WATERPROOFING AND DAMP-PROOFINGDurable Protection with Remmers Systems

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4-5 Repair, protect and preserve

6-7 The causes and types of water damage to buildings

8-9 Building condition survey and analysis

10-11 BS 8102 plus German Standard DIN 18195 and the WTA Directives

12-13 The specific waterproofing requirements

14-25 External waterproofing for ground water contact

26-33 Internal waterproofing

34-41 Masonry injection against rising damp (capillary moisture)

42-45 Refurbishment renders and plasters

46-50 Additional special waterproofing solutions

51 The Remmers System Guarantee (RSG)

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REPAIR, PROTECT AND PRESERVEFROM THE BASEMENT TO THE ROOF.

Simple methods for difficult situations

From 1949 to the present dayRemmers has grown from a small local business to a strong, international building chemicals company.

We are now a market leading companyspecialising in systems for the repair, protection and preservation of buildings and therefore their values.We waterproof and protect buildingswith fully integrated and complementary,durable solutions – “from the basement to the roof”.

We are customer focussed and provide outstanding ‘added value’with our free Consulting Service. Wecombine the best traditions of a family company with the technicalinnovation and customer support ofan international market leader. Weare now technology and marketleaders in all of six of our core business areas:

� Basement and masonry waterproofing and refurbishment

� Concrete façade refurbishmentand protection

� Stone heritage conservationand preservation

� Industrial and commercial resinflooring

� Wood protective coatings� Wood preservation treatments

PROTECT FROM WATER AND PROTECT WATERFor nearly 60 years Remmers has been a recognised specialist for many different types of waterproofing including completesystems for both new constructionand building refurbishment. Remmers provides waterproofingsystems and products that are preventative and retrospective, horizontally and vertically applied,suitable for all different exposuresfrom simple moisture and damp penetration, to water infiltration andwater under hydrostatic pressure.

Remmers provides economic waterproofing systems and products, that have been proven inmany thousands of applications,together with rapid installation andspecial systems for specific projectsolutions. These are all selected from the Remmers System Designerbased on the results of a professionalcondition survey and analysis.Waterproofing solutions using Remmers systems are not onlyextremely durable and reliable; theyare also ecological and safe, even

approved for use in contact withdrinking water in potable waterretaining structures.

They also have high chemical resistance, which is demonstratedby their use in the waterproofing ofsewage treatment plants, where theyalso help to protect ground watersupplies by containing the effluent.

DRY AND WATERTIGHT LONG TERMWe demonstrate our confidence inour systems with the Remmers RSG10 year System Guarantee!

This gives contractors, specifiersand their clients full security and

confidence in Remmers as the idealwaterproofing and refurbishmentpartner (see P. 51).

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PROTECTION AGAINST WATER IS A MUSTThe causes and types of water damage to buildings

Water and waterborne salts causethe most building damage. Saturatedmasonry threatens the very fabric ofa building and the health of its occupants. Hazards such as mouldand fungal growth can also developin wet and damp conditions.

There are also substantial energylosses through wet and saturatedareas of a building envelope. Wherepeople live and work, the walls andbasement areas must be dry andwaterproof. Defective, damaged ordeteriorated building components orelements, such as leaking joints or

roofs, can all allow water penetrationwhich can then lead to one or moreof the problems listed on the opposite page.

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Water penetrates the masonry where thewaterproofing is missing or defective.

Salts in the fabric of the wall have the capacity to absorb moisture from the atmosphere and the environment (hygroscopic salts) and absorb it into the wall.

Water vapour condenses forming water on thecold surfaces caused by thermal bridges inthe wall.

RAIN AND RUN OFF WATER

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HYGROSCOPIC MOISTURE

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CONDENSATION

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Moisture penetrates the masonry and/or thefloor slabs if the exterior waterproofing is missing or defective.

Moisture penetrates the masonry through adefective or missing horizontal damproofcourse and/or the exterior waterproofing. Itthen rises through the masonry by capillaryaction.

MOISTURE PENETRATION FROMOUTSIDE

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RISING DAMP

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Salts and their typical sources

� Sulphates, e.g. dissolve in themoisture through contact withgypsum plaster

� Chlorides, e.g. penetrate in thewater from de-icing salts exposure/splashes etc

� Nitrates, e.g. dissolve in themoisture from urea de-icingsolutions or from leaking drains

The resultant salt damage caninclude:

� Mechanical damage due tocrystallisation and hydration

� Mechanical damage due tofrost/freeze thaw action

� Further increases in the moisture content of the masonry and floor slabs

Harmful salts

As water and moisture penetratesthe masonry, salts can also penetrate (i.e. Chlorides) or dissolve in the penetrating moisture (i.e. sulphates) and thenform more damaging salts in themasonry, particularly at the pointswhere the water evaporates.

