Rainwater, in most cases, is the most pure available source of water, something which gives rainwater preference over other available sources of water but more importantly, roof drainage pollution is also caused by rainwater. In United States the average amount of rainfall across the country is 35″ and the amount of land that is affected by excess water capable of damaging homes and properties is around 20%. Some of the most common environmental and moisture problems that are faced by a modern day house constructors, by the weather and or climate and their suggested solutions shall be addressed by this report. Following important problem areas will be briefed, with main focus on waterproofing systems. i. Lot drainage ii. Management of gutter water iii. Waterproofing of foundation iv. Base waterproofing v. Sump pumps
According to membership’s poll on Building Pathology of CIB Commission W86, among the problems of building pathology, water related problems are the most predominant. A leaky foundation present in a residential building can ruin the furniture, appliances and pose threat to the structure as well. In a commercial organization it can disrupt work processes and cause damage to expensive machinery or equipments.
Moisture and water if present in and around residential dwellings pose continuous threat to the foundations of the house and upon neglecting, supports the growth of mildew within the house and wood eating fungus attacks in the foundation or the structural members. The need of proper residential drainage systems and application of waterproofing techniques is inevitable in such circumstances.
Historical background: Paradoxically, the Hanging gardens of Babylon was first known waterproofing project designed almost 26 centuries ago, that anticipated the problems caused by excess waters (Henshell, 2000). The demand for a higher quality of waterproofing rose after Second World War as the rapid growth of