Plaza waterproofing is precarious because of the severe service conditions imposed on the system and the inaccessibility of the waterproofing membrane for repairs. Most systems are covered by a wearing surface that often impedes the drainage of water at the membrane level. The “buried” position of the membrane makes trouble shooting and repair difficult and prohibitively expensive. This paper presents fundamentals for design and installation of plaza waterproofing systems. Of particular concern is the design of effective system drainage that facilitates the flow of water from the plaza surface, through the various components, and into drains at the membrane level. Adequate drainage is the single most important factor in the long-term performance of any waterproofing system. System design is discussed to establish the parameters for evaluation of specific system components: the wearing surface, insulation, drainage system, waterproofing membrane, building deck, and design of critical flashing details.
During the last ten years, the authors have investigated a number of buildings with leakage and deterioration problems associated with exterior walls clad with exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS). These systems were “barrier” walls applied to materials that degrade rapidly from exposure to moisture, such as gypsum board sheathing. These wall systems lacked backup waterproofing and flashing elements and relied on surface seals as the sole means of controlling water penetration (leakage). While these systems are appealing due to their aesthetic features, light weight and insulating characteristics, they are vulnerable to performance problems as a result of failed surface seals, leakage through window frame corners and poor installation practices. Installation of internal flashings is difficult at best because the primary waterproofing layer (the lamina) is on the face of the cladding rather than in the plane of the flashing. In this paper, the authors review the essential differences between barrier and drainable EIFS. The primary focus of the paper is to examine the various components of an engineered drainable EIFS including waterproofing membranes, drainage plane grids, methods of attachment, and consideration for use of a vapor retarder (position) within the wall cross section. Detailing of wall penetrations, particularly for windows and doors will be presented as will location of flashings and weep mechanisms in multi story construction. Design considerations will be illustrated in two case studies where barrier EIFS was replaced with an engineered drainable system, one in a relatively warm climate (southern California) and the other in a relatively cold climate (Massachusetts).
During the last ten years, the authors have investigated a number of buildings with leakage and deterioration problems associated with exterior walls clad with exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS). These systems were “barrier” walls applied to materials that degrade rapidly from exposure to moisture, such as gypsum board sheathing. These wall systems lacked backup waterproofing and flashing elements and relied on surface seals as the sole means of controlling water penetration (leakage). While these systems are appealing due to their aesthetic features, light weight and insulating characteristics, they are vulnerable to performance problems as a result of failed surface seals, leakage through window frame corners and poor installation practices. Installation of internal flashings is difficult at best because the primary waterproofing layer (the lamina) is on the face of the cladding rather than in the plane of the flashing. In this paper, the authors review the essential differences between barrier and drainable EIFS. The primary focus of the paper is to examine the various components of an engineered drainable EIFS including waterproofing membranes, drainage plane grids, methods of attachment, and consideration for use of a vapor retarder (position) within the wall cross section. Detailing of wall penetrations, particularly for windows and doors will be presented as will location of flashings and weep mechanisms in multi story construction. Design considerations will be illustrated in two case studies where barrier EIFS was replaced with an engineered drainable system, one in a relatively warm climate (southern California) and the other in a relatively cold climate (Massachusetts).
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