In saturated masonry these saltsare carried though into the externalface of the walls with the water.The water then evaporates fromthe surface, but the salts remain inthe masonry.

This continuous cycle can greatlyincrease the salt concentrationsand thus in turn the hygroscopicaction (the rate of water absorptionfrom the environment): a viciousspiral.

CORRECT DIAGNOSIS FIRSTBuilding condition survey and analysis

In a professional condition survey, allof the damage to the building mustbe examined in detail, evaluated andmeasured. It is very important toinclude a moisture and harmful saltsassessment and to evaluate the specific conditions of exposure withactual and potential points of wateringress. After collating the results ofall of these analyses, sustainable and economic refurbishment

specifications can be developed.The decision can also be made on whether horizontal or vertical waterproofing is necessary, whethervertical waterproofing should or canbe installed internally or externallyand what methods can be used for any additional horizontal waterproofing or other project specific details and requirements.

Where necessary, waterproofingmust also comply with the latest Building Regulations for thermal insulation and to preventCondensation within the masonryfabric of the structure.

Correct diagnosis first

Definitive results require appropriatesampling. The sample quantity andtype to be taken obviously dependson the objectives and test methods.The number of samples must allowfor the various types of damage,materials and building componentsinvolved. The samples size andquantity must be large enough tofully represent the size and nature of

the structure, plus the full cross section and composition of masonryand other areas of the building envelope. Analytical results fromundersized samples or insufficientquantities of samples can often bemisleading and differ considerablyfrom the real typical characteristics.For assistance in precisely definingthe correct requirements for yourstructure please contact RemmersTechnical Service Department.

Sample as many aspects andelevations as possible

Individual samples are generallyanalysed to determine the moistureand salt content of a building sectionor component with as many samplestaken as agreed to be necessary,according to the visible assessmentand extent of any damage. The samples are taken at differentheights and depths the samplingmethod, the date and the weatherconditions are all recorded, as is thelocation of each sampling point.

Note: It is important that the samplematerials characteristics must not bechanged by its packaging, transport

or storage (e.g. special attentionmust be paid to conservation of themoisture content by vapour tightsealing).

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Typical sample sizes

� Core Ø 5 cm, length ≥ 12 cm(without centre hole):To determine strength properties

� Core Ø > 3cm, length ≥ 5cm(without centre hole):To analyse the microstructure and detemine the moisture and salt contents

Taking cores to determine moisture and saltcontents

Moisture content

The moisture content of the sampledmaterials can be determined by twomethods:

Darr’s methodThe samples are dried in a drying cabinet at 105 °C until they a constant weight. The moisture content is then calculated mathematically.

CM (calcium carbide) methodThe sample is prepared and mixedwith calcium carbide and a quantityof acetylene gas (C2H2) equivalentto the moisture content is releasedand measured according to a table.

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� Maximum capillary waterabsorption

� Maximum water absorption(saturation moisture content)

� Hygroscopic moisture absorption

� Condensation formation

Determining the root causes of damage

Test methods do not reveal thesource or the root cause(s) of themoisture or the penetration level.Further data and references are needed for this, including determination of

Maximum capillary water absorptionThe maximum capillary waterabsorption is an important characteristic. It is the maximumquantity of water, which a driedmaterial sample can absorb throughcapillary action due to its dried voidscontent and voids geometry.

Maximum water absorption (saturation moisture content)To determine the maximum waterabsorption, the full dried void content of the sample is filled withwater under pressure.

Hygroscopic moisture absorptionMoisture penetration levels do notprovide reliable results on the causesof moisture penetration.

It is not easy to detect whether themoisture has migrated by capillaryaction from the liquid phase orwhether it has also been absorbedhygroscopically from the atmosphere– or at least partially. Confirmation ofthis is only possible by the so called‘exclusion’ method: The hygroscopicmoisture absorption is measured atone or more points by exposing

dried material samples to a specificrelative humidity at a constant temperature in a climate chamber fora given length of time.

The hygroscopic moisture absorptionvalue is then obtained from theweight increase observed.

Microscopic examination of a material sample

SUCCESS THROUGH MEETING AND EXCEEDING STANDARDS

BS 8102 plus German Standard DIN 18195 and the WTA Directives

Note: In the UK the Building Regulations require foundations andbelow ground structures to be waterproofed, but they do not stipulate how this is to be achieved.British Standard BS 8102, is actuallya Code of Practise referring to the requirements for waterproofing below ground basements and otherstructures.

German Standard DIN 18195, Part 1, section 4.1

The performance and the durabilityof waterproofing naturally depend onits correct design and installation,but also on functional design andconstruction of the building and

the components on which the waterproofing is applied.

