The phenomenon that’s so often underestimated is so-called “rising damp”, which occurs when water under the ground enters walls as a result of direct contact and is pushed upwards by capillary action, allowing the moisture to rise around ten centimetres or more. The moisture can even climb metres up the wall by “latching on” to molecules of a different kind, in this case those of the actual walls. The damage caused by the abnormal increase in moisture inside walls is immediately visible on the walls of ground-floor rooms or basements.

What effects the water’s capillary action has

The effect of capillary absorption manifests in the form of:

• static damage to the building, which is weakened and becomes less safe
• worsening occupant comfort as a result of unhealthy, smelly rooms
• cosmetic damage, with the appearance of stains and peeling plaster
• higher heating costs due to the lower surface temperatures of internal walls
• efflorescence
• a capillary action that causes water to rise through walls, bringing with it salts from the ground that, once they crystallize as a result of the evaporation process, swell and cause paint and plaster to peel: white stains forming around cracks are known as salt efflorescence.

The effects are less visible when the surface affected is flooring, with symptoms like swelling, salt efflorescence, mould or changes in the colour of grout often only appearing later on.

All these issues derive from the misguided choice of materials, or poorly designed and executed work, often compounded by the fact that the foundations’ waterproofing is damaged or even non-existent. This is not an issue linked to weather events, rather it stems from the presence of groundwater.

How TeMa Building Solutions can help

Both rising damp and efflorescence issues can be prevented with the use of suitable materials. TeMa Building Solutions offers an extensive range of studded membranes and drainage geocomposites to remove water before it comes into contact with the structure and to provide waterproofing with reliable, lasting protection.

Our engineers are here to help you choose the right specific product for your next project.
Contact us!

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The risks lie both in the foundations — namely in the horizontal structures that receive and absorb the loads of the whole building — and in the below-grade walls, namely the vertical structures that have to withstand considerable loads. If we take the worsening weather patterns of recent years and add in pesky capillary rising damp, and groundwater pressure, there’s clearly a need to ensure the products used provide improved performance.

How do we best protect foundations and below-grade walls?

The way to keep underground rooms healthy is to use specific, tried-and-tested products, applied correctly as per the technical literature. TeMa Building Solutions has various solutions on offer.

Bentonite geocomposites

Bentonite geocomposites can be used to ensure the concrete is properly waterproofed. Comprising natural sodium bentonite, they self-bond to concrete (if used as waterproofing prior to insitu casting) and are suitable for both vertical applications (below-grade walls) and horizontal applications (slab foundations).

Studded membranes

Studded membranes are one of the most widely used products given their dual function:

• they mechanically protect waterproofing: they prevent damage to the waterproofing layer during the backfilling and compaction process at the construction phase, and protect from the subsequent micro-movements as the soil settles, and the considerable loads that the walls have to withstand
• they serve as damp-proofing: they stop moisture, which — even in the absence of hydrostatic pressure — can undermine the structure and cause patches of mould to appear on internal walls.

Drainage geocomposites

They reduce hydrostatic pressure exerted on vertical walls, conveying water away from the walls to the outer perimeter. They are laminated with one or two nonwovens serving as a filter layer, stopping the system becoming clogged. The TeMa Building Solutions range includes geonets, studded membranes and monofilament structure.

Need help choosing the right product? Contact us! Our experts are here to help you any way they can.

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A few tips for laying TMD 1011 on horizontal surfaces

Flat roof with gravel finish (weighted)

1 Gravel finish
2 TMD 1011 membrane serving as a drainage layer and for waterproofing protection
3 Waterproofing membrane
4 Thermal and acoustic insulation
5 Vapour barrier
6 Sloping underlayment
7 Load-bearing structure

Walkways and green areas

1 Interlocking block paving
2a Crushed stone bedding course
2b Growing medium
3 TMD 1011 membrane serving as a drainage layer and for waterproofing protection
4 Waterproofing membrane
5 Vapour barrier
6 Sloping underlayment
7 Load-bearing structure

Surfaces suitable for vehicle traffic A

1 Paving designed to take vehicle loads
2 Sand bedding layer
3 TMD 1011 membrane serving as a:
– drainage layer
– substrate in place of traditional concrete levelling compounds
– separating and leachate containment layer (oils or hydrocarbons)
4 Substructure / ground

Surfaces suitable for vehicle traffic B

1 Paving designed to take vehicle loads
2 Sand bedding layer
3 TMD 1011 membrane serving as a drainage layer and for waterproofing protection
4 Waterproofing membrane
5 Sloping underlayment
6 Load-bearing structure

A few tips for laying TMD 1011 on vertical surfaces

Unroll the membrane and install it vertically or horizontally: in the latter case, the width of the roll corresponds to the height of the wall to be protected. Two consecutive membranes should overlap by about 20 cm, and the studs should interlock.

