The Research
An Introduction
The basement systems in use today provide little or no long term protection against ad freezing, humidity in flows and water infiltration through shrinkage cracks. Industry upgrades are frequently required in an effort to provide protection against these problems.
Present Standards:
With reference to the long accepted practices, the following conditions are known:
a) Ad freezing - The application of rigid installation to exterior side of the concrete walls was used to reduce or eliminate this problem. B) Humidity in-flow water leakage- The installation of sheet membranes, and/or multiple layers of polyethylene used in conjunction with damp proofing and drainage board was used to reduce or eliminate water/moisture penetration problem.
In this regard, several problems have been evident. As a result of a not being permanently anchored to the concrete wall surface, the top sheet of rigid insulation would gradually creep upwards from the effects of ad-freezing. This seasonal process would continue until such time the entire top sheet of insulation would be completely removed from the soil. Once again leaving a section of the concrete foundation unprotected from the elements and the ad-freezing process.
The common damp proofing material (tar) is used to prevent water and moisture infiltration. Tar lacks bridging qualities and provided no protection against shrinkage cracks. This damp proofing (tar) will gradually leach from the wall surface and into the drainage/water shed systems.
Other methods, like sheet membrane or multiple layers of polyethylene and tar experienced joint separation and/or joint break down. The exposed above grade portions of sheet membrane and polyethylene will peel away from the concrete wall surface and protection against water flow and moisture infiltration were compromised.
This basement envelope system also uses rigid insulation to combat ad-freezing. Protection against frost uplift was achieved by using polymer rubber mastic adhesive to securely bond the rigid insulation to the wall surface. With Code Blue, this bonding agent is already part of the liquid rubber membrane thus eliminating the use of the mastic adhesive to bond the insulation board to the rubber.
The liquid polymer rubber membrane’s bondage and elasticity characteristics combine to eliminate water and moisture inundation. Once cured the liquid rubber forms a continuous/ seamless rubber membrane.
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