German Standard DIN 18195 istherefore directed at both the specialist waterproofing contractorand those responsible for the overalldesign and construction of the building. Every designer is requiredto exercise the greatest care in thedesign of the waterproofing and touse reliable and proven approaches.

WTA Directives: The design of the waterproofing approach and system

The WTA (German Technical Committee for Building Conservation

and Heritage Preservation) promotesbuilding conservation in dialoguewith all of the professional partiesand responsible organisations involved. Remmers are a permanentmember of this well established andrespected technical committee.

Not all of the waterproofing systemsproven in the field are yet covered bythe DIN standard. Clear informationon the correct procedure from condition survey to specification andmaterials selection, through to thewaterproofing systems installationprocedure, are given in the WTADirective “waterproofing of buildingcomponents in contact with theground”.

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Based on tried andtested materials andapproaches, but not yetstandardised’ describesthe content of GermanWTA data sheet “Waterproofing ofbuilding components incontact with the ground”

In Germany waterproofing withpolymer modified, high-buildbitumen coatings (known as

KMB) is covered by the GermanStandard DIN 18195 in Parts

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The KMB (polymer modified bitumen) Directive

The directive for the design andinstallation of waterproofing of building components in contact withsoil, using polymer modified, high-build bitumen coatings (KMB),also describes their detailed installation procedure. This is in aclear and understandable way for theboth the designer and the contractor,thereby providing an effective ‘codeof practice’ which supplements thestandard DIN 18195.

The WTA directive for KMB and the directive for flexiblewaterproof sealing coats arepractical guides to these waterproofing systems for designers and contractors

Well and truly proven: The waterproofing products in theRemmers Kiesol system

Remmers waterproofing with polymermodified, high-build bitumen coatings(KMB) in the Kiesol system were and still are, well ahead of the standard. Based on many years practical experience – in the rightapplications the undisputed advantages of these slurry sealingcoating seals are already fully utilisedby Remmers. With the Remmers systems as described on the followingpages, designers and contractors

select reliable waterproofing technologies, which have beenproven over and over again. This isalso ensured for our customers, bythe Remmers System Guarantee(RSG, see P. 51).

Extensive independent test reports,certificates, assessments, productreviews, expert analyses, patentsand our external monitoring to DIN,

European and ISO regulations, allconfirm the high quality and reliableperformance of both the individualRemmers products and when theyare combined together as the systems.

GUARANTEED DRYAND WATERTIGHT

FOR 10 YEARS

DEPENDENT ON THE WATER INGRESS ANDEXPOSURE POTENTIAL

The Specific Waterproofing Requirements

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Selection of the right waterproofingsystem depends on the type of wateringress and exposure anticipated.

Durable, functional waterproofingcan only be achieved by correctclassification of this exposure. DIN

18195 divides water exposure intothe following four conditions in itsParts 4-6:

In contact with ground water (Part 4)Ground water is the water which iscapillary bound in the soil. It can alsomove against gravity by capillaryforces. Ground water is always present in the soil to some degreeand represents the minimum level ofwaterproofing exposure.

This minimal load condition can onlybe assumed if the site consists ofnon-compacted soil down to a sufficient depth below the base ofthe foundation, and this also appliesto the backfill: for example, sand orgravel with a minimum hydraulicconductivity (K) of K > 10-4 m/s. Surface and storm water can thenseep down into the open water tablewithout exerting hydrostatic pressureon the waterproofing.

Infiltrating water not under pressure (Part 4)Infiltrating water not under pressureplaces the same stress on the waterproofing as the ground waterexposure load condition outlinedabove. To withstand this exposurelong term, a drainage system conforming to DIN 4095 must beinstalled in or around the externalwalls and floors.

This should usually consist of a ring drainage system, installed in conjunction with building regulationsand the drainage system for the roof and walls, this will then also act as protection for the external waterproofing system.

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Infiltrating water intermittentlyunder pressure (Part 6)Intermittent infiltrating water underpressure creates hydrostatic pressureon the waterproofing system. Thewater cannot percolate quicklyenough down to the water table i.e.through dense or compacted soil;therefore it builds up with increasingpressure from below. The maximumfoundation depth for this classificationis 3 m below the ground level.

The designed permanent groundwater level for this classificationmust be at least 300 mm below thebottom of the floor slab. This shouldbe determined from the regional andsite records over many years and asclose to the actual site as possible.

Water under external hydrostaticpressure (Part 6)External water pressure representsthe same exposure load on the waterproofing system as intermittentlyinfiltrating water under pressure. Thedifference is that the normal waterlevel is expected to be less than 300mm below the bottom of the floorslab. As polymer modified bitumensystems (KMB) are not yet approvedfor this exposure condition in DIN18195, in Germany for their use abuilding regulations variation agreement under VOB Part C is necessary. However polymer modified bitumen systems (KMB)have actually already been used successfully for this exposure classification for many years.