For horizontal joints, if the TMD 1011 membrane is not wide enough to completely cover the height of the installation, the first layer should be installed from the base upwards and then, keeping an overlap of at least 15 cm, the second layer should be installed by overlapping the first layer outwards (i.e. towards the side away from the wall). Install washers every 20 cm in the overlapping area.

Inlets for utility connections, such as water, gas, sewers or similar pipelines

• • Place mastic sealant around the pipeline or inlet.
  • Cut the TMD 1011 membrane vertically so that it extends 15 cm beyond the pipeline or inlet, trimming the membrane so that it adheres as tightly as possible.
  • Put mastic sealant on the membrane so that there is a layer of mastic both above and below the membrane around the pipeline or inlet.
  • Start the next installation of the membrane 15 cm before the pipeline or inlet so that the overlap around the pipeline or inlet is 30 cm. Trim again around the pipeline or inlet for watertightness.
  • Install fasteners every 20 cm along the edge of the overlapping membrane.

Change of level or areas where the smooth part has been trimmed

Use T-Profile + T-Nails to seal the edge, using a sealant for the area to ensure that the edge is properly sealed.

TMD 1011 should also be protected with T-Profile to prevent soil from penetrating into the gap between the wall and membrane. Then, fasten it using washers and nails with T-Nails spaced at intervals of 20-30 cm, either along the upper edge of the studded membrane or along the profile.

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Diaphragms are supporting walls consisting of pointed vertical elements (piles) or continuous elements (walls) made of steel or reinforced concrete. They are driven into the ground to a considerable depth, whereas Berlin walls are flexible retaining structures constructed with vertical micro-piles.

Both solutions are used where it’s impossible to construct excavation walls of an adequate gradient due to the presence of other nearby structures and to the morphology of the area , which imposes limited work spaces (that would make manoeuvring large machinery impossible).

Berlin walls made of micro-piles are one of the most popular applications on construction sites for implementing waterproof retaining works. The technique allows work to be carried out on almost all types of terrain, especially when it’s necessary to use on-site systems that are smaller than in the past.

Since works are in contact with the ground, the drainage aspect should not be underestimated. If rainwater and groundwater exert pressure on the vertical wall, they may damage the waterproofing. TeMa Building Solutions therefore has the right product for this application: T-Mix Drain WP, the geocomposite that not only drains but also provides the functions of filtration, separation and stay-in-place formwork.

TeMa has acquired considerable experience with geocomposites. For many years, the company has been providing this system to replace the conventional gravel drainage system. The results are long-lasting and it’s the ideal solution: compared to conventional gravel, it’s less bulky, easily transported and quick to install. This reduces the costs of transport and implementation and on-site construction time while, last but not least, resulting in considerable savings in terms of CO₂.

Fields of application

As mentioned above, diaphragms and berlin walls are widely used where space is limited. More specifically, they can be used in the construction industry, for example for underground garages in homes or commercial premises, for basements. They can also be used in river works, such as quays and piers for boats, or in earth dams and wells.

Having the experience of TeMa technicians and tested effective products such as T-Mix Drain WP at your disposal is therefore a guarantee for your construction site.

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Of course, existing little-used basements can also be renovated, but you need to take some constructive measures to ensure that the building is in good condition and the environment is healthy.

So let’s see what we need to focus on.

Damp and moisture seepage

Basements are in direct contact with the ground, both the floor and the vertical walls.

Rainwater or ground moisture can penetrate concrete, leading to marks and mould that may cause the wall to peel. The aesthetic damage is as serious as the structural damage: mould is anything but healthy!

It therefore becomes necessary to provide a separation barrier between the structure and the ground that performs the function of damp-proofing, i.e. controlling moisture in the absence of hydrostatic pressure (click here to read more).

TeMa Building Solutions suggests T-Bentostop, in the F and F XL versions, a geocomposite, which attaches to concrete and consists of natural sodium bentonite with a waterproofing function, and T-Kone, the HDPE studded membrane available in several versions.

