So, what is the difference between waterproofing and dampproofing? Are they the same thing?
Dampproofing is a system designed merely to resist the flow of moisture in a gaseous state. It can only be used in below-grade walls that are not subjected to hydrostatic pressure. These types of systems resist the flow of water vapor through a building component. They are most commonly used to prevent or reduce migration of water by diffusion. The most common form of dampproofing material is bituminous (asphalt) coating, which is either solvent-based (cut-back asphalt) or emulsion. These coatings are applied in one or more applications with a brush, spray, or trowel. Reinforcements are rarely applied in these systems. If reinforcements are used they typically consist of woven jukes or cotton fabrics that are specially applied over substrate cracks or openings.
Waterproofing systems are designed to resist hydrostatic pressure that is extended by moisture in a liquid state. Waterproofing systems typically use reinforcement membranes that can be adhered to the substrate in a variety of application methods. Typical application methods include hot application with heated asphalt, cold applications with solvent based adhesives, torch applications or self-adhered membrane sheets.
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