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TIME PROVEN TO BE WATERPROOF FOR MANY YEARS

External waterproofing for ground water contact

Remmers Kiesol systems havebecome synonymous with durablewaterproofing.

They have proved themselves overmany years for all load and exposureconditions and all types of structures. The Remmers systemsprovide a reliable solution for everysubstrate.

The mortar levelling systems andslurry coats for masonry substratesare highly sulphate resistant. Additionally the bitumen based bondcoats and high polymer content slurry systems, have proved highly

effective for many years in refurbishingand re-waterproofing old bituminoussubstrates.

All Remmers slurry, levelling andhigh-build coating systems use‘state of the art’ material technology.They are extremely easy to apply,manually or by machine. They arereliable and very economic in use.

Many impressive references andnumerous test certificates andwaterproofing system inspectionreports confirm the strengths of theRemmers solutions:

� Usable on damp substrates� Extremely high pressure

resistance of the polymer modified bitumens

� Reinforcing is not necessary for any exposure condition

� Rapid drying and curing� Economic with high solids

contents (approx. 90 %)� Ecological: solvent free and

environmentally safe� Resistant to corrosive

substances (conform to DIN 4030)

� Maximum security due toexcellent substrate and intercoat adhesion

WHEN THINGS LOOK BLACK, INSIST ON REMMERS FOR CLARITYWhen a leaking basement isexposed, an old black coating isoften revealed. What is it? Tar orbitumen?

This must be determined by testing.This is because durable refurbishmentis only possible on bituminous substrates.

Only limited adhesion can beobtained on tar based materials –never durable waterproofing!

Therefore:Tar must be removed – sound bitumen can usually remain.

A quick ‘on the spot’ test:

It is easy to establish whether a material contains tar or bitumen withpetroleum spirit:� If the material easily dissolves, it is bitumen� If the material is resistant or only slightly dissolves, then it is tar

For your additional security:You can send a sample to our laboratories for confirmation testing.

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If there is no existing waterproofing,the substrate only requires cleaning.Surface defects of 5 to 50 mm arelevelled and sealed with the Kiesolmortar and sealant system in oneoperation. There are standard andquick setting versions, both highlyrefined and shrinkage compensatedfor total crack resistance. Small and

large areas can be waterproofed very economically manually or bymachine, which makes it even faster.

Two additional factors must also betaken into account for the thermalinsulation of a basement: Firstly, the“Minimum thermal insulation”required by the German building

regulations (LBO) must always beachieved. These requirements aregiven in the Technical ConstructionRegulation (TBB) – DIN 4108-2. Secondly, the energy-saving thermalinsulation specified in the EnergySaving Directive (EnEV) must be met.Condensation protection to DIN4108-3 must also be provided.

NEW FROM TOP TO BOTTOMExternal waterproofing for ground water contact – masonry substrates

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Any edges or corners on the foundations arechamfered so that there are no sharp arrises.The surfaces are cleaned and any loose or friable particles or other contaminants areremoved, by using a grinding machine orRotec technique.

The Kiesol primer is applied uniformly byspray. Highly absorbent substrates are pre-dampened to reduce suction.

Within the Kiesol open time, the bond coat ofSulfatex Grout is applied by brush.

PREPARATION AND CLEANING

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PRIMING WITH KIESOL

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BOND COAT WITH SULFATEXGROUT

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All rough areas and surface defects are filledand levelled with Waterproofing Filler, ‘wet onwet’.

A corner sealing fillet is also formed withWaterproofing Filler ‘wet on wet’, using a specialcoving trowel.

The 1st waterproofing layer of Remmers polymer modified bitumen is applied by brushtrowel or spray.

LEVELLING WITH WATERPROOFING FILLER

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FORMING A SEALING FILLETWITH WATERPROOFING FILLER

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As soon as the 1st layer has dried, the 2ndlayer of Profi Tight can be applied (Coverage,layer thickness etc. are dependent on the anticipated exposure conditions and must bedetailed in the specifications of the project).

The clips are fixed into the substrate water-proofing with screws above the ground level.

APPLYING THE 2ND WATERPROOFING LAYER

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FIXING THE PROTECTIONSYSTEM CLIPS

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When the waterproofing system has completely dried (confirmed by the controlsamples), it must be protected with Remmersprotection system prior to back filling.

PROTECTING THE CUREDWATERPROOFING SYSTEM

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APPLYING THE 1ST WATERPROOFING LAYER WITHPROFI TIGHT

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THE SEQUENCE OF OPERATIONSHow this waterproofing system is achieved