Drainage

Groundwater or dispersed water may flow in the ground, even near structures, therefore increasing the load on walls. So, it is essential to drain water and prevent it from entering by reducing the hydrostatic pressure on surfaces: T-Kone G Drain, T-Net Drain studded membranes and the drainage geocomposites in the T-Mix Drain range perform this function while keeping walls dry.

Mechanical protection of waterproofing

The vertical walls of basement rooms have to withstand heavy loads exerted by the ground. It is therefore essential to provide systems to protect the waterproof layer in order to guarantee the safety and long life of the building.

The T-Kone, T-Kone Star and TMD (also in the Plus version) range are studded membranes specifically designed for foundations and underground structures: their high load-bearing capacity makes them ideal for such applications.

Aeration

To keep masonry dry and allow constant and substantial air circulation, studded membranes can be installed with the studs facing inwards. In this way, their raised shape creates aeration channels that allow the wall to literally “breathe”.

Ideas for renovating your basement

It has been estimated that the value of your property increases by about a third if you have a well-planned basement. An extra room is always very useful and its intended use may vary greatly.

You can opt for a studio for working from home, a spacious laundry room for hanging up your washing, a playroom for your children, a  relaxation area, a rehearsal room for talented home musicians, or even a free space for hosting friends, a  wine cellar for preserving the best bottles with a tasting area, a gym or a personal home  cinema.

The post Can’t go up? Let’s make space below! appeared first on TeMa Corporation.

Important differences distinguish these two terms. Whether you are planning a new construction or a renovation, it is better to know the meanings in order to ensure optimal construction that also allows, when envisaged, comfortable living on basement floors.

In this article, we can try to better understand the difference between the two terms.

What does “damp-proofing” mean?

Damp-proofing is the function of a material that can slow down or prevent, on a surface, the absorption of moisture (i.e. in the absence of hydrostatic pressure). The main purpose is therefore to slow down moisture seepage, but it does not prevent the flow of water to the interior.

These materials also often have the additional important function of creating a barrier between the ground and the surfaces to protect the waterproofing layer, increasing its safety and durability over the years.

What does “waterproofing” mean?

Waterproofing means the ability of the system to be totally resistant to water in the ground, which exerts hydrostatic pressure. Such as groundwater, for example.

TeMa Building Solutions always guarantees a range of products and has all the solutions you need.

For the damp-proofing function we have T-Kone, the HDPE studded membrane for foundations and underground structures, and its accessories including washers and nails for installation (T-Plug + Nails), whereas for the waterproofing function we have T-Bentostop F and T-Bentostop F XL: waterproofing bentonite geocomposites that self-attach to concrete for foundations in that material.

Contact us for further information or visit our product pages specifically for damp-proofing and waterproofing functions.

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How to Protect Foundations

This is why designers are increasingly focusing on the best protection for buildings and properties in contact with the ground. The sudden changes in the amount of water run-off and the gradual increase in the groundwater level make earth-retaining works fragile when these factors have not been considered.

TeMa Building Solutions

Adequate systemic design is essential in the case of hydrostatic thrust, just as it becomes fundamental to monitor various factors, including: descending water resulting from precipitation, water and/or damp rising due to capillary upward flow, groundwater and condensation which, due to the difference in temperature between the ground and interior spaces, forms on the walls of rooms close to the ground. It’s also important to bear in mind the likelihood that several phenomena may exist at the same time. TeMa Building Solutions is our division highly specialised in protection and waterproofing systems. Our research team has developed products ideal for counteracting the hazards caused by these seasonal weather events. It provides solutions for the protection of foundations and water drainage to reduce the volume of water close to underground structures, both vertical and horizontal, in contact with the ground and where groundwater or dispersed water is present.

TeMa Geocomposites

Our geocomposites have been designed to perform the dual function of filtering and draining water, dispersing energy from the hydrostatic load. They include T-Net Drain 5, which channels the flow of water to the water collection system around a building thanks to the rhomboidal-shaped mesh geo-grid coupled with two non-woven geotextiles.

According to recent research in the building market in Italy, damage due to water seepage and damp in earth-retaining structures is the cause of more than 50% of disputes in the building sector. Our designers are well aware of this problem and therefore rely on TeMa, thus preventing such complications.

To learn more and discover the entire range of geocomposites designed by TeMa, go to our website.

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Today, however, we are used to using elevators and we often complain if they are out of order and we have to go back to the old-fashioned habit of using the stairs!

But what does building an elevator involve?

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