Below-Grade waterproofing is the construction practice of applying membranes and coatings to the foundation walls of the structure under street or ground level, as part of the building envelope.  It can go by other names such as below-ground or basement waterproofing.

Effective waterproofing and water management techniques goes hand-in-hand to keeping the below grade areas leak free. An astute project owner would ask: What below grade waterproofing methods and processes should be used to ensure the quality and performance of the finished building(s)?

There are several different below grade waterproofing technologies available that provide different range of warranties. S-BR technical department works hand in hand, with owners, contractors, architects and consultants to select the right product for a given structure or building on hydrostatic or nonhydrostatic application. S-BR craftsmen are certified applicators for Tremco, Cetco, Grace, and Carlisle.

A process that involves using a mixture (either tar or unmodified salt) as a coating on the exterior side of a structure and has one main purpose: preventing the micro coil or transfer of ground moisture by concrete. The damp proofing coating’s cured thickness is usually less than 10 mils. In certain cases, it is a simple and appropriate type of care. Damp proofing does not aim to keep both water and moisture out; rather, it aims to reduce moisture infiltration by obstructing concrete capillaries.

SBR craftsmen has hands on experience and certification on the application of Damp-proofing behind metal & wood claddings, bricks and stone veneers, with several different manufacturers:

Tremco, BASF, Sika,Soprema, Henry Products, Grace, Carlisle

Elastomeric coating is a thicker-than-paint exterior wall or roof coating that is applied above grade. It forms an extremely thick yet flexible coating that aids in the waterproofing of a building’s exterior. It can bridge surface defects to create an airtight waterproof seal, unlike other coatings or paints. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, including stucco, concrete, masonry, and more. Elastomeric coatings can be applied to both walls and roofs. When the elastomeric coating is applied, it is in a liquid phase; it dries, stiffens, and binds to the framework while remaining fluid, shifting, bending, and flexing with the framework beneath it.

The S-BR Team works with owners, architects, engineers, and consultants, to select the right technology, colors and more on the application of elastomeric coatings. S-BR craftsmen are trained and certified applicators, who have years of experience on the installation of Tremco, Sika, Neogard, Euclid, BASF System.

Epoxy floor coating is mainly used for industrial and commercial flooring. It is applied over concrete floors to provide a high-performance smooth and durable surface.

Epoxy floor coating must have a clean, permeable surface to adhere properly. Concrete must be fully cured. Before application of the coat, all large cracks and chips in the concrete surface should be patched and repaired, and all grease should be removed.

S-BR has experience and the expertise in applying with commercial and residential properties, and has a high percentage of success. Examples include: industrial sites, warehouses, and commercial buildings.

Floor joints are used for a multitude of different applications, such as horizontal and vertical buildings, for example. The building/ structure moves, depending on the temperature and wind and structure settlement. Floor joints are mainly placed in the middle of the structure, and, prevents breakage.

Expansion joints are a mid-structure separation that is intended to alleviate stress on building materials caused by: thermal expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes, sway caused by wind, earthquakes or other seismic disasters, static load deflection, and live load deflection. Expansion joint transitions are the key to ensure a secure, safe and economical building envelope. When factory-fabricated transition assemblies are specified and assembled, seal continuity is achieved at changes in plane and direction, as well as between expansion joint systems.

S-BR craftsmen are certified applicators for Emseal, MM System, Willseal, Balco Structural Expansion Joints on vertical and horizontal joints, 1–8-inches or greater.

Hot Waterproofing Application: Hot rubberized waterproofing membranes are fluid-applied membranes made of asphalt and modified rubber polymers containing mineral stabilizers. These waterproofing systems allow the fabrication of monolithic membranes with wide surface areas.

Hot Waterproofing Application: S-BR craftsmen are approved applicators and have the expertise and technology for hot applied systems: tunnels, parking decks, balcony decks, roofs, vegetative roofs, podium decks, planters, split-slab applications and plaza decks.

Cold Waterproofing Application: Cold, fluid insulation membranes are used in building and construction industries due to their flexibility in areas where conventional sheet insulation or hot-applied membranes are not optional. The cold waterproofing membranes, which are fluid applied, can be applied both vertically and horizontally and can last for several years when properly mounted.

Cold Waterproofing Application: S-BR fully trained and certified team are experts on the application of cold applied systems on balconies, pool decks, amenity areas, private terraces and BOH rooms.

A material that minimizes both the infiltration of the surface water and incompressible material into the joint system. Second, the sealants are said to reduce the risk of dowel bar corrosion, by preventing de-icing chemicals from entering the system. Some people believe that joint sealants keep surface water out of the joint system, but modern vacuum tests have shown that no sealant can provide a completely watertight seal.

Some of the benefits of joint sealants is to keep different temperatures, soil, rocks and other debris, out. The presence of these incompressible materials in the joint during periods of thermal expansion can cause localized discomfort such as cracks or implosions. Joint seals often prevent the interference of de – icing chemicals used for snow/ice protection in cooler environments by limiting water intrusion. Since at least the 1970s, the advantages and cost benefits of joint sealing have been a source of ongoing discussion. Currently, concrete pavement joint sealing is likely project specific and dependent on the facility type, pavement design, and other factors.

S-BR are highly trained craftsmen and are experts on the application of urethane and silicone sealants technologies.

Vehicular traffic deck coatings: The applications for vehicle traffic covering include any heavier traffic surface, including garages, decks, ramps, stadiums and arenas. These surfaces need a robust, durable solution to withstand the daily movement of vehicles.

Pedestrian deck coatings: Footbridges, footbridges, walking paths, mechanical spaces, arenas, square decks, and balconies are covered with all walkable surfaces These surfaces require a long-term, robust solution that resists everyday foot traffic.

S-BR craftsmen ensures expertise and technology advancement. Additionally, we are partnered with the following manufacturers: Tremco, Sika, Grace, Cetco, Carlisle, BASF, DOW, Euclid.

Integral water repellents are polymeric liquid admixtures that are inserted into concrete masonry units during the production process to minimize wicking. As a result, they reduce the amount of water that can move through masonry due to capillary suction, making it hydrophobic. To ensure adequate bond and similar reduced water capillary suction characteristics, integral water repellent admixtures must be integrated into the mortar on the jobsite, as well as into the block and any other masonry wall part, such as precast lintels. The benefits of applying water repellent, in terms of waterproofing construction, are endless. Some of the main purposes include water migration resistance, excellent regulation of efflorescence, improved fluidity mix and optimized dispersal of pigments.

S-BR craftsmen have an extended and fluent expertise to ensure top notch construction in waterproofing and highly qualified results.