Dictionary of Moisture Protection & Restoration

Solving Water Intrusion Problems Restoration or Remedial Waterproofing Now that we know how the water is penetrating a structure, how can we stop it? In restoration or remedial approaches to solving water intrusion, the following actions are vital: 1. Inspection of damage and leakage. (Visual inspection and testing). 2. Determination of cause. 3. Choice of systems for repair. 4. Substrate preparation. 5. Restoration work. 6. Waterproofing system application. Prevention of water leaks has to include one of the three basic systems:

1. Barriers 2. Drainage 3. Diversions

Understand that not all water penetration through the substrate results in leakage to interior spaces. Masonry surfaces absorb some water regularly, without creating interior leaks. The masonry is either large enough to absorb the penetrating water, or this water is collected and redirected back to the exterior by the use of dampproofing systems. This is also true when it comes to mortar joints.

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