Foundation: dampproofing is not waterproofing

Choose drainage, dampproofing or waterproofing based on water exposure, cracks, groundwater, soil and assembly rather than product marketing.

VERT / GREEN

First identify water source/path, grade and drainage condition.

JAUNE / YELLOW

A dampproofing system intended for damp/intermittent exposure is not automatically waterproofing against hydrostatic water.

ROUGE / RED

Hydrostatic water, active crack, unstable foundation or failed drainage: diagnose cause and design the complete system before covering.

System triage

Basement damp only after rain
Review grade, gutters, drainage and cracks before choosing membrane. Water through slab/walls
Assess groundwater/pressure and drainage; a coating alone may be insufficient. Product sold as dampproofing
Verify evaluated use, substrate, drainage and product limitations. Drainage and membrane documented
Keep pre-backfill photos and connection details.

What the professional checks

The foundation/envelope specialist checks water source, drainage, cracks, substrate preparation and whether dampproofing or waterproofing is actually required.

Official sources

Vérifié / checked: 2026-08-23

Related path

Continue with the right tools

These links connect this page to the next useful checks and decisions without repeating the full content.

Plan a complete construction projectConnect feasibility, design, permits, concealed work, commissioning and closeout.Open →Check permit triggersPrepare the questions and documents to confirm with the local authority.Open →Check a contractorDocument licence, insurance, scope, payments, changes and warranties.Open →Update a construction costEscalate a historical cost using comparable index values.Open →Prepare pre-delivery reviewRecord documents, enclosure, systems, finishes and deficiencies before closeout.Open →

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