ᐅ Sealing a Garage Against Moisture?

Hello everyone,

We ordered a garage that is partially built about halfway below ground level on one side. This has been fully accounted for structurally. However, the offer specified that the waterproofing must be done by the builder. I have never done this before or dealt with it, but is it really that difficult? According to the description (see text below), a bitumen coating seems to be sufficient. Does any preparatory work need to be done beforehand? Are there better options? Ideally, I want to never have to deal with it again 🙂

“The concrete wall surfaces are untreated (smooth formwork finish) and must be waterproofed against soil moisture on site with a suitable bitumen thick coating.
If more than just ground moisture is expected, on-site waterproofing of the surfaces and joints must be carried out using bitumen torch-on membrane or EPDM membrane.
The waterproofed areas must then be protected with a suitable separating layer to prevent damage.
The builder is responsible for ensuring unrestricted drainage of water in the surrounding soil.”

Thank you very much

More information, please. Depending on the situation on site, drainage might be necessary (likely).
For waterproofing, a thick coating (simple for DIY), bitumen membrane (complex), or EPDM (complex and expensive) are possible options. Additionally, a studded membrane possibly combined with a fleece separation layer (to allow sliding) plus drainage provides extra security.

Bauenaberwie schrieb:

We have ordered a garage that is partially built about halfway into the ground on one side. This has all been structurally accounted for. However, the offer stated that the waterproofing is to be done by the builder. I have never done anything like this or dealt with it before, but is it really that difficult?

I’m officially admitting here that I watch trash TV, but after seeing enough episodes of "Botched Building Projects," I would never even consider trying to do waterproofing against the soil myself.

kati1337 schrieb:

I hereby officially admit that I watch trash TV, but I’ve seen enough episodes of "Pfusch am Bau" to never even consider trying to do waterproofing against the ground myself.

Yes, that’s the question. It probably doesn’t cost a fortune, so who is the right professional to contact here? Roofer?

Bauenaberwie schrieb:

Yes, that's exactly the question. It probably doesn’t cost a fortune, so the question is who is the right contact person for this? Roofer?

On TV they always call that an illegal builder or unlicensed construction company. But I think that’s an Austrian term. I’ve never heard it before.
Maybe civil engineer or groundworker?

kati1337 schrieb:

that I would never even consider attempting waterproofing against the soil myself.

If the bituminous waterproofing membrane (KMB) is sufficient, the work is roughly comparable in skill level to painting an interior wall. Getting it wrong is definitely much easier than doing it properly.