waterproofing membrane vs vapor barrier
waterproofing membrane vs vapor barrier
(OP)
1. Would you recommend a waterproofing membrane with protection board etc or a vapor barrier beneath the slab on grade in a tropical climate on very stiff clays covered with 1.5m of structural backfill compacted to 95% standard proctor. The slab is a 6" Reinforced concrete.
2. What exactly is the difference between the two.
3. Is visquene (plastic sheeting) an acceptable vapour barrier or waterproofing membrane?
2. What exactly is the difference between the two.
3. Is visquene (plastic sheeting) an acceptable vapour barrier or waterproofing membrane?





RE: waterproofing membrane vs vapor barrier
When using a vapor barrier, proper curing of the concrete slab becomes even more important - water cannot quickly out the bottom of the slab. Without curing, the top of the slab dries out quicker than the bottom which leads to curling upward - tending to cause cracking (even in a reinforced slab).
Polyethylene (like other vapor barriers) only slows down moisture transmission, it does not stop it. A water proof membrane essentially stops flow of both water vapor and liquid water. (It does not really stop it, but reduces transmission by several orders of magnitude more than a vapor barrier).
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RE: waterproofing membrane vs vapor barrier
RE: waterproofing membrane vs vapor barrier
RE: waterproofing membrane vs vapor barrier
Is the waterproofing membrane the better choice for the 6” slab on grade with such varying conditions.
RE: waterproofing membrane vs vapor barrier
What's the structure to be used for, and what type of floor coverings are going to be placed on the slab, if any? Some commerical/industrial applications can handle some vapor transmission through the slab during the structure life.
If there are floor coverings planned that will not be permeable, capable of transferring moisture, then the quality of the barrier becomes more critical.
I have encountered visqueen degradation over a relatively short time frame; if you use visqueen, use "virign" material, not created from recycled plastics. Go 10-mil minimum.
As noted by sliderulera, the w/c ratio of concrete and curing have impacts on the long-term performance of floor covering, regardless of the barrier. The entire floor covering process needs to be considered since each aspect, if not done properly, can result in floor covering failure.
RE: waterproofing membrane vs vapor barrier
RE: waterproofing membrane vs vapor barrier
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RE: waterproofing membrane vs vapor barrier
Volclay panels work great and we have used them in many commercial applications.
RE: waterproofing membrane vs vapor barrier
http://www.post-tensioning.org/pdfs/sog-faq3.pdf
http://www.nrmca Concrete In Practice CIP29, Vapor Retarders Under Slab on Grade.
ACI recommends vapor retarders for all slabs which recive moisture sensative flooring, which to me includes most carpets, VCT, etc. The first two references recommend vapor barriers be installed for all interior slabs on grade, which I concur with.
Hope This Helps.