Moisture Getting Through Waterproofed Concrete Block Walls

Started by n74tg, July 01, 2008, 05:04:32 AM

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n74tg

I understand that in crawlspace with concrete block walls, that the 6 mil poly that you cover the ground with also needs to extend up the walls because moisture (not bulk water, as in leaks) can wick it's way through the block.

Does anybody know anything about whether moisture can wick through a block wall coated (on both sides) with surface bonding cement (ie Quikwall SBC).  SBC has calcium stearate in it, which is the waterproofing agent.  So, I'm wondering about it's vapor permeability.

The footers are also encased in 6 mil poly, so there shouldn't be a lot of entry paths for moisture to enter.  And then, there is a perimeter drain system installed to remove any water at footer level.

thanks,
Tony
My house building blog:

http://n74tg.blogspot.com/

Erin

From what I've read, the SBC is somewhat waterproof, but an actual waterproofer needs to be installed/applied as well. 
The wise woman builds her own house... Proverbs 14:1


John Raabe

I would suggest an additional waterproof coating or membrane on the outside of the wall before backfilling. One reason is to be a simple moisture barrier to capillary action through the wall, the second is to provide a elastic bridge to protect the wall from settlement cracks and such that are likely to occur over time. A membrane does this better than paint-on coatings.
None of us are as smart as all of us.

glenn kangiser

If all of that is still not satisfactory this stuff claims to permeate the wall surface and stop it from the inside if done properly.

http://www.sanitred.com/
"Always work from the general to the specific." J. Raabe

Glenn's Underground Cabin  http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=151.0

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