(10-Year Limited Warranty)
(Warranty Registration Form)
(Warranty Transfer Request Form)
(New Home Owner Letter)
(Waterproofing vs. Dampproofing)
(Keys to Maintaining Your Dry Basement)
Waterproofing vs. Dampproofing
When it comes to reliable performance, dampproofing doesn't compare.
Waterproofing or dampproofing to protect them against leakage?
Trying to compare their performance is like comparing apples and oranges - they're
distinctly different in just about every sense. And while waterproofing and dampproofing
are both forms of water protection, there really is no valid comparison. Because
waterproofing is far superior. Here's why:
The dampproofing approach
The typical method of dampproofing involves applying a layer of
unmodified asphalt that's only 10 mils thick when cured.
(Historically, this material wasn't created to protect basements
or even repel water. In fact, it's a type of primer to prepare road surfaces for
other materials.) It degrades quite quickly underground, becomes brittle
and shatters at low temperatures. So even thicker applications would yield
little, if any, improvement.
This unmodified asphalt won't span foundation settling cracks, nor will
it stop water flow under hydrostatic pressure - both of which occur naturally
underground. As a result, dampproofing only delays water penetration instead
of providing a long-term preventive shield against it.
The waterproofing advantage
Koch Waterproofing Solutions offers a range of waterproofing alternatives,
each of which outperforms dampproofing dramatically. Every Koch solution
begins with a polymer-modified asphalt membrane that provides a minimum 40
mils of protection when cured.
This base membrane spans and seals foundation settling cracks. Plus,
the membrane remains elastic at low temperatures for reliable performance,
season after season.
No wonder Koch offers the assurance of Guaranteed Dry Basements**
with some of the best warranties in the industry. Try getting a guarantee like
that with any dampproofing product.
Build in more value
With WATCHDOG WATERPROOFING
solutions from Koch, you're not only offering Guaranteed Dry Basements
to homeowners. You're providing the value of multiplying the usable space
of their homes' floor plans.
A Guaranteed Dry Basement enables homeowners to transform basement
space into an entertainment center, a home office, or a playroom for the kids.
Or to confidently store virtually any item without fear of water damage -
freeing more floor space upstairs to use as they like.
Reputation
Guaranteed Dry Basements from Koch also help seal your reputation as a quality builder.
A recent survey revealed that the most common problem home inspectors
find in homes less than 12 years old is basement leaks. Builders who
dampproof report a high rate of call-backs (see charts).
So why choose waterproofing over dampproofing? DRY is WHY it's no contest.
*Source: USA Today, May 21, 1997 Builders reporting callbacks on basement leaks.
**See limited warranty for details
Installed by experts
WATCHDOG WATERPROOFING is installed by Select Waterproofing Contractors -
professionals skilled in the details of successful basement waterproofing.
These contractors undergo extensive training and are monitored for quality performance to
ensure the highest quality application.
Surface preparation
The wall surface should be smooth, monolithic and clean. Remove loose aggregate,
dust, mud or sharp protrusions from the wall. On poured concrete walls,
remove all wall ties - both inside and out. Repair all substantial voids -
including large tie holes, cracks and honeycombs larger than your fist - with an asphalt-
based mastic or non-shrinking grout.
The WATCHDOG WATERPROOFING membrane is spray-applied to
seamlessly bridge foundation settling cracks and seal out water penetration.
Its material was specifically designed for spray application
on below-grade exterior foundation walls. The membrane remains
elastic of low temperatures for dependable year-round protection.
System application
WATCHDOG WATERPROOFING membrane is sprayed evenly over the entire foundation wall.
The membrane can be applied when ambient temperatures are as low as 20'F, and on damp or
green concrete. However, the membrane must not be applied over standing water,
a water film, ice or snow. On poured concrete basements, WATCHDOG WATERPROOFING can be applied as
soon as the forms are removed, and on parged block basements, as soon as the mortar is dry.
Curing and backfilling
Foundations coated with WATCHDOG WATERPROOFING should be allowed to cure at least
16 to 24 hours, or longer if ambient temperatures are below 45'F and/or if humidity is 80%
RH or above. Make sure the membrane is cured before installing drain tile and gravel
(unless the membrane is protected by foundation board at least 24 inches up from the
rooter and backfilling. Use clean fill materials for backfilling. Avoid backfilling
with sharp, angular rocks, any rocks bigger than a softball, and any materials that
may puncture the waterproofing membrane.
Drainage requirements
WATCHDOG WATERPROOFING is designed for use with a foundation drainage system consistent
with local codes and good construction practices. A typical exterior drainage system consists
of 3-inch minimum perforated drainage pipe - with gravel over the pipe, on the footer and
at least 10 inches up the face of the insulation board. The drain tile should channel
water to either an operating sump pump or to daylight. The grade should always slope away from
the foundation.
Environmentally responsible
WATCHDOG WATERPROOFING membrane uses a non-flammable, water-based carrier that meets
VOC regulations in all 50 U.S. states. It has been thoroughly tested by independent labs
using Federal EPA standards for leaching. The results prove that no harmful leaching of
the membrane occurs.
A good waterproof poncho not only keeps you dry during a light drizzle, it also keeps out
hard, windblown rain. That's because a poncho provides complete coverage, with no seams or
openings around fasteners where water can penetrate. Which is a fitting comparison for how
WATCHDOG WATERPROOFING performs.
WATCHDOG WATERPROOFING's flexible membrane provides thorough, seamless coverage
for basement walls. It also seals foundation settling cracks - effectively blocking potential
seepage points. This resilient membrane even blocks out water under hydrostatic pressure,
which occurs naturally underground. (A performance trait that mere dampproofing can't provide.)
The result is a Guaranteed Dry Basement. Backed by a 5-year transferable warranty* with up to
$2,500 coverage for extra peace-of-mind.
Homeowners will appreciate the dependably dry space WATCHDOG WATERPROOFING helps to provide.
Having more usable space in the basement frees room upstairs for homeowners to use as they wish.
WATCHDOG WATERPROOFING's membrane is expertly spray-applied by a trained Select Waterproofing
Contractor. This fast, effective method of installation helps keep your home on schedule.
Click here for technical specification information.
*See actual warranty for full details.
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