Over the years, since 2018, Tenera has been engaged to provide repair specs for a variety of repair and waterproofing projects at a high-rise residential building on Bathurst St. in Vaughan. For this project, our specialists provided detailed specifications for the foundation wall waterproofing and supervised the contractor throughout the process to ensure adherence to these specifications. The total length of the wall addressed was 160 linear feet.
Repair Methodology
Site Preparation
The initial phase involved meticulous site preparation to ensure optimal adhesion and performance of the waterproofing materials. The area around the foundation wall was excavated to expose the surface fully. This step was critical to allow for a thorough inspection and cleaning of the substrate. Any debris, dirt, or loose material was removed using high-pressure washing and mechanical brushing. This preparation was essential to create a clean, sound surface for the primer and subsequent layers to adhere to.
Primer Application
Following the cleaning process, a specialized primer was applied to the foundation wall. The primer selected for this project was a high-adhesion formulation specifically designed to enhance the bonding of the waterproofing membrane to the concrete substrate. This primer serves as a crucial layer, promoting the adhesion of the subsequent cold-applied polyurea membrane.
Polyurea Membrane Installation
Once the primer had adequately cured, the polyurea membrane was applied. This membrane was chosen for its exceptional durability, flexibility, and waterproofing capabilities. The application was carried out using specialised spray equipment to ensure a uniform, seamless coating. The polyurea membrane provides a robust barrier against moisture infiltration, critical for the long-term protection of the foundation wall.
Polyester Fleece Reinforcement
To enhance the durability and longevity of the waterproofing system, a layer of polyester fleece was installed over the polyurea membrane. The fleece serves as a reinforcement layer, providing additional strength and puncture resistance. This step is vital for ensuring the waterproofing system can withstand potential mechanical stresses and movements within the structure.
Hybrid Bituminous Membrane Application
Following the installation of the polyester fleece, a hybrid bituminous membrane was applied. This membrane combines the benefits of bitumen's waterproofing properties with the enhanced performance characteristics of modern polymer technology. The hybrid bituminous membrane offers superior adhesion, flexibility, and resistance to environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations and UV exposure.
Polyurethane Layer
To ensure complete sealing and additional protection, a layer of polyurethane was applied over the hybrid bituminous membrane. Polyurethane is known for its excellent waterproofing capabilities and resistance to chemical and environmental degradation. This final layer ensures the integrity of the entire waterproofing system, providing a durable and long-lasting solution for the foundation wall.
Quality Assurance and Supervision
Throughout the project, Tenera provided comprehensive supervision to ensure the contractor adhered to the specified procedures and material application guidelines. Our oversight included inspections, quality control checks, and testing of the applied materials to verify their performance and compliance with the project specifications.
By having the contractor follow this detailed and methodical approach, we ensured the foundation wall at the high-rise residential building on Bathurst St. in Vaughan was effectively waterproofed, providing long-term protection against moisture infiltration and potential structural damage.
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