Below-grade waterproofing is more than a layer of protection — it’s a system that safeguards the structural integrity of a building for decades. In areas like Los Angeles, Malibu, and Pacific Palisades, where moisture pressure, soil movement, and sloped terrain are common, precision in waterproofing isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Key Areas Where Precision Matters
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Cold Joints
Concrete pours in multiple stages create cold joints — a natural weak spot. These must be sealed with waterstops or bonding membranes to prevent seepage. -
Pipe Penetrations
Any pipe or conduit that breaches a wall or slab must be detailed using flexible boots, collars, or sealants to remain watertight as the building settles or moves. -
Termination Points
Where waterproofing ends (at grade, edges, or transitions), proper terminations prevent peel-back, delamination, and perimeter failures. -
Slab-to-Wall Overlaps
Underslab membranes must seamlessly tie into vertical waterproofing to prevent water from entering between disconnected planes.
Best Practices for Long-Term Performance
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Coordination Before Waterproofing Begins
All trades — structural, waterproofing, shoring — should align on details during pre-construction. This avoids last-minute site issues and guarantees system continuity. -
Use Manufacturer-Compatible Systems
Mixing products from different brands often results in poor adhesion or chemical incompatibility, which voids warranties and risks performance. -
Detail Everything in the Drawings
General notes aren’t enough. Show every penetration, overlap, and termination in the plan set so installers know what to expect. -
Perform Quality Control
Before backfill, inspect membranes for punctures, adhesion issues, or installation gaps. This is the last chance to fix it before the system is buried.
Why This Matters in Los Angeles Projects
Southern California’s varied topography — from Beverly Hills basements to Malibu’s coastal slopes — demands higher performance. When pressure builds against a subgrade wall, the smallest missed detail can cause costly leaks, structural damage, or mold. Planning and precision are your defense.
Final Thoughts
Waterproofing failures are often preventable. At IHC Group, we believe success starts with proactive design, precise detailing, and professional installation. Whether you’re working on a luxury hillside home or a multi-level basement downtown, we deliver long-term protection — from the ground up.
If you’re planning a waterproofing project in Los Angeles, Malibu, or Pacific Palisades, IHC Construction Group (818) 540-5235 offers consultation and expert installation that ensures each layer, seam, and transition performs as designed.
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