Damp Proofing ≠ Waterproofing
Damp Proofing is the typical basic coating that is applied to a foundation wall before it is backfilled.
Damp Proofing acts as a vapor retardant barrier and basic water protection (Not Waterproof).
It is a basic code requirement for new construction. Note: Depending on your area, Waterproofing may be required.
2015 International Residential Code®
R406.1 – Concrete and masonry foundation dampproofing. Except where required by section R406.2 to be waterproofed, foundation walls that retain earth and enclose interior spaces and floors below grade shall be dampproofed from the top of the footing to the finished grade. Masonry walls shall have not less than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) portland cement parging applied to the exterior of the wall. The parging shall be dampproofed in accordance with one of the following:
1. Bituminous Coating.
…
4. Any material permitted for waterproofing in section R406.2
5. Other approved methods or materials.
Concrete walls shall be dampproofed by applying any one of the above listed materials or any one of the waterproofing materials listed in Section R406.2 to the exterior of the wall.
In summary Emulsified Asphalts are a better, safer solution for Damp Proofing your structure.
!! Damp Proofing is Not Waterproof !!
MulSeal Damp-Proofing Membrane
High Quality, High Performance Water-Based Asphalt Emulsion
MulSeal Spec Sheet
MulSeal MSDS Info
MulSeal ASTM Testing Info
DampProofing_Technical_Data_Sheet
Damp Proofing ≠ Waterproofing
Ashpalt Based Emulsion – VS – Solvent Based Tar (Cutback Asphault)
Q: What is Cutback Asphalt?
A: Cutback Asphalt is created by blending asphalt cement with a petroleum solvent.
Q: What is an Asphalt Based Emulsion (Emulsified Asphalt)?
A: Asphalt Based Emulsions are created by blending asphalt cement with water and an emulsifying agent.
Q: So why choose Emulsified Asphalt Damp Proofing over Cutback Asphalt Damp Proofing?
A: Here are some of the reasons why:
- Cutback Asphalt Damp Proofing has been largely replaced in the industry with Asphalt Emulsion Damp Proofing products, like MulSeal.
- Cutback Asphalts contain high amounts of environmentally harmful VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) that evaporate into the atmosphere as they cure.
- Asphalt Based Emulsions have a very low amount of VOC content and evaporate water into the atmosphere.
MulSeal VOC Content – less than 14 g/L
- The solvents used in cutback asphalt take more energy to produce and are more expensive then the water and emulsifying agents in Asphalt Based Emulsions.
Comparison of Waterproofing and Damp Proofing
Damp Proof
Tuff-N-Dri
Cost
$
$$$-$$$$
$$-$$$$
Property Damage Risk
Lowest Risk
Lowest Risk
Hydrostatic Head
0 ft
8 ft / 12+ ft
12 ft / 16+ ft
Crack Bridging Ability
Draper City Approved
Vineyard City Approved
Service Warranty
Warranty Terms
None!
15 Yr
20 Yr | 30 Yr | 50 Yr
Recommended use
Slab on Grade / Crawlspace (Unconditioned)
Basement (8-12 ft) / Crawlspace (Conditioned)
Basements All Depths
Modern Damp-Proofing -> Rocky Mountain Waterproofing
As a company we started out doing Damp Proofing but quickly transitioned to Waterproofing as our primary options. Because we believe so strongly that Waterproofing is so much better than Damp Proofing we changed our name from Modern Damp-Proofing to be Rocky Mountain Waterproofing.
We offered basic Damp Proofing for many years but have since switched Waterproofing for everything that we apply.
Have A Project That Requires Damp Proofing?
We will be glad to help you with your project. All our Waterproofing products exceed the ASTM requirements for Damp Proofing and are easy for us to substitute for any Damp Proofing Spec as our Waterproofing products are far superior.
We aren’t kidding! They Really are better.
Got Foundation Leaks?
We can fix them! Even Active Leaks. Inside or Out. Cracks, Ties, Honeycomb, Etc.
