and building science:

Better people

Our build team brings a comprehensive approach to foundation and basement water-proofing projects. Integrating building science and industry best practices to deliver innovative water management, radon mitigation, and energy performance solutions.  Additionally, we maintain a Class-A general contracting license for home building and receive more than 120 hours per year of above-industry-standard continuing education ensuring our work meets and exceeds building code minimums.

Better products

We continuously explore innovative technologies, and regularly assess our existing product mix for durability and performance. All products we select deliver superior long-term reliability, and have a demonstrated record of improved performance compared to alternative materials. Our supply chain partners are lead their respective industries with well-established records for manufacturing quality, such as Tremco, Polyguard, and Polywall. When possible, we buy American made products.

Better solutions

Expert installation of world-class building products by our skilled team, delivers superior foundations with enhanced longevity, day to day comfort, and healthier living environments. Additionally, early integration of our PMP with a projects architect and engineer allows us to assist design teams in discovering value engineering opportunities that can deliver a better foundation on budget.